As Grounded returns for a second season with a star studded lineup once again, it is a great reminder that even the most successful athletes around the world go through their shares of ups and downs. The show—Grounded was conceptualised to offer a glimpse into their lives beyond the spotlight—when the cameras are off and no one is watching. The psyche of elite athletes is one of the most fascinating aspects to explore, and my conversations with the best of the best offer a unique window into their minds.
From an eye-opening conversation with India’s National Badminton Coach, Pullela Gopichand, on athletes and flawed systems, to Tania Sachdev’s revelation of what it is like to be a woman competing in Chess. From Rani Rampal’s story of grace and forgiveness to Sakshi Malik’s postpartum journey—Grounded promises to bring you the untold stories behind the scenes.
Athlete stories are often reduced to results, medals and performance and their human side often overlooked. In the growing age of sports, it is important to have a discourse on mental health, systemic issues and athletes’ struggles. What makes Grounded different from other shows? There’s a world beyond medals and trophies, and Grounded is a show that is bound to showcase it. Behind every victory—a struggle that many won’t talk about, behind every success—a hundred failures. Success and victories are often what we celebrate but only a few know about the journey that defines these athletes.
As the host of this show, these conversations mean the world to me. Every athlete I speak to brings a story that is more than just trophies and titles—stories of resilience, of failing till they succeeded, self-doubt, sacrifice, pain—both physical and mental and the sheer will to keep going even when no one was applauding them. Whether it’s Rani Rampal recalling her story—from the humblest of beginnings to leading the National Hockey Team or Sakshi Malik speaking about how she slept on Delhi roads for 40 days amidst the protest against Former WFI President. These are the moments that remind me why I started this show in the first place. It’s not just about sports; it’s about the people behind them—their fears, their failures and their fight to keep chasing greatness.
Season 2 of Grounded is a deep dive into the minds and lives of some of the most extraordinary athletes—beyond their victories, beyond the headlines. We kick off with Pullela Gopichand in the first episode—having conversations about what it truly takes to succeed, the struggles no one sees and the sacrifices that shape champions. Whether you’re an athlete, a sports fan, or just someone who appreciates stories of resilience, this season promises to inspire, challenge, and move you.
Welcome back to Grounded, where the real stories begin when the cameras turn off.