Rithvik Dhanjani to host Indian Idol Legends Return in temporary stint
Synopsis
Rithvik Dhanjani steps in as a stand-in host for Indian Idol Legends Return while regular anchor Aditya joins legendary singer Udit Narayan on a packed international tour spanning Berlin, New York, Detroit, and Wembley through December 2026 — giving the veteran TV presenter a high-profile prime-time platform.
Key Takeaways
Rithvik Dhanjani will temporarily host Indian Idol Legends Return on Sony Entertainment Television .
Regular host Aditya is away on an international musical tour with his father, veteran singer Udit Narayan .
The tour includes performances in Berlin , Rotterdam , New York , Kansas City , Detroit , Phoenix , and Wembley , running until 20 December .
Himesh Reshammiya continues as the show's Superstar Judge throughout the period.
Dhanjani's arrangement is confirmed to be temporary, with Aditya set to return as the regular host.
Actor and television personality Rithvik Dhanjani is set to step in as host of the singing reality show Indian Idol Legends Return for a brief period, filling in while regular host Aditya fulfils international commitments, according to sources.
Why Rithvik Is Stepping In
The temporary hosting arrangement comes as Aditya, alongside his father and veteran singer Udit Narayan, embarks on an extensive international musical tour. Udit Narayan reportedly shared a video on social media announcing the father-son duo's overseas schedule, which kicked off with performances in Berlin on 13 November and Rotterdam on 15 November.
Their international calendar extends further, with shows in Greenvale, New York on 21 November, Kansas City on 22 November, Detroit on 28 November, Phoenix on 6 December, and Wembley, United Kingdom on 20 December. Sources confirmed that Aditya will resume his regular hosting duties once the tour concludes.
Rithvik Dhanjani's Hosting Credentials
Rithvik Dhanjani made his acting debut in 2009 with Bandini, but gained wider recognition through his role in Pavitra Rishta. His first significant acting success came with Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani. The year 2013 proved a turning point, when he transitioned into hosting with Yeh Hai Aashiqui, followed by stints on India's Next Superstars, Super Dancer, India's Best Dramebaaz, and So You Think You Can Dance.
On the digital front, Dhanjani made his OTT debut with I Don't Watch TV and has since appeared in web series including XXX, Cartel, and most recently Half Love Half Arranged Season 2, which also featured Karan Wahi and Maanvi Gagroo.
About Indian Idol Legends Return
Indian Idol Legends Return features Himesh Reshammiya as the Superstar Judge. The show airs on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV. Dhanjani's hosting tenure is understood to be strictly temporary, with no changes expected to the show's core format or judging panel during this period.
With Udit Narayan and Aditya's international tour stretching into late December 2026, viewers can expect Dhanjani to anchor the show for several weeks before the original hosting lineup is restored.
Point of View
However, is the Udit Narayan-Aditya touring schedule: a veteran of Bollywood's golden era filling arenas from Berlin to Wembley signals that the Indian diaspora entertainment market remains buoyant even as domestic TV ratings face streaming headwinds. For Indian Idol Legends Return, continuity of the judging panel matters more than the host chair, and with Himesh Reshammiya anchoring that side of the show, the temporary change is unlikely to dent audience loyalty.
NationPress
12 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rithvik Dhanjani hosting Indian Idol Legends Return?
Rithvik Dhanjani is stepping in as a temporary host because regular anchor Aditya is away on an international musical tour with his father, veteran singer Udit Narayan. The arrangement is confirmed to be short-term, with Aditya expected to return to the show after the tour ends.
Where is Udit Narayan's international tour taking him?
Udit Narayan and his son Aditya are performing in Berlin on 13 November, Rotterdam on 15 November, Greenvale (New York) on 21 November, Kansas City on 22 November, Detroit on 28 November, Phoenix on 6 December, and Wembley, United Kingdom, on 20 December 2026.
Who is the judge on Indian Idol Legends Return?
Himesh Reshammiya serves as the Superstar Judge on Indian Idol Legends Return. His role on the judging panel remains unchanged during Rithvik Dhanjani's temporary hosting period.
Where can viewers watch Indian Idol Legends Return?
Indian Idol Legends Return airs on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV. The show's broadcast schedule continues as normal during the host change.
What is Rithvik Dhanjani known for?
Rithvik Dhanjani is known for his acting roles in Pavitra Rishta and Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, and for hosting several popular reality shows including Super Dancer, India's Next Superstars, and So You Think You Can Dance. He has also appeared in OTT projects such as Cartel and Half Love Half Arranged Season 2.
