Aug 25, 2026 10:28am IST
‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 15’ Host Rohit Shetty On The Safety Debate: ‘The Stunts Are Designed to Challenge Contestants and Test Their Limits’ (EXCLUSIVE)
“Khatron Ke Khiladi 15” is a top-rated reality series with streaming numbers making it the top non-fiction launch of 2026. Produced by Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, “Khatron Ke Khiladi 15” is back after a hiatus of a year.
Sharing his joy with Variety India, host Rohit Shetty says, “What excites me most is seeing audiences genuinely engage with the show. When people are discussing the stunts, rooting for contestants and talking about moments from the show, that tells you the connection is there.” In a candid conversation, the filmmaker-host reveals what makes the reality series such an enduring success.
Excerpts from an interview….
Which is one stunt you would ace in ‘KKK15’ and one you would be afraid of?
Over the course of my career, I have not only performed countless stunts but have also designed and planned action sequences for my films. Having experienced action from both sides, it’s difficult for me to pick one stunt that I would particularly want to attempt or be afraid of. Every stunt that the team designs for the show has my own inputs, drawn from my understanding of action that I have built over the years.
How tough is it to do action in films and in ‘KKK15’?
Action in films and action in”KKK15” are very different. In films, you have rehearsals, choreography, technology and a whole team working around you. You are also playing a character. On “Khatron,” there is no character. It is you against the stunt. The fear is real, the pressure is real and there is no hiding. That is what makes Khatron so exciting. This season, with “Darr Ka Naya Daur,” we wanted to take that fear to another level, physically as well as mentally.
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If you had to make a Hindi cinema line-up for “KKK15,” who would be your top five?
We have some incredible action talent in our industry, so picking just five would be difficult. Each of them brings their own style, personality and approach to action, and I think they would all be remarkable if they ever took on the challenges of “Khatron Ke Khiladi.”
How do you gauge a contestant?
The first thing I look at is not how fearless someone is, because everyone feels fear. Fear is natural. What really matters is how you respond to it and whether you can stay composed when you’re under pressure.
Of course, physical fitness, mental strength, focus and the ability to quickly understand and execute a stunt are important. But beyond all of that, there is an instinct and an X-factor that you simply cannot measure.
Over the years, we’ve had contestants who arrived looking extremely confident but struggled when faced with certain fears, and then there have been people who surprised everyone.
Do you feel contestants prepare hard for ‘KKK’ or rely on luck?
You can't come to “Khatron” relying on luck. The contestants do prepare physically, but I think the bigger preparation is mental. When you're standing at a height, facing an animal or doing something that genuinely scares you, your preparation is tested at that moment. You have to control your mind. Ultimately, the show is not about who is the strongest person in the room. It's about who can keep going when fear takes over.
The numbers ‘KKK15’ has got this season are almost unprecedented for a reality TV show. What would you attribute this success to?
“Khatron Ke Khiladi” has always had a very strong connection with its audience and because the series was returning after a break, the team was very clear that the comeback had to feel bigger, fresher and worth the wait. That was really the thought behind “Darr Ka Naya Daur.” The show has retained everything audiences love about “Khatron Ke Khiladi,”’ but pushed the format further; the stunts are tougher, the scale is bigger, the fears are more psychological and the contestants bring a lot of unpredictability.
The injuries this season led to some chatter on social media. What would you say to fans of the show?
Safety has always been our first priority on “KKK15”. The stunts are designed to challenge contestants and test their limits. Every stunt is planned and executed under the supervision of experienced professionals with extensive safety measures.
Has this show changed your idea of action in films?
“Khatron Ke Khiladi” has only strengthened what I have always believed: fear and courage cannot be scripted. I have been designing action for years, but “Khatron…” lets me experience the human side of action in its rawest form.
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