'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai' to return on OTT; R Madhavan to host

In the early 2000s, the late Farooq Shaikh won hearts as the host of a very popular talk show, 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai', a popular celebrity talk show on Zee TV that offered viewers an intimate look into the personal and professional lives of some of Bollywood's biggest stars.

Now, actor R. Madhavan is stepping into Shaikh's shoes to host , which will stream on Zee5.

R Madhavan to host 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0' on Zee 5

In a report on Hindustan Times, speaking about the hosting duties, Madhavan shared why he believes the show's format continues to resonate with audiences, even in today's social media-driven era.. “Today, we have unprecedented access to the lives of people we admire. We know what they do, where they go, and what they share—but we rarely get to know who they truly are.

That’s what makes Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai so relevant even today.”“The original show, under Farooq Shaikh, created a rare space for honest, deeply human conversations that celebrated the person beyond the public persona,” said the actor, adding, “To carry forward a legacy like that is both an honour and a responsibility. As Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai returns on Zee 5, our endeavour is to preserve the soul of the original while making it resonate with today’s audiences.”

Madhavan also teased about the kind of guests the 2.0 version of the show will have. “This season, we’ll bring together extraordinary personalities and legends who have taken India to the global stage, while uncovering the defining moments, relationships and untold stories that shaped their journeys because beyond every achievement and every headline is a human story waiting to be told, and those are the stories that truly stay with us,” he said.Zee5 has officially announced the return of the iconic talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai as part of its upcoming content slate. The platform described the original series as "a cultural phenomenon" that left a lasting impact on audiences across generations, becoming synonymous with heartfelt and deeply personal conversations under the legendary stewardship of the late Farooq Shaikh.Actor R. Madhavan will now take over as host, carrying forward the show's celebrated legacy. 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0' will feature extraordinary personalities and trailblazers who have put India on the global map. The on air date is yet to be finalised by the channel.