Filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who is also hosting Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, has responded to concerns over the safety of the show’s stunts following criticism from viewers. In a recent interview, the 52-year-old filmmaker said the tasks are intended to push contestants beyond their comfort zones while being conducted under the supervision of trained professionals and extensive safety protocols.
His comments came after contestants Gaurav Khanna and Karan Wahi spoke about a rubber-bullet stunt that left them with severe bruising on their backs. Another task involving hot wax also triggered criticism from viewers.
Speaking to Variety India, Shetty said safety remains the show’s top priority. He explained that every stunt is carefully planned and executed with experienced professionals overseeing the process and strict safety measures in place. He also said he personally contributes ideas to the stunt design based on his years of experience working in action films.
Shetty highlighted the difference between performing action in movies and taking part in Khatron Ke Khiladi. According to him, film actors have rehearsals, choreography, technology and an entire crew supporting them, besides portraying fictional characters. On Khatron Ke Khiladi, contestants face the challenges as themselves, meaning the fear and pressure are genuine.
He said the latest season, titled Darr Ka Naya Daur, was designed to take those physical and psychological challenges further.
Discussing the current season, Shetty said the show has always enjoyed a strong connection with viewers. Since it returned after a break, the team wanted its comeback to feel bigger, newer and worth the wait.
He added that while the show retains the elements audiences have always enjoyed, the latest season increases the difficulty of the stunts, expands their scale and introduces greater psychological challenges. The unpredictable nature of the contestants, he said, also adds to the excitement.
What prompted the reaction
Earlier, Gaurav Khanna, Vishal Aditya Singh, Shagun Sharma and Karan Wahi participated in a stunt that resulted in injuries for all four contestants. Shetty introduced the ‘Fear Fanda’, which is given to contestants facing the possibility of elimination. Contestants were then asked to nominate two participants from each team for the elimination stunt. Gaurav and Shagun were chosen from the new batch, while Karan and Vishal represented the old batch.
The stunt was particularly difficult for Shagun, who became emotional while dealing with the pain. Jasmin Bhasin supported her and argued that giving up because of severe pain should not be treated as weakness. She encouraged Shagun not to exceed her physical limits and risk a serious injury.
During the second week, Rubina Dilaik, Ruhaanika Dhawan, Harsh Gujral and Vishal Aditya Singh received the ‘Fear Fanda’ and were assigned another elimination challenge based on pain endurance.
The contestants had to collect hot wax poured directly onto their hands over a 10-minute period. The participant who accumulated the most wax would be safe from elimination.
As criticism surrounding the stunts increased, Banijay CEO Deepak Dhar defended the show’s safety standards. He said the programme was not excessively brutal and explained that although fear is an essential part of the format, the production takes place at an international location where safety checks, procedures and protocols are followed extensively.
The season’s contestants include Avinash Mishra, Farrhana Bhat, Shagun Sharma, Avika Gor, Orhan Awatramani (Orry), Harsh Gujral, Jasmin Bhasin, Rubina Dilaik, Karan Wahi, Rithvik Dhanjani, Vishal Aditya Singh and Gaurav Khanna.
Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 airs on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 PM on Colors TV and is also available to stream on JioHotstar.
