Anup Soni Reacts to Ajay Devgn Taking Over ‘Crime Patrol’: “He Will Bring His Own Style”
Mumbai, August 13, 2026: The long-running crime television show ‘Crime Patrol’ is heading into a major new phase, with Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn set to replace Anup Soni as its host. The development has generated considerable interest among viewers, particularly because Soni's voice and presentation style became closely associated with the programme over the years.
Devgn's entry marks his television hosting debut and represents a significant change in the show's presentation. Reports indicate that he has already filmed around 15 episodes, while the new season is expected to begin airing on August 31.
Anup Soni finally responds
Amid the reports surrounding the change, Anup Soni has now spoken about Devgn taking over the programme.
Rather than expressing disappointment or criticism, Soni adopted a measured tone and wished the Bollywood star well. He indicated that Devgn would bring his own style and perspective to the show and said he was interested in seeing how the actor approaches the format.
Soni's response is particularly significant because his association with ‘Crime Patrol’ lasted for years, making him one of the most recognisable faces connected with the franchise.
In another recent reaction, Soni suggested that audiences would continue to remember him for his association with the programme, reflecting the lasting connection he developed with viewers.
Ajay Devgn steps into a new television role
Ajay Devgn is known primarily for his work in Hindi cinema, including intense and serious roles. His move to television hosting therefore represents a notable shift in his career.
Promotional material for the upcoming season reportedly shows Devgn discussing the nature of crime and warning viewers that, in many cases, the person responsible may be someone known to the victim. His serious delivery is being positioned as a natural fit for the show's crime-focused storytelling.
The new format will allow Devgn to bring his established screen persona to a programme that relies heavily on suspense, investigation and dramatic narration.
What about Rajesh Tailang?
Alongside Devgn's appointment, reports have also suggested that actor Rajesh Tailang could host additional episodes of the new season.
Tailang, known for his work across films and web series, has reportedly been linked to the show's upcoming presentation as another hosting voice. However, reports describe his involvement as additional hosting rather than a straightforward replacement for Devgn.
The reported combination of Devgn and Tailang would give the new season a different identity from the editions strongly associated with Soni.
Why Anup Soni became synonymous with ‘Crime Patrol’
For many viewers, ‘Crime Patrol’ and Anup Soni became almost inseparable.
Soni's restrained delivery and serious presentation helped establish the show's distinctive atmosphere. Instead of relying only on dramatic performances, his narration often provided context around the cases and encouraged viewers to consider the circumstances behind crimes.
His departure therefore represents more than a routine change in presenter. It signals a broader attempt by the makers to refresh the programme while retaining its core crime-based format.
The series itself has gone through multiple versions and presenters over the years, but Soni remained one of its most recognisable faces.
Will viewers accept the new face?
The biggest question surrounding the upcoming season is whether audiences will accept Ajay Devgn in a role previously dominated by Soni's distinctive presence.
Devgn brings a substantial Bollywood following, which could help the programme attract viewers who may not regularly watch television crime shows. At the same time, long-time fans may initially compare his presentation with Soni's familiar style.
That comparison is likely to be unavoidable, particularly because Soni's association with the programme has been so strong.
However, Soni himself appears to have taken a positive approach to the transition, acknowledging that Devgn will bring something different rather than attempting to reproduce his own style.
A new chapter for ‘Crime Patrol’
The reported arrival of Ajay Devgn, along with possible involvement from Rajesh Tailang, suggests that the makers are looking to give the long-running franchise a fresh presentation.
For Soni, meanwhile, the transition marks the end of another chapter in his association with one of Indian television's best-known crime programmes.
Whether Devgn's version becomes a long-term change may ultimately depend on audience response and ratings. Reports have indicated that the continuation of his hosting stint could be influenced by how viewers respond to the new episodes.
For now, the handover is being viewed as a major television development: Anup Soni's familiar presence is giving way to Ajay Devgn's first major television hosting assignment, with Rajesh Tailang also reportedly set to contribute to the new season.
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