COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ returns with its 13th edition packed with adrenaline-inducing adventures and an unprecedented level of danger. Conceptualised in the jungle theme, the upcoming season of the show will feature 14 contestants from all walks of life. They will be seen battling the most terrifying challenges in the wilderness of South Africa. The iconic filmmaker and ace action maestro, Rohit Shetty will return as the host leading and mentoring the daring troop as they fight their fears. Produced by Endemol Shine India, ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’ will air on COLORS soon.
What are the 13 things you have carried with you to South Africa?
This is the first time I’ll be stationed abroad for a reality show for two months. I will miss making music while I’m on the biggest adventure of my life. But I want to make sure that I don’t miss riyaaz and I’ll squeeze jamming sessions into my schedule. I prepared my checklist accordingly. It consists of my laptop, sound card, guitar, tumbler, mic, skipping rope, roasted dry fruits, jewelry, shades, kajal and my favourite shorts, shoes, and hair curler.
If you were to become Rohit Shetty for a day, what challenges would you give to the contestants?
If I were Rohit Shetty for a day, I would challenge contestants with car-related stunts. I would ask them to stand astride two cars speeding on the road parallelly. The test would be not losing one’s balance. I’ve watched many action heroes pull off this action sequence and it would be cool to have the contestants attempt it.
What was your family’s reaction when you were offered ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’?
My mom dotes on me, and she was very scared when the show was offered to me. She knows that I’m very jumpy and I get scared at the drop of a hat. When I said yes to the show, she insisted that I ask the channel if she could join me. I quipped that I can’t look like a school-going kid and the show is not a picnic. She’s still coming to terms with me being on my own for so long in South Africa.
Which food dish you will miss the most?
My biggest worry is if the Indian cuisine available in South Africa will be authentic. I’ve tried a few dishes here and they are not bad, but I will miss samosas and chhole bhature from Delhi. Whenever I visit my home in Delhi, I never miss the chance to grab a plateful of samosas and chole bhature. These two dishes are my weakness.
Whom will you miss the most (person/pet)?
I miss my mother the most. She’s the anchor that keeps me grounded and makes me want to be better just by being there. I miss my two little pets Cherry and Joey. Although my cook will feed them daily, I’ll be worried about them.
Who according to you would be a tough competitor?
I don’t know the strengths and weaknesses of all the contestants very well but it’s good to have tough competitors. I am looking forward to a healthy spirit of competition. Dino is a friend, and we are from the same industry so I’m excited to find out what his journey is going to be like on the show.
Have you followed the journey of any ex-contestant from ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’? / Which previous contestant do you draw inspiration from?
Saying yes to this show takes guts and so I respect everyone who signed up for it. Having said that, I’m inspired by ex-contestants Arjun Bijlani and Shantanu Maheshwari. I think Arjun had a commendable stint on the show and he made everyone want to root for him. Shantanu stood out for outdoing some of the fittest contestants in his charming way. I’d love to experience a blend of both their journeys in the 13th edition.
If there is a previous stunt you would like to perform, which one would it be?
The ‘Kaur’ in my name translates to lioness. It would be rather fitting if I get to perform a stunt with a lioness in the jungle of South Africa. Mustering up courage to be around a lioness will be challenging, but I’m sure it will be worth it. I’ve been around tigers before in a tourist park and in no time whatever inhibitions I had were snuffed out. If I get a chance to pull off a stunt involving these wild cats, I’ll jump at it.
How are you preparing for your KKK journey?
I am getting back to my driving. I am going swimming and working out. I am on a healthy diet. My mother is home so that she can take care of me for some time before I head for the show’s shoot. I’ll be spending time with her. I’ll also try to make as much music as possible so that I don’t miss that part of my life while I’m performing stunts.
What is the one fear you’d like to overcome in this journey?
Fighting fears is a very personal battle. I’m grateful that I get to share this journey with the people who have loved me throughout my career. I realise that this is an opportunity of a lifetime and I treat it as such. It’s going to be an indelible part of my journey and that’s why I feel a sense of responsibility to give it my best. I pray for the strength to deal with the obstacles that come between me and the trophy. I will face my fears of heights and water for it. Those are the two fears I’m hoping to overcome those two fears.
