Oct 20, 2026 1:41pm IST
Shabir Ahluwalia and Kanchi Kaul On The Reality TV Boom And Her Return to the Screen After 12 Years (EXCLUSIVE)
One of television’s popular couples, Shabir Ahluwalia and Kanchi Kaul, are now a part of “Dhamaal with Pati Patni Aur Panga – Jodiyon Ka Reality Check.” Kaul is returning to television after a 12-year break, and she says she couldn’t have asked for a better project to mark her return. The two spoke to Variety India about working together and the rise of reality TV over the years.
After 12 years away from television, how special is it for you both to share the screen as Kanchi returns to television?
Kanchi Kaul: Doing this show is a big step towards getting back to work. My break was planned, as I wanted to spend time with my sons, Azai and Ivarr, when they were young. I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback than a show with Shabir.
Shabir Ahluwalia: I am very happy she is back, and even happier we are sharing the stage. We have been rehearsing for this day as a couple for the last 18 years (laughs). Fans will get to see us in a show that is a lot of fun.
Reality TV has evolved significantly. What do you think of unscripted reality content becoming such a dominant part of Indian television?
Shabir Ahluwalia: In my early years, definitely not. We hardly had any reality shows. I remember hosting “Nach Baliye,” one of the few shows that featured live voting back then. I never thought reality shows would become so big in India.
Kanchi Kaul: Times have changed, and so have audiences. As actors, we have to be prepared to accept that change. Reality TV is prominent right now.
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Shabir and Sriti Jha’s pairing in ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ remains popular, with fans posting reels and thirst traps. What do you make of this enduring popularity?
Kanchi Kaul: He's been married way too many times, and he's been on many honeymoons (laughs). One reason I married him is that he is hot (laughs). He is very attractive and deserves the attention he gets.
Shabir, how do you react to the attention you receive on social media, especially the thirst traps and fan posts about you?
Shabir Ahluwalia: I thank my stars it is happening. An actor works hard to be recognized and to get the adulation. It feels good to see your work on different social media platforms and know it's appreciated. Also, feedback is instant these days. That wasn’t the case when I started 15-20 years ago. It feels like a video game in which the audience holds the remote.
Shabir, what kind of role would you like to see Kanchi take on in her next screen outing?
Shabir Ahluwalia: A project in which she plays my girlfriend (laughs). On a serious note, I hope she gets the kind of roles she wants.
What role would you like to see Kanchi in for her next screen outing after this?
Shabir Ahluwalia: In a project where she plays my girlfriend (laughs). On a serious note, she should get the roles she wants. It is her call. I want to see her in roles, which I can’t describe in this interview (laughs).
Kanchi Kaul: He is crazy. This is why he stays away from interviews (laughs).
Shabir, you are playing a green-flag male lead in “Oh Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera.” Given that you are known for your bad-boy roles, how different is this character?
Shabir Ahluwalia: Rakshit’s character is completely different from what I have done before. I have always loved playing flawed characters. This is one of the first characters I am playing who has so many wonderful qualities. He is almost too perfect. When I took on this character, I wondered what I could add to his personality. Such characters can be a bit boring. So, I thought we could add some mischief and naughtiness to his personality. Rakshit is lovable, but he's also believable. That was my mantra for playing him.
What kind of content do you enjoy watching as a couple?
Shabir Ahluwalia: Horror. It is a pity we missed out on “Resident Evil” in theatres because of this shoot.
Kanchi Kaul: Horror films are our thing. We are not much into reality TV.
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