“When the stunt starts, the comedian steps aside and the khiladi takes over,” says Harsh Gujral on COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’

COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ is winning hearts with its latest season, ‘Darr Ka Naya Daur’, as audiences are loving the thrilling stunts, unexpected challenges, and the contestants’ journey of facing their fears. Hosted by the king of action, Rohit Shetty, and shot across the stunning terrains of Cape Town, the season has brought a fresh dose of adventure and excitement to viewers. The season also marks stand-up comedian Harsh Gujral’s entry into the world of adrenaline-filled stunts. Known for making audiences laugh with his sharp wit and impeccable comic timing, Harsh stepped out of his comfort zone to take on the challenges in Cape Town. Sharing what drew him to the show, Harsh reveals that the opportunity to challenge himself and experience something completely different from his usual world made saying yes to ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ an exciting decision.

1. You’ve made audiences laugh through your stand-up comedy for years. What made you say yes to Khatron Ke Khiladi?
A. Stand-up comedy has always been my comfort zone because that’s where I’ve spent years entertaining people. So I wanted to do something that genuinely challenged me. Khatron Ke Khiladi isn’t a show where you can rely on your words or personality. Every stunt tests you in a completely different way, and that excited me. And come on, I’m from Kanpur… As I always say, K for Kanpur, K for Kaand, and now K for Khatron Ke Khiladi. I came here to experience something I’d never done before and to see how I’d react when I was completely out of my comfort zone. I hope people enjoy this side of me just as much as they’ve enjoyed seeing me on stage. Having said that, I’m glad that everyone enjoyed me keeping the vibe light and cracking up contestants between stunts.

2. You’re known for making people laugh. How different has it been taking on a show like Khatron Ke Khiladi?
A. It has been completely different, although making people laugh was on my agenda even in Cape Town. But the difference is on stage, I know how to handle a situation because I’ve been doing stand-up for years. Here, you can’t prepare yourself for what’s coming next. You don’t know whether you’ll be hanging from a height, jumping into water, or facing something you’ve never imagined. Imagine having to perform a stunt with a crocodile and being instructed to not harm the animal. It cracked me up! Of course, humour is a part of who I am, so I naturally kept joking around whenever I could. When the stunt starts, the comedian steps aside and the khiladi takes over. That’s what I enjoyed about this experience. It pushed me into situations where my reactions were completely real, and I think audiences will get to see a side of Harsh they’ve never seen before.

3. What was the one fear from your real life that you worried this show might brutally expose?
A. Conquering fears is a myth. I think I’ve come back from Cape Town with more fears. Heights and deep water have always made me a little uncomfortable, so I knew those would definitely test me. But honestly, my biggest fear wasn’t just the stunt itself, it was failing in front of everyone. People are used to me making them laugh, but I didn’t want my stunt to become a joke. (laughs) That pressure stayed with me because you genuinely want to perform well and make the most of an opportunity like this. I prepared myself as much as I could, both mentally and physically, but once you’re standing there, it’s just you and the challenge.

4. Looking back at your Khatron Ke Khiladi journey, what’s one moment you’ll always remember?
A. There are so many memories, but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be Rohit sir appreciating my humour. That compliment means a lot because it came from someone who has made some of the biggest comedy films in our country. If Rohit Shetty tells you that your comic timing is good, you take that compliment home with you. (laughs) Apart from that, Khatron Ke Khiladi itself is an experience I’ll always remember because I don’t think I’ll ever choose another show this physically demanding. It’s one of those journeys that stays with you long after it’s over, not just because of the stunts, but because of everything you learn while doing them.

5. Rohit Shetty is known for bringing out the best in every contestant. What was it like learning from him?
A. What I noticed is that he saw what we feared and mentored us accordingly. Whether he’s explaining a stunt, motivating someone, or interacting with the contestants, there’s so much conviction in everything he says that you automatically start believing you can do it too. That’s something I’d genuinely like to learn from him. He also knows exactly when to encourage you, when to pull your leg, and when to push you harder. He keeps the atmosphere light but never lets you lose focus. I think that’s what makes him such an incredible host. If I ever get the chance to host a show someday, I’d definitely want to take a page out of Rohit sir’s book.

6. Your fans know you as a stand-up comedian. What side of Harsh Gujral do you think they’ll discover on Khatron Ke Khiladi?
A. They’ll definitely see the humour because that’s never going away. (laughs) But I also think they’ll get to know me beyond the stage. On stage, people see me performing. Here, they’ll see how I react when things don’t go my way, how I deal with pressure, how competitive I am, and how I handle situations that are completely new to me. There are no prepared jokes or planned moments here. Whatever people see is real. I think that’s what makes reality shows so special because audiences get to know the person behind the performer.

7. Without revealing any spoilers, what do you think makes this season of Khatron Ke Khiladi a must-watch?
A. I genuinely feel this season has taken things to another level. The stunts are bigger, tougher, and much more demanding than people would expect. Even contestants who have experienced Khatron Ke Khiladi before would agree that this season pushes everyone even harder. At the same time, every contestant has brought a completely different personality to the show, and that’s what makes it so entertaining. You’ve got people from very different backgrounds, so every episode has a different flavour. And, of course, you’ve got Rohit sir leading the way. I think audiences are in for a really exciting ride this season.

Maruti Suzuki presents ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’, co-powered by Hero Xtreme, Thums Up and JK Super Cement, Special Partners – Jeena Sikho Ayurveda, Nirma Advance, Onn Premium Wear, Nivea Rollon and Berger Paints, Outdoor Gear Partner- Woodland, Hunger Partner – Snickers, Food Partner – Silver Coin Chakki Fresh Atta and Associate Sponsor – Parle Monaco, airing every Saturday -Sunday at 9:00 pm only on COLORS & JioHotstar.