Riteish Deshmukh on Lock Upp and the Next Generation: ‘Everyone in the Next Generation Is a Storyteller’

Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh brought his thoughts on changing audiences, fresh storytelling and the success of unscripted entertainment to FICCI Frames 2026 in Mumbai. Appearing alongside filmmaker Farah Khan, Siddharth, filmmaker Suresh Triveni, creator Abhijeet Singh Parmar and actress Prajakta Koli, Riteish spoke about the future of streaming and the need for the entertainment industry to understand what younger audiences are trying to say. The panel also became the stage for the announcement of the return of Lock Upp for a new season on Netflix.

When asked about the future generation and the kind of stories it wants to see, Riteish said, “I think everyone in the next generation is a storyteller; they are expressing themselves and sharing their stories. The problem is that we aren't listening to them. If we start listening and paying attention to what they are expressing, I believe we can create new content and fresh stories that resonate with them—and they would likely embrace us far more than they do right now.” His observation highlighted how dramatically storytelling has changed, with younger audiences no longer simply consuming content but constantly creating, sharing and expressing their own experiences across digital platforms.

Riteish also looked back at his experience with Lock Upp, describing the reality show as one of the most enjoyable and revealing projects he has been part of. “I think Lock Upp—as Farah mentioned—was one of the best experiences; it felt less like a job and almost like a holiday. Of course, Farah and I handled ‘Judgment Day’ together, but there were days when we would take turns being on set and sharing notes.” His comments offer a glimpse into the camaraderie behind the scenes, where the format gave both hosts an opportunity to observe the contestants and react to the unpredictable situations unfolding inside the show.

But for Riteish, Lock Upp was about much more than reality-show drama. He explained, “While doing the show, it wasn't just about what was happening on screen; we learned a lot ourselves, and it was an eye-opening experience. It wasn't merely about entertainment; it was about human nature—seeing celebrity super-achievers being completely vulnerable with one another and sharing their deepest, darkest secrets.” That vulnerability, according to Riteish, became one of the elements that made the show particularly fascinating, as viewers were given an opportunity to see personalities beyond their polished public images.

Riteish also praised Netflix for the way the reality format was reinvented for its streaming audience. “I also have to give credit to Netflix—to Monica, Tanya, and the entire team—because the way they reinvented Lock Upp for Netflix was absolutely brilliant. It wasn't just about discussing who said what; they explored specific topics that evolved into meaningful conversations.” He added, “It went beyond the contestants; Lock Upp provided a topic for people—beyond just the participants—to discuss around the dinner table, and I think that was a great victory for Netflix and the show.” For him, the show’s impact came from creating conversations that extended beyond the screen and the contestants themselves.

The discussion at FICCI Frames 2026 also underlined how streaming is changing the way reality and unscripted entertainment are created and consumed. With Lock Upp returning to Netflix for a new season and Riteish and Farah Khan once again associated with the format, audiences can expect the show to continue exploring the personalities, relationships and unpredictable dynamics that made it a talking point. And if Riteish’s comments about the next generation are anything to go by, listening to audiences—and understanding the stories they are already telling themselves—could be key to creating the next wave of entertainment.

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