Avinash Mishra gets candid about shattering the eye candy stereotype with COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’

Sometimes the biggest khatra isn’t always dangling from a height or catching hold of a creepy-crawly; sometimes, it’s the label people assign you. COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’, hosted by action king Rohit Shetty, has unleashed a volley of terrifying fears, but for Avinash Mishra, one of the toughest has been the fear of being stereotyped. And now, he is taking that fear head-on, one stunt at a time, while getting candid about what it means to navigate public perception. After being perceived largely as the ‘eye candy’ during his stint on Bigg Boss 18 and in his other screen appearances, Avinash is seen fighting his fears with full force, putting his physical strength, endurance and resilience under the scanner and compelling audiences to look beyond the image they have of him. The weight of that perception came to the surface when Avinash broke down as he opened up about his struggle with being boxed in as ‘just a good-looking guy’. But if there was one moment that showed just how far Avinash has come, it was his daring underground water stunt. Impressed by his overall performance, Rohit Shetty complimented him that no matter what he chooses to do, he will shine.

Speaking about dealing with the label, Avinash Mishra says, “Being stereotyped can sometimes be just as big a khatra as any stunt because a perception, once formed, can become very difficult to change. I’ve always believed that people are entitled to their first impression of you, but as an actor, you also hope to be given the space to reveal the many layers of who you are. My journey on Khatron Ke Khiladi has given me that space. The reason I could pull off some of these daring stunts is because the preparation started very early on for me. As a kid, I was very thin and weak, and building myself physically has been a long, personal journey. It was about becoming stronger, healthier and more comfortable in my own skin. I was always super aware of the fact that viewers aren’t watching the show to have me abort a stunt – they expect me to give it my all. Having been labelled eye candy for a considerable part of my career, I felt my whole potential was overshadowed. My hard work and my dedication towards projects or my drive to be better would hardly be acknowledged. All most of them could see is that I look good and have a great body. That is why Rohit sir’s words after my underwater stunt are so precious to me. When someone like him, who has such an instinct for recognising courage and potential compliments you, it feels like the ultimate validation. What I’ve learnt from this show is that I don’t have to spend my life fighting a label; I simply have to keep doing work that reflects who I am.”

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.