Blog

Dev Adhikari Steps into Sourav Ganguly’s Shoes: A New Era for Dadagiri Unlimited

May 13, 2026

In a significant transition for one of Bengali television’s most beloved and longest-running shows, Tollywood superstar Dev Adhikari is set to take over as the host of Dadagiri Unlimited on Zee Bangla. The popular quiz competition, which features contestants from all 24 districts of West Bengal, will see a fresh face at the helm as former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly moves on to new ventures, most notably hosting Bigg Boss Bangla. This change marks an exciting new chapter for the show while highlighting the evolving dynamics of Bengali entertainment.

Dadagiri Unlimited has been a cornerstone of Zee Bangla’s programming for over 15 years. The format pits teams from different districts against each other in a mix of general knowledge, regional trivia, and engaging personality-driven rounds. What began as a simple quiz show evolved into a cultural phenomenon that celebrates Bengali identity, local pride, and community spirit. Sourav Ganguly, affectionately called “Dada” across Bengal, became synonymous with the show. He first hosted from 2009 to 2011, took a brief break, and returned in 2013, continuing until 2024. His charismatic presence, sharp wit, and deep connect with audiences helped make Dadagiri a household name.

Ganguly’s departure comes as he embraces a high-profile role in reality television. In March 2026, he was announced as the host of the revived Bigg Boss Bangla on Star Jalsha in a grand event held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The move represents a natural progression for the cricket legend, allowing him to explore new territories in the entertainment space while leveraging his massive popularity.

Table of Contents

Dev Adhikari: The Perfect Replacement

Enter Dev Adhikari — one of Tollywood’s biggest superstars, known for his mass appeal, versatility, and strong on-screen presence. Dev has completed shooting the promo for the new season of Dadagiri Unlimited, generating considerable excitement among fans. His selection as host is seen as a strategic move by the channel to bring fresh energy while retaining the show’s core essence of mass entertainment and regional connect.

Dev’s journey in Bengali cinema has been marked by consistent success. From action-packed blockbusters to socially relevant films, he has built a dedicated fan base across urban and rural audiences. His ability to interact effortlessly with people from all walks of life makes him well-suited for a show like Dadagiri, where hosting requires warmth, humour, quick thinking, and the capacity to engage diverse contestants. Having previously appeared as a guest on the show alongside Rukmini Maitra, Dev is already familiar with its format and appeal.

This hosting gig comes at a busy time for the actor. He is balancing television commitments with a packed film schedule. Dev is reuniting with Subhashree Ganguly for DeSu7 (tentatively titled), with shooting scheduled from June to September 2026 and a planned Durga Puja release. He also has Tonic 2, a comedy directed by Avijit Sen and co-starring Paran Bandopadhyay, lined up for a Christmas 2026 release. Additionally, his biographical film Bike Ambulance Dada, based on the life of Padma Shri awardee Karimul Haque, is set for an Independence Day 2026 release.

The Significance of This Transition

The shift from Sourav Ganguly to Dev Adhikari represents more than a simple host change — it symbolises the seamless blending of cricket stardom and film stardom in Bengali popular culture. Both personalities command immense love and respect in the region, albeit from different spheres. Ganguly brought the aura of international cricket glory, while Dev brings the charisma of a larger-than-life screen hero. This transition ensures continuity in star power while introducing a new flavour to the show.

For Zee Bangla, retaining the relevance of a long-running property like Dadagiri Unlimited is crucial in a competitive television landscape. Reality and quiz shows continue to draw strong viewership in regional markets, especially those that celebrate local culture and foster a sense of community. Dev’s involvement is expected to attract younger audiences and further boost the show’s digital presence through social media engagement and viral moments.

What Viewers Can Expect

Audiences can look forward to a dynamic hosting style from Dev. Known for his energetic screen persona and ability to connect emotionally with viewers, he is likely to bring spontaneity, humour, and a touch of star glamour to the proceedings. While the core format intense district rivalries, knowledge-based challenges, and emotional contestant stories will remain intact, fresh segments and contemporary references may add new excitement.

The show’s strength has always been its ability to feel both competitive and heartwarming. Contestants often share personal stories, local traditions, and aspirations, creating moments that resonate deeply with viewers. Dev’s experience in handling large crowds and live events during film promotions and political campaigns positions him well to manage the high-energy studio environment.

Broader Impact on Bengali Entertainment

This development reflects the growing convergence between films, television, and digital content in Bengal. Top film stars are increasingly open to television projects that offer wider reach and sustained visibility. For Dev, hosting Dadagiri provides a platform to stay connected with his core audience while he manages multiple film projects.

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly’s foray into Bigg Boss Bangla expands his entertainment footprint. The revival of the iconic reality format in Bengali is generating significant buzz, and Ganguly’s stature is expected to give it a strong launch.

The friendly transition between two beloved icons also sets a positive precedent in the industry. Rather than competition, it showcases how different talents can enrich Bengali entertainment in complementary ways.

As the new season of Dadagiri Unlimited gears up for launch, anticipation is high across West Bengal and among the global Bengali diaspora. Dev Adhikari stepping into the host’s chair promises to inject fresh vigour into a beloved institution while carrying forward the legacy built by Sourav Ganguly.

In many ways, this change embodies the spirit of Dadagiri itself — evolution while staying true to one’s roots. Bengali audiences, known for their passionate engagement with both cricket and cinema, are likely to embrace this new phase enthusiastically. As Dev picks up the mantle, he carries the responsibility of keeping the “Dada” spirit alive — energetic, engaging, and deeply connected to the people of Bengal.

The coming months will reveal how successfully Dev adapts to this new role, but early signs and his proven track record suggest that Dadagiri Unlimited is in safe and exciting hands.