Shagun Sharma on quitting Kyunki for Khatron Ke Khiladi: Wanted to grow in life
Actor Shagun Sharma said she has only taken a break from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to join Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. She said the team supported her wish to grow, try non-fiction and overcome her fears.
Television actor Shagun Sharma is stepping into unfamiliar territory with Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, and she is already excited about it. But days before she flew out to participate in the Rohit Shetty-hosted series, the internet got busy speculating about her quitting Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi for this reality debut.
In an exclusive chat with India Today, the actor admitted that reality television was never really part of the plan. In fact, just a few months ago, she had outright rejected the idea of doing the show. She also shared that she's currently on a break from the Smriti Irani show, and her return will depend on what the writers decide for her character.
Shagun Sharma on saying yes to KKK
"Every time someone asked me about the show, I would say no. But when I was approached, I said yes before, and thought about it later. I think it was just meant to be," Sharma smiled to say. The actor expressed that she is scared of heights and hopes to conquer her fears through the adventure-based show.
With discussions around her exit from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi dominating conversations online, Sharma clarified that she has not quit the show altogether.
‘I have not quit the show’
“I have no idea who spread the rumour that I am quitting. I just never said anything about it. I have not quit the show, I have only taken a little break for this. As for my return, it totally depends on the writers. If they want me back, they’ll write it. If they don’t, they won’t," she said in a calm tone.
The actor also reflected on the emotional side of walking away, even temporarily, from a show that had become such a significant part of her journey. Working alongside Smriti Irani and being part of a legacy television franchise naturally came with its own pressures. But Sharma says the support she received from the team made the decision easier.
Team supported her decision
“The fact that you’re doing a show and if you leave it in between, people have some angst against you, or they feel a certain way. But with this show, they were all very okay with me wanting to grow in life, wanting to do something different, wanting to try non-fiction. Emotionally, everybody just supported me,” she said.
On working with Smriti Irani
And when asked about her experience working with Irani, the actor instantly replied, “She’s very down-to-earth, very sweet, very humble. She doesn’t carry that thing [of being a senior]. Not at all.”
Why KKK felt safer than other reality shows
As the actor steps into the reality TV space, Sharma also seemed aware of the kind of format she is easing herself into. Unlike shows like Bigg Boss, which is built entirely around personality clashes and constant surveillance, KKK felt safer to her emotionally.
The actor said, “I think it’s a very good thing that Khatron is not going to be full-on about how I behave or what my opinions are. It’s more stunt-based. So somewhere it’s like I am going into the reality zone, but also in a comfort zone.”
Though she laughed off conversations about eventually doing Bigg Boss, she did admit that life has a funny way of surprising people. “I kept saying no to Khatron, and here I am. Sometimes things you think will never happen, exactly happen.”
After fiction and reality, films, of course, remain a dream for Shagun, as she said, "No actor will say no to films. I think we all deep inside want to be a part of a good project where we can express ourselves and show our craft.”
Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 will soon air on Colors TV.