Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK ;  August 26: Politics and entertainment are set to collide on the popular Bengali television quiz and reality show Dadagiri, with several well-known political personalities from different parties preparing to appear on the same stage. The unusual gathering has already generated considerable curiosity among viewers, particularly because the participants are known for their sharp political exchanges and frequent public criticism of one another.

The latest episode promises to be markedly different from the traditional format of the show. Over the years, Dadagiri has welcomed personalities from diverse professions and backgrounds. During former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly’s tenure as host, the programme became particularly popular for bringing together people from different walks of life in an entertaining and competitive environment. However, politicians appearing together as contestants had rarely been a feature of the show.

This time, actor and Trinamool Congress MP Dev is set to host a gathering that includes several prominent political faces. Among those expected to take part are Kunal Ghosh, Kaustav Bagchi, Naushad Siddiqui and Sajal Ghosh. Although they come from different political backgrounds, they share a reputation for being outspoken and engaging in sharp verbal exchanges on political issues.

Their appearance together on a single entertainment platform has naturally raised expectations among viewers. The political rivals, who are accustomed to challenging one another in public debates and political discussions, will now have to compete against each other under the rules of Dadagiri. What makes the episode particularly interesting is the possibility that their political debating style could spill over into the playful atmosphere of the show.

The participants reportedly lost no time in displaying their competitive spirit. As several contestants attempted to answer questions simultaneously, the atmosphere became increasingly lively, with interruptions, arguments and loud exchanges adding to the excitement. The scene reportedly left host Dev struggling to maintain order while enjoying the unusual spectacle unfolding in front of him.

Unlike a conventional political debate, Dadagiri demands quick responses, competitive participation and plenty of entertainment. But with experienced political speakers occupying the contestants’ seats, maintaining discipline on the stage appears to have become a challenge in itself.

Watching the politicians argue and attempt to outdo one another, Dev could hardly contain his laughter. The situation became so animated that it appeared, at least momentarily, as though the contestants had forgotten that they were participating in a television game show rather than a political discussion.

Dev eventually stepped in to remind them of the setting. In a humorous intervention, he told the contestants, “Stop for a moment. This is not the Assembly. This is Dadagiri. Here, my word is final. Whatever I say will happen.”

The remark immediately captured the humorous essence of the episode. Dev’s statement was less a serious attempt to control the contestants than a playful reminder that, despite their political identities and debating habits, they were now participating in an entertainment programme where the host had the final say.

The appearance of political leaders on Dadagiri is also significant because Dev himself occupies a unique position in Bengali public life. He is simultaneously one of the most recognisable actors in the Bengali film industry and an elected Member of Parliament. His experience of both cinema and politics gives him a distinctive perspective while handling guests whose careers are largely centred on political debate.

The episode is expected to attract attention not only because of the political personalities involved but also because of the contrasting atmosphere of a television entertainment show. Viewers accustomed to seeing these leaders debate serious political issues will now get an opportunity to watch them compete in a lighter and more informal setting.

The presence of Kunal Ghosh, Kaustav Bagchi, Naushad Siddiqui and Sajal Ghosh is likely to add another layer of excitement, given their different political positions and often outspoken public exchanges. Their participation could turn the episode into an unusual mix of political rivalry, humour, competition and entertainment.

Meanwhile, Dev remains busy with his film career alongside his political responsibilities. The actor has two films lined up for audiences in 2026, including Deshu 7 and Bike Ambulance Dada. Fans will have to wait until 2027 for Tonic 2, which is also among the projects generating interest among Bengali cinema audiences.

For now, however, it is Dev’s role as the host of Dadagiri that has grabbed the spotlight. With politicians who are used to fighting their battles on political platforms now facing each other in a television competition, the episode promises an entertaining change of scenery. And if the early exchanges are any indication, Dev may have to work harder than usual to ensure that his Dadagiri stage does not actually turn into a miniature Assembly session.