More Than Muscle: Bani J’s Roadies REBIRTH Gang Reflects Her Vision of Strength, Grit and Resilience

From a professional fitness trainer and an accomplished middle-distance runner to an LGBTQ+ content creator, Bani J’s NewG gang brings together individuals with distinct abilities, personalities and approaches to challenges.

What does it take to identify a true Roadie? For Bani J, it goes beyond physical prowess or the ability to ace a demanding task. It is equally about temperament, attitude and how an individual responds when pushed beyond their comfort zone. Her choices in Roadies REBIRTH reflect this understanding, bringing together contestants who demonstrated not just potential, but also the ability to stay positive, think on their feet and find a way forward when faced with uncomfortable or high-pressure situations.

Bani’s association with the franchise began when she entered Roadies 4 as an 18-year-old contestant. Having experienced the show as a contestant, host and now Gang Leader, she has witnessed its evolution from different vantage points. This journey gives her a distinct advantage: she understands the pressure of being an aspirant, the demands of the competition and what it takes to navigate challenging situations.

Her NewG gang is a reflection of this approach. During the Personal Interview (PI) round, where aspirants were asked deeply personal questions and pushed to step outside their comfort zones, Bani paid close attention to how they handled the experience. She was drawn to individuals who could smile through discomfort, maintain their composure and approach difficult situations with a solution-oriented mindset rather than giving up or making excuses. For her, that attitude revealed as much about a contestant’s potential as their physical abilities.

1. Salbani – Strength backed by technique and a positive attitude

A professional fitness trainer and athlete from Shillong, Salbani caught the attention of the Gang Leaders with her impressive rope-climbing technique and kettlebell skills. Bringing physical conditioning, technical proficiency and a strong understanding of fitness to the competition, she represents the kind of athletic ability that can make a difference in Roadies. Beyond her physical capabilities, her approach to challenges and willingness to support fellow aspirants reflect a personality that understands the importance of both individual effort and team spirit. Bani’s choice recognises not just an athlete, but someone who brings a constructive attitude to the table.

2. Shiv aka Tony – The courage to embrace individuality

Popularly known as Tony, Shiv is an LGBTQ+ content creator whose journey brings a distinct dimension to the gang. His creative journey and willingness to embrace self-expression make him an interesting personality to watch. In a competition that constantly tests an individual’s confidence and ability to stand their ground, his individuality and perspective add to the diversity of Bani’s lineup. His selection also reflects Bani’s willingness to look beyond conventional definitions of a Roadie and recognise the different qualities that make someone stand out.

3. Harmilan – An athlete with the discipline to go the distance

An accomplished middle-distance runner, Harmilan brings a strong sporting foundation to Bani’s gang. Her experience in competitive athletics translates into discipline, stamina, consistency and the ability to perform under pressure. Having experienced the demands of professional sport, she understands that success is built through perseverance and the willingness to keep pushing beyond perceived limits. Her inclusion reflects Bani’s eye for contestants whose sporting backgrounds, mental discipline and competitive temperament can translate into an advantage in the Roadies arena.

Together, these three contestants bring different strengths and perspectives to Bani’s gang. While their backgrounds and skill sets vary, what connects them is the potential to approach challenges with determination and an open mind.

Fitness has been a cornerstone of Bani’s life and career, shaping her understanding of discipline, consistency and physical resilience. Her association with the fitness industry, including becoming the first female brand ambassador for MYP, further reflects her commitment to the space.

Nearly two decades after entering Roadies as an aspirant, Bani has come full circle, from being someone whose potential was being evaluated to someone entrusted with recognising it in others. And that perspective is perhaps her biggest strength as a Gang Leader. She knows what the journey demands because she has lived it herself. She understands that a contestant’s true mettle is revealed not just in moments of victory, but in how they respond when things get difficult.

Bani’s NewG gang is, therefore, more than a collection of individual talents. It reflects her understanding of what makes a Roadie: physical capability, mental resilience, emotional strength and, most importantly, the temperament to face uncertainty without backing down. One thing is clear: Bani isn’t just building a gang; she is backing individuals she believes have the attitude and determination to make their mark on Roadies REBIRTH.