Aug 05, 2026 1:57pm IST
‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’: Gaurav Khanna and Rubina Dilaik’s Injuries Raise The Question — Is Reality TV Pushing Its Limits? (EXCLUSIVE)
“Khatron Ke Khiladi 15” contestant Gaurav Khanna recently shared a photo on Instagram showing injury marks on his back after participating in a stunt for the reality show. He termed it his “most painful experience ever.” Rubina Dilaik took part in a stunt involving a helicopter and water that led to her being hospitalized after she lost consciousness. This season of the show has a mix of new contestants along with some from the previous seasons. Variety India discusses how confident actors are before joining such reality shows.
Exposure Matters
Varun Sood, who is a judge on “Roadies” and was a finalist on “Khatron Ke Khiladi 11,” feels that contestants know what they’re signing up for. He says, “Youngsters who participate in ‘Roadies’ are looking for an entry to the world of showbiz. It is a platform for people who have no connection to the world of entertainment. They know there will be physical tasks, and injuries are part and parcel of the same.” About “Khatron Ke Khiladi,” he says that the safety protocols on sets are of the highest standards. He shares, “The makers have been doing this for many years and know the risks. There is a fully-trained medical team at every location. And people who sign up for it know that there is always a chance of injury. I fractured my cheekbone during my season. It was a great season nevertheless.” Stunt-based show “Khatron Ke Khiladi” has consistently ranked high on TRP charts, making it one of the most successful and stable shows.
Karan Wahi confesses that Rohit Shetty’s stunt-based show is his favorite. He was a contestant in season eight and is back for the new one. Wahi believes that actors take up such shows knowing that safety and precautions are always in place. He shares, “I am an example of it. I’ve been a part of it three times, and from the beginning, we are clearly told about the dos and don’ts. How to go ahead in a stunt and how much we can push ourselves. Everything is explained in detail.”
Avika Gor, who is a part of “Khatron Ke Khiladi 15,” also agrees that participants are mentally prepared for the challenging environment. She feels there is a level of trust in the planning that gives the participants confidence. Gor tells Variety India, “From everything I’ve experienced, these shows involve extensive planning, professional stunt teams, medical support, safety briefings and multiple checks before any stunt is attempted.”
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Matter Of Luck
Vishal Aditya Singh, who was a contestant in “Khatron Ke Khiladi 11,” is back for the current season. However, he had to bid adieu due to a ligament injury in his shoulder. The actor, who is recuperating, has no complaints. He says, “The team that handles the logistics is top-class. I feel people who enter the show know it is an adventure and stunt-based show that needs a certain level of fitness and risk-taking. No unpleasant calamity has ever occurred on the show so far. Yes, injuries can happen, but such accidents can happen in daily life too. There is the luck factor. It is a tragedy that I had to leave it midway due to the injury.”
After Khanna’s pictures went viral, Deepak Dhar, CEO of Banijay Asia, told Hindustan Times in a statement that the show was “not at all brutal.” He further said the show was in its 15th season and was filmed abroad where safety procedures were followed to the “absolute maximum.”
Rohit Shetty Keeps a Watchful Eye
Wahi adds that it is up to the contestants to gauge how much of a daredevil he or she can be in the show. He explains, “There is a very thin line between being a daredevil and being egoistic. Also, when it comes to insurance and other aspects of safety protocols, actors are aware of them. Stunts are performed under the supervision of teams who know what they’re doing.”
Gor stresses that the show is not about taking reckless risks for entertainment. She says, “It’s about pushing your boundaries in a controlled environment. The thrill of the show comes from overcoming fear, not from compromising someone’s well-being. Every contestant also has the responsibility to gauge their limits and communicate openly if something doesn’t feel right.”
Highlighting the role of filmmaker and host Rohit Shetty, Wahi states, “He’s completely involved. So, I genuinely feel there isn’t any chance of long-term damage to anybody. It hasn’t happened in all these years. Every performer should follow the rules. If you don’t follow the safety protocols, there are chances of injury.”
Striking the Right Balance
Gor believes that entertainment can be thrilling yet responsible. She says, “It’s reassuring to know that there are safety measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety. When it comes to designing stunts, I believe that the creators are responsible for striking the right balance. The audience loves seeing contestants face difficult challenges, but the excitement should never come at the cost of someone’s health. I think the best shows are the ones that continue to innovate while ensuring that every challenge is backed by the highest possible safety standards.”
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