Interview transcript of COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’ contestant Arjit Taneja

Surviving in a jungle is no cakewalk because the biggest challenge is to beat the ultimate beast, one’s own fear. Raising the fear factor to a whole new level, India’s favourite stunt-based reality show, COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’, has been captivating the viewers with its   exciting jungle-themed season. The undisputed action maestro and host of the show, Rohit Shetty, continues to test the courage of daredevil contestants with never-seen-before stunts in the wilderness of Cape Town, South Africa. The dashing television actor, Arjit Taneja, opens up about his experience of conquering fears.

 

1. Tell us something about your overall shoot experience for COLORS’ Khatron Ke Khiladi 13 in Cape Town? The experience in Cape Town for Khatron Ke Khiladi was simply amazing, one of the best in my life. Before coming, we were worried about withdrawal, but the beauty of Cape Town and the daily adventures kept us motivated and away from any stress. It was an incredible shooting experience, and I miss it dearly even after returning. Overall, it was a fantastic journey!
2. How did you feel when you were performing your first stunt? The first stunt was an incredible experience with all 14 contestants hanging from a chopper on a net filled with gym balls. It was crazy, dangerous, and loads of fun. The thrill of being suspended from a chopper made it dynamic and interesting.
3. What are your thoughts on the support and guidance provided by the show’s host Rohit Shetty?Rohit Shetty is truly amazing. He’s not only loving and caring but also a guiding force for all of us. Throughout the Khatron Ke Khiladi 13 season, he’s been instrumental in helping us with the stunts, making us better, and providing constant motivation. Whenever we faced challenges, Rohit Sir’s encouragement inspired us to attempt and conquer those stunts. There were moments when fear held us back, like my fear of heights, but his support enabled me to push past it and complete the stunt. There’s no one better than him as a host. He strikes the right balance by pushing us to do better while also offering the necessary guidance. I genuinely miss his incredible energy, swag, and charm. He is simply the best.
4. Which fears did you overcome during this exhilarating journey and what were the challenges you faced? I successfully overcame my fear of heights during the show. I had to face 3 or 4 height stunts, and the transformation in my journey of Khatron Ke Khiladi from the first to the last stunt was truly remarkable. After the first height stunt, I was in a worse condition, experiencing nausea and even vomiting. Conquering that fear was a significant challenge, but I pushed through. Another tough stunt for me was the one involving lock and key. It seemed like luck was never on my side, as the lock always seemed to open at the very last moment. Dealing with this challenge was incredibly daunting, and it tested my patience and determination to the fullest.
5. You prepared yourself mentally and physically for the stunts before flying to Cape Town. How much do you think it helped during the shoot? A Preparing yourself fully for Khatron Ke Khiladi, both mentally and physically, is quite challenging. No matter how much you train, the actual stunts always bring something unexpected. Even those who knew swimming aborted during water stunts, proving that you can’t anticipate everything. Personally, I had considered learning swimming beforehand, but in the end, it didn’t make a significant difference. Instead, relying on the basics I learned in childhood and tapping into my passion became crucial. Dealing with heights, electric shocks, and creepy crawlies, things we rarely encounter in daily life – makes it impossible to be fully prepared. However, physical strength, stamina, and balance play a crucial role in handling strength-based stunts.
6. Can you share any memorable moments or incidents that transpired during the show? During the show Khatron Ke Khiladi, there were plenty of amusing incidents since all of us had such different personalities. Archana and Nyrraa, for instance, were a hilarious duo. Nyrraa had a unique journey on the show, and Aishwarya, with her teacher-like scolding, added to the humour. It was such a fun and light-hearted moment that brought laughter to all of us. The camaraderie and laughter amidst the challenges made the experience even more memorable and enjoyable.
7. How have you changed as a person after this rollercoaster ride filled with thrills, emotions, and fear on COLORS’ Khatron Ke Khiladi 13? Before joining Khatron Ke Khiladi, my friends who had been through it already warned me that it would be a life-changing experience, and they were absolutely right. Just ten days before the show ended, we were discussing how much we had all transformed during this time. The stress, although good stress, the daily anxiety, and the various challenging experiences we faced had a profound impact on us. Being in another country and connecting with the South African crew, who were incredibly warm and friendly, added a whole new dimension to the journey. Emotions ran high throughout – there were tears, laughter, and moments of fear. It was a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It’s been a life-changing journey that has transformed me as a person.
8. What skills or lessons did you learn from the show that you think will benefit you in the future? One crucial lesson I learned during from Khatron Ke Khiladi was the importance of being calm and controlling my breathing, especially during stunts. Maintaining composure is vital in many stunts because panicking can hinder your performance. For instance, when dealing with a lock, being calm is essential; otherwise, you won’t be able to open it properly. So, I realized the significance of staying composed and collected to tackle challenges effectively. That’s the valuable lesson I took away from the experience.
9. A message for your fans. I sincerely thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown in the past. I hope you’ll extend the same love and appreciation to this show because everyone involved has put their heart and soul into it. The team of Khatron Ke Khiladi has worked tirelessly, pouring their best efforts into creating something truly special. This show has been crafted with love, and we are eager for you to experience the journey we’ve embarked upon. So, please watch the show and enjoy the journey. I really hope you guys like it.

Watch the exciting journey of daredevil contestants on Maruti Suzuki presents ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’ along with CERA Sanitaryware as Special Partner, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 PM only on COLORS!