India’s homegrown pop music IP expands its universe with a new generation of artists, bigger stakes and the Pop Sabha, as Wicked Sunny returns to host
MUMBAI, INDIA, September 25, 2026: Rusk Media’s homegrown music IP I-Popstar is returning for its second season on September 29, expanding the property into a bigger entertainment experience built around music, personality, competition and the stories behind emerging artists. At the centre of the new season are three of contemporary Indian music’s most distinctive voices, Neha Kakkar, KING and Aditya Rikhari, who come together as mentors to discover and
shape the next generation of pop artists. Wicked Sunny returns as host, with a new season that brings together fresh talent, original music, heightened competition and a format designed to take audiences beyond the performance.
Season 2 of I-Popstar will be available to watch on Alright TV and Netflix, with new episodes streaming every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8 PM. This season the mentors enter the Pop Sabha which sets the tone for a season where the mentors are not merely observers. Neha Kakkar, KING and Aditya Rikhari bring three different artistic journeys, musical identities and perspectives to the table, creating a dynamic between them as they respond to the artists and their music.
With a career spanning some of the biggest songs in contemporary Hindi music, Neha Kakkar brings her experience of building a mainstream musical identity and connecting with audiences at scale. KING, one of the defining voices of India’s independent hip-hop and rap movement, brings a perspective shaped by self-expression, originality and the evolution of the independent artist. Aditya Rikhari, known for his intimate songwriting and contemporary sound, brings yet another lens on individuality and the relationship between an artist and their audience.
Together, their contrasting perspectives become an important part of the I-Popstar experience, with contestants challenged not only to perform, but to understand what makes their voice, sound and story distinct.
Speaking about joining the second season, Neha Kakkar said, “Every artist has a moment when they realise that their voice can reach people, and I-Popstar gives young singers the chance to experience that journey. I’m really looking forward to meeting the contestants, understanding what inspires them and helping them become more confident performers. There is so much new music and talent emerging today, and I’m excited to be part of their journey.”
Aditya Rikhari said, “For me, the most exciting thing about music is individuality. There is no single formula for making a song or connecting with people, and I think young artists today have a very instinctive understanding of that. The platform of I-Popstar gives them a space to experiment, take risks and discover what makes their music theirs. I’m looking forward to being around that energy and hopefully helping the artists find a little more clarity in their own sound.”
KING said, “I’m really excited to be back on I-Popstar for a second season. Having seen the journey up close last time, I know there’s a lot that can happen when an artist is given the right stage and the space to really be themselves. This time, I’m looking forward to discovering a whole new set of voices, sounds and personalities. Indian music is evolving so quickly, and there are more ways than ever for artists to build an audience and create their own lane. I want to see them take risks, own the stage and, most importantly, have something real to say.”
Season 2 will unfold across 18 episodes and three phases of competition, taking contestants through a series of challenges designed to test performance, originality, musical identity and their ability to connect with audiences. Beyond the stage, the season will follow the artists as they find their sound, navigate the pressures of competition and begin building their own relationship with listeners.
The ambition builds on the impact of the first season. Music emerging from I-Popstar Season 1 has generated more than 2.06 billion song streams across major music and video platforms, while breakout track I’m Done by Maan Panu demonstrated how a digital-first music IP can create songs and artists with a life beyond the show itself.
L’ORÉAL PARIS India & Ai+ Nova Smartphone present I-Popstar Volume 2, Co-powered by Center Fresh & Smirnoff. Lemon Pop Non Alcoholic, with Fragrance partner Denver perfumes, Sound partner Sennheiser, Radio partner Radio
Mirchi and Music partner SaReGaMa. The second season premieres on 29 September 2026 on Alright! TV & Netflix; new episodes streaming every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8 PM
About Rusk Media
Rusk Media is a full stack digital entertainment company specializing in IP creation, distribution, and monetization. Founded in 2019, the company builds premium, mobile-first video IPs for Gen Z and millennial audiences across social platforms, OTT services like Amazon MX Player, JioHotstar, etc. as well as its owned platform, Alright! TV. Through its integrated ecosystem spanning owned and partner platforms, along with its advertising arm Rusk Ads, Rusk Media delivers scalable, content-led solutions for brands. With a deep understanding of Gen Z and Bharat audiences, the company develops serialised fiction, unscripted formats, animated content, vertical dramas, and live entertainment formats, building high-frequency, high-engagement content ecosystems in India and beyond.
