MTV Roadies 21 Episode 8 Highlights: New Mechanics and Cutthroat Bidding

MTV Roadies Season 21 (Roadies Rebirth) Episode 8, titled “Roadies Ki Hustle!”, aired on November 7, 2026. The 1-hour-and-37-minute episode brought emotional family revelations, impressive audition performances and intense physical challenges. While Abdul Haris Barkzi spoke about stepping out of his brother Hamid's shadow and Malik Verma shared his humble journey as a milkman, the gang leaders kept the NewGs versus OGs rivalry alive with playful jabs and sharp disagreements. Host Rannvijay Singha also put contestants through demanding agility and rope-climbing challenges.

Abdul Haris Barkzi Wants to Build His Own Identity Beyond Hamid Barkzi

One of the most talked-about auditions belonged to Abdul Haris Barkzi, the younger brother of Roadies Revolution winner Hamid Barkzi. He entered the audition room with a bold introduction, saying, “Pathan hoon aur tandoor mein laga hua garam naan hoon”.

When the gang leaders recognised his connection to Hamid, Abdul made it clear that he wanted to be known for his own achievements rather than his brother's popularity. He said, “Apna naam batana hai logon ko ki mera naam Abdul Haris Barkzi hai, main Hamid ka bhai nahi hoon”.

His audition also led to a discussion about personal trust. NewG leader Baseer Ali vouched for Abdul, explaining that they were close friends and that Abdul stayed at his Mumbai home whenever he visited the city. Baseer's endorsement, however, did not convince Neha Dhupia completely.

Neha pointed out that even close friends might not know how someone behaves behind closed doors. Her argument brought the question of personal conduct into the discussion, creating a disagreement over whether knowing an aspirant personally was enough to vouch for his character. The exchange made Abdul's audition more than a conversation about his family connection. It highlighted his desire to establish an independent identity while putting Baseer's personal recommendation under scrutiny.

Malik Verma's Milkman Story and Zing Pertin's Emotional Audition Stand Out

Malik Verma brought a different kind of story to the audition room. Introducing himself as a milkman, he explained that he personally delivered milk instead of simply owning a dairy business. He said, “Main doodhwala hi hoon, main hi deliver karta hoon.” Malik shared that he wanted Roadies to give him an identity and help improve his family's financial situation. His straightforward account reflected the importance of the opportunity for someone working hard to support his family.

His interaction with Bani J also became a memorable part of the audition. Malik revealed that his elder sister had warned him that Bani's tattoos suggested she had a tough attitude. However, after meeting her, he described her as “sabse pyaari”. Malik also delivered one of the episode's most memorable lines while discussing the value of recognition: “And money follows, my brother, money follows.” His statement connected his ambition for an identity with the financial opportunities that could follow.

Other contestants added variety to the audition rounds. Zing Pertin shared an emotional account of personal struggles and family trauma, bringing a serious moment to the episode. Tanzin Thapa stood out with her infectious energy, while Aditya attracted attention for his endearing stage presence. A multi-talented aspirant with experience as a ring announcer, basketball player, youth trainer and martial artist also impressed the leaders and secured a place in Bani J's gang.

Also read: MTV Roadies 21 Episode 6: Empathy and Identity Debates

Lokesh's Katana Stunt and Rannvijay's Physical Challenges Test Contestants

Physical performances remained a major part of Episode 8, with Lokesh delivering one of the standout auditions. His routine featuring a katana sword showcased his physical skills and made his performance a notable moment on the audition floor. Episode recaps indicate that he secured a place in the competition through the NewGs camp, with Baseer Ali's side getting him.

Rannvijay Singha also introduced challenges that tested contestants' strength, coordination, focus and reaction speed.

The Rope-Climb and Ball Battle

The rope-based showdown turned the audition floor into a competitive battleground. Contestants had to climb a vertical rope while holding a ball between their feet. Once they reached the required height, they could try to knock their opponent's ball down using their hands or legs. The contestant who managed to keep their ball intact advanced. Tannu also took part in the challenge and received the playful nickname “Pinky” from Rannvijay during the round.

The Reflex and Agility Game

In another head-to-head activity, Rannvijay tested contestants' concentration through a quick-reaction game. He called out body parts such as the head, nose, ears, knees, toes, heels, shoulders and stomach. Contestants had to follow his instructions and grab a cup as soon as he shouted “cup”. The drill required participants to stay alert and react faster than their opponents. Together, the two challenges added a competitive edge to the auditions and tested abilities beyond a contestant's interview or personal story.

NewGs Call the OGs 'Old Gs' as Bani J and Neha Dhupia Clash

The rivalry between the NewGs and OGs continued with playful exchanges and disagreements among the gang leaders. NewG leaders Bani J, Baseer Ali and Abhishek Malhan took digs at the veteran trio of Prince Narula, Neha Dhupia and Nikhil Chinapa, teasingly referring to them as “Old Gs”.

The banter also included a light-hearted exchange about physical fitness. Prince joked, “Mine is bigger than him,” while comparing biceps, prompting a reaction from Neha. These moments added humour to the interactions between the two groups. However, the episode also featured sharper disagreements. Bani J and Neha Dhupia clashed over their differing perspectives on judgment and trust. Bani stood by her viewpoint, keeping the friction between the two leaders in focus.

Prince Narula's interactions with Rannvijay also became a topic of discussion among viewers on Reddit. Some viewers pointed out that Prince appeared calmer and more respectful when Rannvijay interrupted him, compared with his fiercer exchanges with fellow gang leaders.

Key Moments from Episode 8:

• Abdul Haris Barkzi: Wants to establish his own identity instead of being recognised only as Hamid Barkzi's brother.
• Baseer Ali and Neha Dhupia: Disagree over whether Baseer's close friendship with Abdul is enough to vouch for his character.
• Malik Verma: Shares his experience as a milkman and explains how Roadies could help him and his family.
• Lokesh: Delivers a katana sword stunt during his physical audition.
• Rannvijay Singha: Conducts rope-climbing, ball-battle and reflex challenges.
• Bani J and Neha Dhupia: Clash over their differing views on judgment and trust.
• NewGs vs OGs: Bani, Baseer and Abhishek tease Prince, Neha and Nikhil as “Old Gs”.

Roadies Rebirth Episode 8 Performance Snapshot

Final Take

MTV Roadies Season 21 Episode 8 combined emotional contestant stories, physical audition battles and entertaining gang leader dynamics. Abdul Haris Barkzi's desire to establish his own identity and Malik Verma's grounded journey brought personal ambition into focus, while Lokesh's katana performance and Rannvijay's challenges added action. The NewGs' “Old Gs” jabs and the disagreement between Bani J and Neha Dhupia kept the rivalry alive. Overall, “Roadies Ki Hustle!” highlighted how personal stories, physical ability and the gang leaders' competing perspectives continue to shape the auditions.

Also read: Roadies Rebirth Episode 7 Highlights: Gang Wars Heat Up