Arjun Kapoor takes over from filmmaker Rohit Shetty to host Season 7 of Khatron Ke Khiladi, the action reality show on Colors that tests contestants on their ability and tenacity to overcome their fears. Before zipping off to Argentina to shoot his TV debut, the 2 States hunk spoke to t2.

Good to know you’ll be hosting Khatron Ke Khiladi this season. One more reason to watch the show…

Thanks a ton, man! I feel good, already (smiles). 

When you were approached for the show, was it an instant ‘Let’s do it!’ or was it ‘Let’s think about it?’

I was excited about the offer for sure. But yes, I did take some time to say ‘yes’ to it fully. I was happy about being offered a show like this so early in my career, but there was some back-and-forth that happened between these guys (producer Endemol India and broadcast channel Colors) because I wanted all of us to be on the same page regarding everything. We spoke about it and finally, I took the decision to do it. 
One major reason why I was excited about being offered Khatron Ke Khiladi is that arguably this is the only show that allows the host to be involved in what’s happening and not be a judge, per se. I don’t feel that I have reached a stage when I can start judging people, given that I am only three years old in the industry. I want to be a host… and nothing more than just a host, a friend and a guide to the contestants. I would rather be a positive influence and even someone who sometimes reprimands the contestants… but never be in a position where I need to judge anyone. That’s where the sync and synergy of the show made sense to me. 

Have you watched previous editions of the show?

I have seen the original (Fear Factor). I have also seen Khatron Ke Khiladi… some of Rohit (Shetty) sir’s episodes and also Akshay (Kumar) sir in Seasons I and II. I also watched Priyanka’s (Chopra) episodes. So I am actually quite aware of the show. That’s why I didn’t need to think twice about the show or the format when I was offered it. It’s not a new show… it’s a franchise. There’s a love that the show has inherently… an audience base that it enjoys… that gives me a certain comfort and allows me to bring in my own style and energy, without worrying about whether people will tune in or not. Being a young enough actor, I wanted to do something energetic on television as my debut and Khatron Ke Khiladi made complete sense. 

Are you a daredevil by nature? Would you be the first one to queue up to go bungee jumping?

I am never overtly excited about anything… that’s just not me. But yes, I will definitely be one among the first few to queue up! (Laughs) I am someone who is always willing to do things… I am not averse to trying out new experiences at all. 

What are you looking forward to the most during your stint on Khatron Ke Khiladi?

Everything, to be honest. For me, this is like making my debut. I feel like a child in a candy store. I am still very nervous… I am excited… intrigued. There’s so much to learn… so much to do. It’s a show being shot outside the country (Argentina). I am looking forward to the travel… to be one with the crew and the contestants. For me, it’s almost like going there and shooting Ishaqzaade (Arjun’s Bolly debut) all over again. 
I am a newcomer on TV. It’s a new format and a new performance. I think I am most excited about being myself on the show because this will be an extension of me and my personality. I want to show who I actually am to the audience. 

Do you remember the first action shot you did on screen and are you someone who gets nervous before doing an action scene?

I quite like doing action. It’s not as difficult as some people make it out to be. I remember for Ishaqzaade there was a whole chase sequence on a bike. I had no idea how to ride a bike before that film (smiles). I was quite excited to not only learn how to do it but also see how it comes across on screen. In Gunday, we had a lot of hardcore stunts. I had to jump off a ship. We also had some really tough action scenes on top of a moving train. 

Salman Khan has been your mentor for years and he does a great job of hosting Bigg Boss. Any inspiration there?

The most amazing bit about Salman bhai is how he manages to be so himself on the show. That is the best way to be when you are hosting or judging reality television. You should be honest to yourself because that translates on screen as well. 

Finally, who would you pick as a ‘khatron ka khiladi’ from among your contemporaries and the generation of actors just above?

Well, they have chosen me to be ‘khatron ka khiladi’, so I guess I will take my name only (smiles). Among the others, I will pick Akshay because he is the true khiladi. He’s done his own stunts… he’s been on top of planes, trains, automobiles, you name it…. he’s fantastic at action and he’s hosted the show so well. I think he’s done five films (it’s actually eight) with the word ‘Khiladi’ in the title… so he totally deserves it. 

Arjun will make a good Khatron Ke Khiladi host because.... Tell t2@abp.in