“You come for the stunts, but you leave with relationships that stay with you,” says Rithvik Dhanjani on his COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ journey

COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ is winning hearts with its ‘Darr Ka Naya Daur’, dialing up the danger quotient with each episode unfolding thrilling twists and death-defying stunts that have never been attempted before. 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. A seasoned khiladi with experience of having faced his fears in the previous two seasons, Rithvik Dhanjani opens up about the allure of stepping into a new era of dangertainment.

1. Now that you’ve returned from Cape Town and viewers have already watched the first few episodes, how do you look back at your Khatron Ke Khiladi journey this season?
A. Coming back to Khatron Ke Khiladi always feels like coming home. I’ve said this before and I genuinely mean it, no matter how many times this show comes my way, I’ll always say yes because I love this world. Watching the first couple of episodes after returning from Cape Town has brought back so many memories. Every stunt, every challenge and every emotion come rushing back. It was another unforgettable journey, and I’m grateful that I got to experience it all over again.

2. After completing the season, what would you say matters more on Khatron Ke Khiladi physical strength or mental strength?
A. After doing this show multiple times, I can confidently say that Khatron Ke Khiladi is a game of the mind. Physical fitness definitely helps, but mental strength is what truly takes you forward. The contestants who stay calm, focused and composed under pressure are the ones who perform well. This season only reinforced that belief for me. If your mind is centred, your body follows.

3. Looking back across all your seasons, which stunt is still the hardest for you to forget?
A. Earlier, I would have said the gas chamber stunt because it was one of the most physically and mentally exhausting experiences, I’ve ever had on Khatron Ke Khiladi. But after completing this season, I think the benchmark has completely changed. Darr Ka Naya Daur has taken the level of stunts to another level. From the bullet stunt to the vacuum stunt and several other challenges, every task pushed us in a completely different way. You’ll see that this season is unlike anything we’ve done before. The scale, the intensity and the unpredictability are on another level, and honestly, there are quite a few new stunts that have now replaced the gas chamber as some of my toughest experiences on the show.

4. Looking back, what challenged you the most during this season?
A. Heights have always tested me the most. Even after doing the show before, there’s something about standing hundreds of feet above the ground that never feels normal. Every season throws something unexpected at you though. It could be heights, creepy crawlies or a stunt that completely catches you off guard. That’s the beauty of Khatron Ke Khiladi, you can never really prepare for everything.

5. This season, your friendship with Karan Wahi and Avinash Mishra became one of the highlights for fans. Tell us about that camaraderie.
A. Honestly, one of the biggest takeaways from this season has been the friendships. Karan and I have shared a bond for years, so having him there made the experience even more enjoyable. Avinash blended into the group effortlessly, and the three of us had a great time together. We laughed, pulled each other’s leg, motivated one another before stunts and were there for each other during difficult moments. That’s the beautiful part about this show, you come for the stunts, but you leave with relationships that stay with you.

6. Rohit Shetty has guided contestants through this journey for years. How would you describe him after yet another season together?
A. Rohit sir has always been a mentor to all of us. Whether he’s encouraging you or pulling you up when you’ve made a mistake, everything comes from a place of wanting you to become better. What audiences don’t always get to see is his lighter side. He jokes around with us, creates a relaxed atmosphere and genuinely enjoys spending time with the contestants. That’s what makes working with him so special.

7. Two episodes into the season, what do you think makes Darr Ka Naya Daur different from the previous editions?
A. I knew the team was going to raise the bar because that’s what they’ve done season after season. But after experiencing it firsthand, I can say this season really is bigger in every sense. The stunts are more innovative, the twists are unexpected and every challenge demands complete focus. Even contestants who’ve done the show before found themselves facing situations they’d never encountered. That’s what makes Darr Ka Naya Daur so exciting.

8. What would you like to say to everyone who’s already started watching the show?
A. Thank you for all the love you’ve shown us after the first few episodes. It means a lot. Trust me, you’ve only seen the beginning. There are many more unbelievable stunts, emotional moments and surprises coming your way. Keep watching Khatron Ke Khiladi Darr Ka Naya Daur at 9:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday on COLORS and JioHotstar because the adventure is only getting bigger from here.

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.