“Motherhood changed the way I face my fears,” says Rubina Dilaik on COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’

COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ returns with Darr Ka Naya Daur – a season packed with bigger stunts, tougher challenges, and unexpected twists. Hosted by the undisputed king of action, Rohit Shetty in Cape Town, the stunt-based reality show pushes contestants to their limits, testing their courage, resilience, and composure like never before. Returning to the show after four years, Rubina Dilaik takes on the challenge in a new chapter in her life. Riding high on the adrenaline from her Khatron Ke Khiladi journey, she reflects on why motherhood made this comeback deeply personal and how it transformed the way she faced her fears.

1. You’re returning to Khatron Ke Khiladi once again while also hosting a show on motherhood. What made you come back to this reality show now, especially when many contestants choose to do it immediately after Bigg Boss?
A. I did Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2022, and now I’ve returned after doing it again in 2026. This time, saying yes wasn’t easy. In fact, it took me almost three months because every decision I make now begins with my children. After becoming a mother, I wanted to understand how much I’d evolved as a person. My biggest fear wasn’t the stunts; it was being away from my children for so long. Looking back, I can honestly say that this journey helped me rediscover my strength, resilience, and the way I deal with fear today. It reminded me that while motherhood changes you completely, it also makes you stronger in ways you don’t even realise. Abhinav kept encouraging me and reminded me that opportunities like this don’t come twice. His support gave me the confidence to take this leap, and now that I’ve completed the journey, I’m grateful I said yes to it. It’s an experience I’ll always cherish.

2. Did motherhood change the way you approached the stunts?
A. Motherhood changes you in every possible way, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In many ways, a woman is born all over again when she becomes a mother. Having gone through this season, I can confidently say that Khatron Ke Khiladi isn’t just about physical strength; it’s a true test of your mindset, resilience, and courage. The journey made me realise that motherhood has changed the way I face my fears. I found myself approaching challenges with much more patience, clarity, and inner strength than before. Every stunt became a reminder that we often underestimate ourselves. This experience helped me reconnect with a version of myself that had evolved after becoming a mother, and that’s something I’ll cherish long after the show.

3. Did you prepare differently this time? Many contestants work on swimming, strength training, or specific stunt preparation before the show.
A. Honestly, between my children and work, I didn’t get the time to do any extra preparation, and I’ll be very honest about that. Now that I’ve completed the season, I can say that no amount of physical training can truly prepare you for Khatron Ke Khiladi. The real challenge is mental. Once you’re standing on top of a building or facing a stunt you’ve never imagined doing, it’s your mindset that takes over. Courage isn’t about being fully prepared; it’s about showing up despite your fears.

4. Reality shows aren’t new to you. What have they added to your career beyond acting?
A. As an actor, people know you through the characters you play. Reality shows allow people to know who you are beyond those characters. I had done Khatron Ke Khiladi four years ago, and coming back after all these years made me realise how much I’ve evolved. If I had returned as the same person, there would be nothing new for the audience to connect with. This season became a reflection of my personal growth.

5. Was there any pressure to win this time, especially after already winning a major reality show?
A. Honestly, I never went into the show carrying the pressure to win because Khatron Ke Khiladi itself puts you under enough pressure. For me, the journey was about learning, growing, and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. Looking back, I feel proud of the way I faced every challenge that came my way. If there’s one thing I’d like people to remember about my journey this season, it’s that I walked into every stunt fearlessly, like a lioness. That, to me, is a victory in itself.

6. What are your biggest fears – both on the show and in real life?
A. The fears you face in life are very different from the fears you face on the show. On the show, I had to confront fears that everyday life never throws at you. I had always been afraid of heights, and this journey gave me the opportunity to face that fear once again. Whether I conquered it or not is something the audience will see, but I definitely walked away stronger. In real life, though, my biggest fear was being away from my children for 40 days. Even though everyone kept reassuring me, a mother’s mind always worries. Looking back now, I realise that fear came from love, and overcoming that emotional challenge was just as significant as completing any stunt.

7. Looking back, what will you take away from this season of Khatron Ke Khiladi?
A. This season has been a journey full of experiences. Every stunt, every challenge, and every moment taught me something about myself. No matter what was thrown at me, I walked into it believing I would conquer it. When I look back today, it’s not just the stunts I’ll remember, it’s the confidence I rediscovered, the lessons I learnt, and the person I became through this journey. That’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

8. Rohit Shetty is known for pushing contestants beyond their limits. What was it like working with him again?
A. Rohit sir is an incredible mentor, and I believe he’s one of the finest reality show hosts India has ever had. He has this unique ability to push contestants beyond what they believe they’re capable of. There were so many moments where I performed better simply because he motivated me to trust myself. His belief in us makes a huge difference, and I genuinely think he is one of the biggest reasons contestants are able to surprise themselves on this show.

9. Did you form any unexpected friendships during the season?
A. Absolutely. One friendship that I’ll genuinely cherish for a lifetime is the one I formed with Orry. People know him for his fun personality, but I got to see a completely different side of him during the journey. He is warm, genuine, and someone who always brought a positive energy to the group. Sometimes the most unexpected friendships become the most meaningful ones, and that’s exactly what happened with us. I know this is a bond I’ll carry long after Khatron Ke Khiladi ends.

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 and Food Partner – Silver Coin Chakki Fresh Atta , premiering on August 1 and thereafter airing every Saturday -Sunday at 9:00 pm only COLORS & JioHotstar.