Popular television actor Rithvik Dhanjani, who is set to appear as a contestant on the upcoming season of "Khatron Ke Khiladi 15," has asserted that participating in reality shows does not diminish his acting career. The actor, known for his roles in daily soaps such as "Pavitra Rishta" and "Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahani," has also been a contestant on reality series like "Nach Baliye 6" and "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 8." Additionally, Dhanjani has hosted popular reality shows including "Super Dancer," "India's Best Dramebaaz," and "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11."
Reality TV and Acting: Separate Creative Spaces
In an interview with PTI, Dhanjani explained that reality television has never overshadowed his acting work. "They haven't overshadowed my acting work and they never did. These are just different wonderful mediums because they offer me a wide variety of exploring my personality trait. Like, when I'm hosting a show, I'm a different person, and I'm going to be different on 'Khatron Ke Khiladi.' I'll be different when I'm acting on a project. I don't think they collide," he said.
The actor further elaborated on his unique skills, stating, "I know what I bring to the table when I'm acting, playing a character, when I'm being directed, and I'm so proud of that skill that I've. And that skill cannot be overshadowed, it's personal, it's me. I'm unique in my own way and in no way can somebody else be me, nor can I be somebody else."
Breaking Stereotypes Across Mediums
Having worked across television, reality shows, and OTT platforms, Dhanjani does not subscribe to the notion of being confined to a particular medium. He believes that the concept of actors being "stereotyped" is a matter of perspective. "These are moulds that we've created, and in reality, we think they exist, but do they? They don't. When I walked onto the first set of my life, I truly loved the feeling I had on the set and that's the feeling I want to live for the rest of my life," said Dhanjani.
The 37-year-old actor, who has appeared in the film "Jo Hum Chahein" and OTT series like "Cartel" and "Half Love Half Arranged," revealed that his approach to work is driven more by instinct and passion than by calculated career moves. "If there's any project, it could be any medium, and it sparks something inside of me, I'll do it. I'm here to entertain the world while keeping my heart chirpy, the child in me alive and happy," he explained.
Return to Khatron Ke Khiladi
Dhanjani, who previously participated in "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6" and "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 10," expressed both nervousness and excitement about the new season. "There are nervous energies (about 'KKK') even though you do something new, or even though you've done it before. I'm going into the show with all the nervous energies and with the experience that I've, I'll try to do my best," he said.
The upcoming season, hosted by filmmaker Rohit Shetty, features a lineup of celebrity contestants including Rubina Dilaik, Jasmin Bhasin, Karan Wahi, Gaurav Khanna, Vishal Aditya Singh, Avika Gor, Farrhana Bhatt, Avinash Mishra, Shagun Sharma, Ruhaanika Dhawan, comedian Harsh Gujral, and influencer Orhan Awatramani (Orry). Filming for the adventure and stunt-based reality show is currently underway in Cape Town, South Africa, and the show will soon air on Colors TV.
