Interview transcript of COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’ contestant Abhishek Kumar:

“I don’t want to disappoint Rohit (Shetty) sir, so I’ll give it my best,” says COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’ contestant Abhishek Kumar

India’s first stunt-based reality show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ is all set to make a comeback with its 14th edition. It promises nail-biting stunts, thrilling tasks, and moments of sheer bravery that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. All set to script chronicles of courage in Romania for the first time, the season is themed on Darr ki nayi kahaaniyaan in Romania. Get ready to be blown away as Abhishek Kumar of the ‘BIGG BOSS’ fame joins the battalion of phobia fighters and is ready to face the ultimate test.

Excerpts below:

1. You were the first runner-up of BIGG BOSS and now you are a contestant on Khatron Ke Khiladi 14. What are your expectations before going on the show, given these reality shows have two very different formats?
A. Yes, both shows are different. In BIGG BOSS, there aren’t as many dangerous tasks, but here, there are plenty. The formats are very different too. In this show, I will be facing my fear of claustrophobia, which affects my daily life. So, I am determined to overcome it.

2. There are a few contestants who were part of the previous seasons of BIGG BOSS. Do you think that you will bond with them?
A. I already know Shalin Bhanot, and I met Shilpa Shinde ma’am at our last meeting, where we bonded well. I also connected with Asim Riaz because we share the same genre. Unfortunately, Samarth had to leave due to a knee injury.

3. This season of Khatron Ke Khiladi will be shot in a different location. What are your expectations? And how do you feel about the fear of the unknown about the show?
A. I’m not going in with any preconceived notions. I trust that I can handle whatever situation comes my way. I believe overthinking doesn’t help, and I refuse to give up. This season of Khatron Ke Khiladi is happening in a new country, Romania, and I’m very excited. I don’t want to disappoint Rohit sir, so I’ll give it my best.

4. What are the five essential items that you are taking with you to Romania?
First of all, I’ll take my locket with Ganesh Ji and my phone. I’m not taking photos of my mom and dad because I can video call them. I have a photo of Radhya, my niece, who I consider my lucky charm. The rest are just the usual things.

5. Which is one stunt that you want to do there, and which one are you most excited about? And which stunt do you not want to perform?
A. The car stunt, where the contestant gets in the car, climbs onto the trailer, then suddenly gets down as there’s a blast—that’s the heroic stunt I want to do. As for the stunts I don’t want to do, the ones where the contestant’s hands are tied, and they’re locked in a cage or a dark box with insects, and they need to escape, or when they’re thrown in water with their hands tied and have to unlock themselves to get out. Those make me nervous because I don’t know how to swim.

6. What stunt do you think Rohit Shetty sir will create just for you?
A. I believe he knows about my claustrophobia, so he probably wants me to conquer that fear. He might expose me to more situations like that so that if I don’t manage it the first time, perhaps I’ll succeed the next. But I want to overcome claustrophobia so that when I return to India, I can use lifts without fear.

7. How did your family react when you told them you were joining Khatron Ke Khiladi 14?
A. They were in front of me when I was signing the contract. I took their blessings, and they are very excited and just want me to win this time.

8. Any top three things or people you will miss the most when you are away from them?
A. I’ll miss Mumma, Papa, Ankit Bhai, and my house in Mumbai.

9. Which contestant are you looking forward to competing with?
A. There isn’t any specific one. All the competitors are strong. Everyone has their strengths. It will be fun to compete with all of them.

10. Which contestant do you think will lose the first challenge or get kicked out first?
A. I can’t say that. I can’t judge anyone’s ability without knowing them.

11. Have you taken advice from any ex-Khatron Ke Khiladi contestant? If so, who and what did they say?
A. Yes, before signing I took advice from Ravi Dubey. He said, “Don’t do it with stress. Do it in a fun zone and don’t think of giving up. Complete the task and the rest will follow.”

12. What kind of special preparation have you undertaken to face the challenges in Khatron Ke Khiladi?
A. I joined swimming. I am going to the gym and working on my physical strength.

13. What is one fear you are hoping to conquer during this journey?
A. The fear of closed spaces.

‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’ will air soon on COLORS.