After a 16-year hiatus from TV hosting, Bollywood icon Sonali Bendre has reemerged at the forefront of entertainment as the co-host of the new reality-game show Pati Patni Aur Panga—Jodiyon Ka Reality Check on Colors TV and JioHotstar. The show premiered on August 2, 2025, produced by Optimystix Entertainment, offering celebrity couples the ultimate litmus test for their relationships through playful challenges and candid moments.
Mix of Excitement and Pressure
In an exclusive interview with Times of India TV, Bendre expressed sheer delight at returning to the small screen, calling the experience both “enjoyable” and “dynamic.” Yet, she didn’t shy away from admitting that balancing the show’s pace with her co-host’s sharp humour brings its own stress.
Similarly, in discussions with Bollywood Hungama, she described the role as “thrilling yet taxing,” especially since Munawar Faruqui her co-host is already well-versed in the show’s structure and delivers quick, razor-sharp wit, leaving her wondering, “Will I be able to keep up?”
Why She Took the Plunge
Bendre’s decision to join the show, she revealed, stemmed from the show’s fresh perspective on marriage. “Do you actually believe in marriage?” she asked the creators—a question rooted in her own personal values. She explained, “I believe that when couples go through ups and downs, having someone to stick by you every step of the way, that feeling of companionship is priceless.” It was this authentic take on relationships that sealed the deal for her.
A Different Kind of Reality Show
Stepping behind the anchor’s desk felt vastly different than her prior role as a judge on reality programs. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Bendre admitted that hosting meant holding “the whole thing together.” Unlike judging, where content is often scripted or curated, hosting requires navigating unfiltered, unscripted reactions, a challenging arena she found both “scary” and exhilarating.
Emotional Highlights & Celebrity Couples
The debut episodes have already delivered memorable, emotional moments. In one particularly poignant segment, Hina Khan, who battled stage-3 cancer, spoke emotionally of her husband Rocky Jaiswal’s unwavering support, a connection that deeply resonated with Bendre, herself a cancer survivor.
Fans were also moved when Avika Gor, famed from Balika Vadhu, announced her wedding to Milind Chandwani live on camera. Meanwhile, celebrity couples like Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee revealed they’d married three times, each ceremony uniquely meaningful. Other featured duos include Rubina Dilaik & Abhinav Shukla, Swara Bhasker & Fahad Ahmad, Geeta Phogat & Pawan Kumar, and comedian Sudesh Lehri with his wife Mamta.
Looking Ahead
A mix of heartfelt confessions, candid humour, and unscripted spontaneity is shaping up what promises to be a compelling viewing experience. Bendre’s return feels authentic and refreshing, not just because of her gravitas, but because of the relatability she brings to the curious concept of marriage and companionship.
Fingers crossed, indeed, for viewers to enjoy not just the show but to embrace Sonali Bendre in her sparkling new role.
By – Sonali