Get ready for a summer of high-octane drama and digital dilemmas. India’s longest-running dating reality show, MTV Splitsvilla, is officially returning for its 16th season (X6) on Friday, January 9, 2026.
This year, the show trades the palaces of Udaipur for the sun-drenched shores of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, specifically the Chariot Beach Resort, for a season themed around a haunting question: Pyaar ya Paisa? (Love or Money?).
The “Dil vs Deal” Format
Season 16 introduces a game-changing structure that forces contestants to choose between emotional connections and financial gain.
- The Villas: Participants will be divided into the Pyaar Villa (focused on building connections) and the Paisa Villa (focused on accumulating wealth/power).
- The Twist: Unlike previous seasons where the prize money was a secondary goal, every task and interaction this year will present a “Dil vs Deal” scenario. Choosing the “Deal” might provide safety and cash but could cost a contestant their connection.
- Mischief Makers: In a first for the franchise, two of television’s biggest provocateurs—Nia Sharma and Uorfi Javed—will enter the villa as “Mischief Makers.” Their role is to tempt contestants, leak secrets, and test the loyalty of established couples.
Meet the Hosts & Rumoured Contestants
The iconic Sunny Leone, who has completed a decade with the show, is joined by Karan Kundrra. Kundrra returns to the MTV fold after six years, replacing Season 15’s Tanuj Virwani.
| Host / Mentor | Role |
| Sunny Leone | Queen of Hearts (Host) |
| Karan Kundrra | King of Hearts (Host) |
| Nia Sharma | Mischief Maker (Chaos Agent) |
| Uorfi Javed | Mischief Maker (Chaos Agent) |
The 2026 Contestant Rumour Mill:
While MTV is yet to unveil the full roster of 32 singles, the following names are reportedly “locked in”:
- Confirmed Buzz: Kushal Tanwar, Niharika Tiwari, and Shubhangi Jaiswal.
- Expected Participants: Yogesh Rawat, Himanshu Arora, Simran Behl, Devanshi Doshi, and Anushka Ghosh.
- Leaked Update: Social media chatter suggests Gullu and Asmita may already be emerging as the season’s first “Ideal Match.”
Viewing Guide: When and Where to Watch
For the first time, Splitsvilla will follow a three-day broadcast schedule to keep up with the intense pace of the “Paisa Villa” drama.
- Premiere Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
- Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- TV Channel: MTV India
- Digital Streaming: JioHotstar (formerly JioCinema)