R Madhavan to host OTT reboot of Farooq Shaikh's talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai
Actor R Madhavan will host the OTT return of Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, taking over from late actor Farooq Shaikh. Madhavan said the reboot will honour the show's legacy of empathy, sincerity and personal storytelling.
The 2002 television show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai is set to return, this time on an OTT platform, with actor R Madhavan taking over as host from the late Farooq Shaikh. The celebrity talk show, became known for its focus on personal journeys, emotional reunions and conversations that went beyond standard promotional interviews.
The upcoming series, with Madhavan as host, will be streaming on ZEE5. The streaming platform's Instagram, in its announcement, wrote, "Kuch ansune sach (A few untold truths). Kuch dil ki baatein (A few heart-to-heart talks). Sab kuch unfiltered (Everything unfiltered). Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0, Coming soon on Zee 5 (sic)!"
Madhavan said taking on Shaikh's role was both an honour and a major responsibility. He said Shaikh's warmth, empathy and ability to connect with guests made the programme a lasting favourite, and added that he hoped to uphold its spirit while bringing his own personality to the role.
“I’ve always admired Farooq Shaikh sir and the effortless grace with which he hosted the show. It is an honour to carry forward a legacy that touched millions of hearts. I only hope I can uphold the spirit of the show while bringing my own personality to it,” Madhavan said, as quoted by Mid-Day.
Unlike conventional celebrity interviews, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai built its format around the personal stories of well-known personalities. Episodes often featured family members, close friends and mentors, who surprised guests with memories from different phases of their lives, alongside tributes, reunions and stories not usually heard in public.
The OTT version will retain that format while adapting it for current audiences. The new run is expected to feature candid conversations, unheard anecdotes, and moments designed to reveal a side of celebrities beyond their public image.
Madhavan said the format remains relevant because audiences favour authentic stories over rehearsed promotional interviews, giving guests space to reveal a more personal side of themselves.
In June 2026, Madhavan received one of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu. He said the honour deepened his sense of responsibility and thanked cinema, fans and family.
On the professional front, the actor will next be seen in the Tamil biographical drama GDN, based on the life of legendary inventor GD Naidu.
The 2002 television show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai is set to return, this time on an OTT platform, with actor R Madhavan taking over as host from the late Farooq Shaikh. The celebrity talk show, became known for its focus on personal journeys, emotional reunions and conversations that went beyond standard promotional interviews.
The upcoming series, with Madhavan as host, will be streaming on ZEE5. The streaming platform's Instagram, in its announcement, wrote, "Kuch ansune sach (A few untold truths). Kuch dil ki baatein (A few heart-to-heart talks). Sab kuch unfiltered (Everything unfiltered). Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0, Coming soon on Zee 5 (sic)!"
Madhavan said taking on Shaikh's role was both an honour and a major responsibility. He said Shaikh's warmth, empathy and ability to connect with guests made the programme a lasting favourite, and added that he hoped to uphold its spirit while bringing his own personality to the role.
“I’ve always admired Farooq Shaikh sir and the effortless grace with which he hosted the show. It is an honour to carry forward a legacy that touched millions of hearts. I only hope I can uphold the spirit of the show while bringing my own personality to it,” Madhavan said, as quoted by Mid-Day.
Unlike conventional celebrity interviews, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai built its format around the personal stories of well-known personalities. Episodes often featured family members, close friends and mentors, who surprised guests with memories from different phases of their lives, alongside tributes, reunions and stories not usually heard in public.
The OTT version will retain that format while adapting it for current audiences. The new run is expected to feature candid conversations, unheard anecdotes, and moments designed to reveal a side of celebrities beyond their public image.
Madhavan said the format remains relevant because audiences favour authentic stories over rehearsed promotional interviews, giving guests space to reveal a more personal side of themselves.
In June 2026, Madhavan received one of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu. He said the honour deepened his sense of responsibility and thanked cinema, fans and family.
On the professional front, the actor will next be seen in the Tamil biographical drama GDN, based on the life of legendary inventor GD Naidu.
The 2002 television show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai is set to return, this time on an OTT platform, with actor R Madhavan taking over as host from the late Farooq Shaikh. The celebrity talk show, became known for its focus on personal journeys, emotional reunions and conversations that went beyond standard promotional interviews.
The upcoming series, with Madhavan as host, will be streaming on ZEE5. The streaming platform's Instagram, in its announcement, wrote, "Kuch ansune sach (A few untold truths). Kuch dil ki baatein (A few heart-to-heart talks). Sab kuch unfiltered (Everything unfiltered). Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai 2.0, Coming soon on Zee 5 (sic)!"
Madhavan said taking on Shaikh's role was both an honour and a major responsibility. He said Shaikh's warmth, empathy and ability to connect with guests made the programme a lasting favourite, and added that he hoped to uphold its spirit while bringing his own personality to the role.
“I’ve always admired Farooq Shaikh sir and the effortless grace with which he hosted the show. It is an honour to carry forward a legacy that touched millions of hearts. I only hope I can uphold the spirit of the show while bringing my own personality to it,” Madhavan said, as quoted by Mid-Day.
Unlike conventional celebrity interviews, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai built its format around the personal stories of well-known personalities. Episodes often featured family members, close friends and mentors, who surprised guests with memories from different phases of their lives, alongside tributes, reunions and stories not usually heard in public.
The OTT version will retain that format while adapting it for current audiences. The new run is expected to feature candid conversations, unheard anecdotes, and moments designed to reveal a side of celebrities beyond their public image.
Madhavan said the format remains relevant because audiences favour authentic stories over rehearsed promotional interviews, giving guests space to reveal a more personal side of themselves.
In June 2026, Madhavan received one of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu. He said the honour deepened his sense of responsibility and thanked cinema, fans and family.
On the professional front, the actor will next be seen in the Tamil biographical drama GDN, based on the life of legendary inventor GD Naidu.
