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Rohit Shetty: Contestants won't eat worms in Khatron Ke Khiladi 5

From Chennai Express to Singham 2, Rohit Shetty is between two blockbuster films and is quite kicked about his newest stint as host on Khatron Ke Khiladi's latest season. 

Director Rohit Shetty, known for his signature brand of action sequences in his films, has taken over hosting reins for reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi's latest season.

Set to be aired on Colors from March, the show's shooting will start very soon in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Here, Shetty talks to Rajul Hegde about his new project and what the audience can expect from it.

What was your reaction when you were invited to host Khatron Ke Khiladi?

Initially, I was like, 'how can I do it? I'm working on my upcoming film Singham 2.'

Also, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra have anchored the show in the past so I was worried about looking like a complete misfit.

I have done a couple of shows on TV before -- Comedy Circus and  Big Switch -- so I wasn't insecure about appearing on TV. When they came to me with the format, I felt I could do it.

The format this season is quite entertaining and different from the earlier seasons.

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'I never think negative'

How worried are you about the show's TRPs? All the three seasons hosted by Akshay Kumar were a hit while the one hosted by Priyanka Chopra got a lukewarm response.

I never think negative. My entire energy is focused on doing good things. Challenges are everywhere, whether I make a film or a TV show.

My attitude is to do my best. How it will be accepted is something we can’t predict.

Are you designing the stunts for the show?

I am working hard on it, designing the stunts and safety measures. I am enjoying it. It is a new adventure. In films, you can do retakes but it’s not the same here.

We have planned different kinds of stunts in every episode which will look dangerous. I have to take care of these people as they are not stunt actors. There is a lot of responsibility.

What is your biggest fear?

I have been trained by my father (fight master M B Shetty) and then Veeru Devgan. It is all about training.

On an emotional level there is the fear of losing your loved ones. Like I get worried if my son is late coming back from school. The fear is always there for your family.

There will be some other kind of fears that I will come to know of when I face them.

 

'The problem is that action is in our DNA'

What have you learnt from your father as far as action and stunts are concerned?

It is important to be a good human being. He was a great human being and would think about workers and team members. I try to do the same.

How difficult is it to tell your seven-year-old son not to copy your stunts/actions?

The problem is that action is in our DNA. He is undergoing training and he does somersaults.

The show has the disclaimer ‘Do not try these things as participants are trained’. I try to stop my son from doing it but he doesn't stop.

I am not trying to create fear in him but technically I try to tell him that this is not the age to do it.

He has to get trained in these things properly and then do it.

 

'I don't create controversies to make contestants fight'

How are you planning to prepare the contestants?

I don’t create controversies to make contestants fight. I want to give a new colour to the show since the show will be aired at 9 pm.

I want to motivate the family audience by bringing a lot of humour and emotional stories. I want to take the fear out of it.

Will your crew follow you to South Africa for the shooting of the show?

My crew is preparing for Singham 2. The moment I land here we will be doing a huge action sequence. The film this time is based in Mumbai so we are shooting action sequences here.

The team is planning things. We are doing action on a large scale. But they will join me for few stunts and then go back.

Are you planning to release it on Independence Day?

Yes.

'Shah Rukh Khan and I are working together for a film again'

Will you have stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone on the show?

We are at the planning stage. It is not final yet.

We are trying to focus on stunts. Earlier, there were army officers as well but this time all celebrities are going to be there.

So their safety is the main concern for us. We are still working on the format of the show, trying to bring more entertainment on the show.

In earlier seasons, participants ate insects, worms etc. This time we will not have that. The show airs at dinner time and is for a family audience.

Will there be any participants from the show in Singham 2?

We have already locked all the actors for the film. We just have to begin the shoot.

Any plans for a sequel to Chennai Express?

At present, there are no plans of a sequel.

Chennai Express doesn't require it but Shah Rukh Khan and I are working together for a film again.

'I wonder if I have a rate card for TV'

Have you increased your remuneration after the success of Chennai Express?

I wonder if I have a rate card for TV.

I want to issue a public notice that the money doesn't come to me, it is distributed by producers, distributors and exhibitors.

Salman Khan’s Jai Ho didn't do well at the box office compared to Chennai Express and Dhoom 3. Why do you think?

Chennai Express and Dhoom 3 happened last year.

Jai Ho released this year. You cannot compare it. It is a phase, ups and downs keep happening.