Gurbani Judge—Bani J to the world—didn’t just step into the spotlight; she stormed it. Picture this: a tattooed 19-year-old from Chandigarh, standing tall in MTV Roadies Season 4 auditions, facing off against Raghu Ram’s infamous grill session. She didn’t win the title, but she won hearts—and a career that’s still blazing in 2025. Now 37, Bani’s a fitness model, actress, and unapologetic trailblazer. Her story isn’t just about fame; it’s about grit, transformation, and living life on her terms. As of March 31, 2025, she’s a cultural force—stronger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever.
I’ve followed Bani’s journey since her Roadies days, and what strikes me is her refusal to fit molds. She’s not the typical Bollywood starlet; she’s a powerhouse who’s turned body-shaming into body pride. From reality TV to Amazon Prime’s Four More Shots Please!, her evolution is a rollercoaster worth riding. Let’s dive into the life of Bani J—a woman who’s redefined strength, one deadlift and one daring choice at a time.
Early Life: A Chandigarh Girl with Big Dreams
Bani was born Gurbani Judge on November 29, 1987, in Chandigarh, India. Raised in a close-knit Punjabi family, she grew up alongside her sister, Anjali, under the fierce love of their single mother, Tanya Judge. Tanya, a cancer survivor who battled the disease three times, was Bani’s first hero. “My mom’s strength shaped me,” Bani once said in a 2021 podcast. That resilience seeped into her bones early on.
School wasn’t just classrooms for Bani. At Vivek High School and later Woodstock International School in Mussoorie, she was the sporty kid—always running, jumping, pushing limits. After graduating, she chased a graphic design degree, but the 9-to-5 life? Not her vibe. At 19, she packed her bags for Mumbai, hungry for something bigger. Little did she know, Roadies was about to change everything.
Bani J: Updated Personal Details (March 31, 2025)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gurbani Judge (aka Bani J, VJ Bani) |
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1987 |
| Age | 37 years |
| Birthplace | Chandigarh, Punjab, India |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (often dyed—currently silver streaks) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Partner | Previously linked to Yuvraj Thakur (rumored, unconfirmed) |
| Family | Mother: Tanya Judge; Sister: Anjali Judge |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–3 million (2025) |
| Education | Graphic Design degree (college undisclosed) |
| Occupation | Fitness Model, Actress, Former VJ, Podcast Host |
| Notable Works | MTV Roadies, Bigg Boss 10, Four More Shots Please! |
| Awards | No major awards; celebrated as a fitness icon |
| Current Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Social Media | Instagram: @banij (1.5M followers); Spotify: Bare by Bani J |
The Roadies Breakthrough: A Star is Born
In 2006, Bani auditioned for MTV Roadies Season 4. She was raw—tattooed, defiant, and unshaken by Raghu’s taunts. “You think you’re tough?” he barked. Her cool-headed reply? “I know I am.” She didn’t clinch the title—Anthony Yeh did—but as the first runner-up, she stole the show. Her vibe? Unfiltered rebellion. Fans loved it; producers noticed.
Post-Roadies, MTV tapped her as a VJ. She hosted Seasons 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12, trading contestant stress for the mic’s swagger. “I went from being screamed at to doing the screaming,” she joked in a 2019 interview. That gig wasn’t just a job—it was her launchpad. Suddenly, Bani J wasn’t just a name; it was a brand.
From VJ to Big Screen: Early Career Moves
Bani’s first film role came in 2007 with Aap Kaa Surroor. Playing Himesh Reshammiya’s love interest, she dipped her toes in Bollywood. It wasn’t a masterpiece, but it was a start. Then came Thikka (2016), a Telugu action flick where her cameo turned heads. She wasn’t chasing stardom yet—just testing waters.
Music videos followed. In 2016, she grooved in Navv Inder’s “Att Tera Yaar” and Yo Yo Honey Singh’s “Raat Jashan Di.” Her edgy look—tattoos sprawling, hair a riot of colors—made her a visual magnet. But Bani wasn’t content with small screens or quick beats. She wanted more.
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Reality TV Redux: Fear, Bigg Boss, and Beyond
Bani’s reality TV streak didn’t end with Roadies. In 2011, she joined Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 4. Stunts? Heights? Bring it on. She didn’t win, but her grit shone. Then, in 2015, I Can Do That showcased her versatility—dancing, daring, dazzling. She was building a rep: fearless, fierce, unforgettable.
The big one hit in 2016: Bigg Boss 10. Bani entered as a celebrity contestant, facing off against commoners. She clashed with Lopamudra Raut, cried over her mom’s letters, and powered through solo. Fans adored her authenticity; polls screamed her name. Yet, she finished runner-up to Manveer Gurjar. “Rigged!” her supporters cried. Bani? She shrugged it off. “I survived,” she said post-finale.
Affairs and Relationships: Love in the Limelight
Bani’s love life? A tabloid tease. In 2016, whispers linked her to Yuvraj Thakur, a TV actor she met through mutual friends. Paparazzi caught them cozy at Mumbai hotspots, but Bani stayed mum. “I don’t owe anyone my story,” she snapped in a 2017 chat. The fling fizzled by 2018—or so we think.
Rumors also swirled about Haarsh Limbachiyaa during Khatron Ke Khiladi. Fans speculated; Haarsh’s engagement to Bharti Singh squashed it. Bani’s single now, or at least that’s the word in 2025. “Love’s great, but I’m my own soulmate,” she quipped on her Spotify podcast, Bare by Bani J. Classic Bani—independent to the core.
Fitness Transformation: Muscles and Mindset
Bani’s real glow-up? Her body. At 19, she hit the gym in Mumbai, trading cardio for weights. “I wanted to see how strong I could get,” she told ELLE India in 2020. By her mid-20s, she was ripped—tattoos accentuating every muscle. Trolls called her “manly”; she flipped them off with heavier deadlifts.
She’s a fitness ambassador now—Mobiefit, Myprotein, you name it. Her Instagram’s a shrine to sweat: pull-ups, squats, and that iconic BMW M3 she drives post-workout. In 2025, she’s still at it, inspiring millions. “Strength isn’t just physical,” she says. “It’s owning who you are.” Her fans? They’re lifting—and living—by that mantra.
Controversies and Rumors: Stirring the Pot
Bani’s no stranger to heat. Bigg Boss 10 sparked rigging rumors—her fanbase swore she outpolled Manveer. “They wanted a commoner win,” one Reddit thread raged in 2024. No proof surfaced, but the sting lingered. Then, her 2016 spat with Lopa turned physical—punches thrown, headlines made. Salman Khan scolded her on air; she took it in stride.
Body-shaming’s her oldest foe. “Too muscular,” haters sneered. Bani clapped back on Instagram: “My body, my rules.” Rumors of steroid use? She laughed them off in a 2023 podcast. “Hard work, not shortcuts,” she said. In 2025, she’s still dodging gossip—like a supposed feud with Four More Shots co-star Kirti Kulhari. Unconfirmed, but juicy.
Acting Apex: Four More Shots and Beyond
Bani’s acting peak hit with Four More Shots Please! (2019–2022). As Umang Singh, a bisexual gym trainer, she owned the screen. The Amazon Prime series nabbed an International Emmy nod—her proudest gig yet. “Umang’s me, but louder,” she told Cyrus Says in January 2025. Fans still binge it.
She flexed in films too: Zorawar (2016), Valimai (2022) with Ajith Kumar, and Double iSmart (2024) alongside Sanjay Dutt, whom she calls a mentor. In 2025, she’s eyeing a Tamil project—details hush-hush. “I pick roles that scare me,” she says. That’s Bani—always chasing the edge.
Life in 2025: Fitness, Podcasts, and Purpose
At 37, Bani’s thriving. She’s Mumbai-based, splitting time between workouts, acting, and her podcast, Bare by Bani J. Launched in 2020, it’s a raw dive into fitness, mental health, and Vipassana meditation—her zen fix since 2018. “It keeps me grounded,” she shared in a March 2025 episode.
Her net worth’s a cool $2–3 million, fueled by endorsements and roles. She’s single, focused, and fiercely private. “I’m building my legacy,” she posted on Instagram in 2025, silver-streaked hair glinting. Her dog, Bruiser, and her tattoos—over 20 now—keep her company. Bani’s not slowing down; she’s just getting started.
FAQs About Bani J
1. Did Bani J win MTV Roadies?
No, she was the first runner-up in Season 4 (2006). Anthony Yeh took the title, but Bani’s impact outlasted the win.
2. What’s Bani J doing in 2025?
She’s acting (think Tamil cinema), podcasting on Bare by Bani J, and pushing fitness with Mobiefit campaigns.
3. Was Bigg Boss 10 rigged against her?
Fans think so—polls favored her over Manveer Gurjar. No evidence, though; Bani calls it “just a game.”
4. How many tattoos does Bani J have?
Over 20, inspired by her mom’s Buddhist beliefs and her own life chapters.
5. What’s her net worth?
Estimated at $2–3 million in 2025, from acting, VJ gigs, and fitness endorsements.
Final Thoughts: Bani J’s Unbreakable Spirit
Bani J isn’t just a name—she’s a vibe. From Roadies runner-up to fitness queen, she’s carved a path that’s messy, real, and wildly inspiring. At 37, she’s lifting more than weights—she’s lifting spirits. Her story’s a reminder: strength isn’t borrowed; it’s built. As I write this, I see her driving that M3, tattoos gleaming, chasing her next big thing. Bani’s not done yet—and neither are we, watching her soar.