The countdown has officially begun for “50 and the Lion,” the upcoming Indian reality competition series premiering February 1, 2026 on JioHotstar at 9 PM and Colors TV at 10:30 PM. And among the 50 celebrities chosen for this high-octane experiment, Bebika is already making headlines with her bold, unfiltered statements about the show’s intensity, mental challenges, and the psychological storm contestants are about to face.
Talking about her excitement, Bebika said, “It feels very exciting. It feels massive. And I'm so thankful. I've been chosen for this personality. The dignified, the dynamic, the strong Lion has called for me. He would only call for the right people, and I think this is a huge opportunity. In the world of reality TV, of all the shows that have come out so far, this is going to be the most intense.”
Unlike other reality shows, “50 and the Lion” brings together 50 celebrities under one roof—a massive, 10,000 sq. ft. palace-like set on Madh Island, Mumbai. Contestants, ranging from TV stars and social media influencers to reality veterans, will compete in mind-boggling physical and mental challenges across three gaming arenas for 26 days straight.
Bebika gave fans an insider’s look at the chaos, saying, “They’re throwing 50 people together in a mansion. So many minds, so many souls, so many thoughts, so many opinions, so many strengths, so many performances—oh my god, it’s going to be a wild ride. And you guys will still get to see us in 50 episodes. We're doing two or three episodes a day here. Imagine how much pressure we’re under. It’s too much pressure on us.”
When asked about preparation, she revealed her unconventional approach: “I don’t go into any reality show with preparation. If you think I was prepared, I would have been in better shape in the first place. That’s the biggest preparation for doing a show with so many physical challenges. I’m just going the way I am, and I believe in myself. I keep a very open mind, and I like to absorb things once I’m in the show. I don’t want to go in with a manipulative, pre-planned approach. That’s not my perspective. And I’m a lone wolf in every show, including this one. Earlier, I had to face 10–15 people alone. Now I don’t have to face 49 people alone. I don’t want my mental health to suffer.”
Bebika also highlighted the mental toll reality shows can have, not just on contestants but also the audience: “Definitely, it’s not just the audience; people absorb a lot through reality shows. Even if you look at the contestants, it’s going to really take a toll on their mental health. Many might need therapy to recover from this, but people who have already seen reality shows will be in a better state of mind.”
“50 and the Lion” flips the script on traditional reality TV rules. With no fixed rules, the mysterious game master known only as “The Lion” can alter the guidelines at any time, testing alliances, strategy, and mental strength. And in a unique twist, the ₹50 lakh prize money isn’t for the contestants—it will be distributed among fans who correctly predict the winner, creating unprecedented audience engagement.
Elimination also defies convention. Contestants who fail tasks enter the “Danger Zone,” where their fate is decided not by public votes but by fellow contestants or the game master himself. Add to this a stellar mix of participants, including Karan Patel, Urvashi Dholakia, Ridhi Dogra, Shiny Doshi, Ridhima Pandit, Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary, Shiv Thakare, Divya Agarwal, Manisha Rani, Mr. Faisu, Dushyant Kukreja, Adnaan Shaikh, and Maxtern, and you have a recipe for drama, betrayal, alliances, and explosive reality TV moments.
Bebika promises fans that she’s ready to take the challenge head-on: “I’m a lone wolf. I like to go in, absorb things, and play the game my way. This show will test everything—strategy, endurance, patience, mental strength—but I’m ready to give it my all. And trust me, you’ve never seen anything like this before.”
With 50 personalities, 50 episodes, and one enigmatic Lion, this series is shaping up to be the most intense, unpredictable, and mind-bending reality show in India. The premiere on February 1 might just redefine reality television as we know it.