Aditi Sharma, a household name thanks to her successful role in “Jaadoo Hai Jinn Ka,” recently made headlines after her stint on “Khatron Ke Khiladi 14.” The show, known for its daring stunts and adrenaline-pumping challenges, saw Aditi perform commendably, but her journey was cut short after a misstep in one of the tasks. In a candid conversation with Navbharat Times.com, Aditi opened up about her experience on the show, her views on fellow contestants, and an eye-opening revelation regarding the casting couch in the entertainment industry.
A Unique Experience in ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’
Participating in Khatron Ke Khiladi is not something every actor gets to do, and Aditi acknowledged how special the opportunity was for her. Reflecting on her time in the show, she explained that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I probably would not have been able to have such an experience even if I had paid money. There would be very few people who would want to have a snake hanging around their neck, insects raining on them, or catching cockroaches and scorpions with their hands,” she said.
Aditi emphasized that while it was an intense journey, it was made memorable by the friends she made, the crew she worked with, and the safety provided during each task. Despite the challenges, she found the experience enriching.
“Every day there is a new experience, a new pressure. So it was a very good journey,” Aditi added, showing her appreciation for the show and the team behind it.
Disappointment Over Not Getting a Second Chance
However, Aditi also admitted to feeling disappointed after being eliminated. She expressed that she hoped for a second chance, much like fellow contestants Shilpa Shinde and Krishna, who were reintroduced into the game.
“Yaar, I really wanted it. I also thought that who knows, they might call me back. There was always hope,” Aditi confessed, clearly still wishing things had played out differently.
She did not shy away from admitting that she felt hurt when Shilpa and Krishna were allowed to return, but she wasn’t. She believed that if she had been given another chance, she could have performed better and proven her mettle.
“But then I thought that this is a game. It is the decision of the channel, team, and crew, and if they keep calling everyone, then no one gets out,” she said, making peace with the situation.
The Incident with Asim Riaz: Behind the Scenes of Tension
One of the notable controversies during Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 involved Asim Riaz. Niyati Fatnani, another contestant, had previously revealed that not everything that happened on set was shown on the episode. When asked about it, Aditi confirmed that there was more than what viewers saw on their screens.
“It is absolutely true that a lot more things happened than what was shown to you onscreen,” she said, highlighting the editing choices made by the show’s producers.
Aditi, however, didn’t want to keep bringing up Asim’s name. She acknowledged that while Asim is a good person, his reactions were sometimes extreme, and everyone has their own trigger points. One such incident that left Aditi hurt was when Asim lashed out, calling his fellow contestants derogatory names.
“One evening you were sitting with us, talking, having fun, joking. In the morning during the stunt, we were supporting you, saying ‘Asim, you can do it.’ Then suddenly getting triggered without any reason and calling us all a bunch of pigs… it was just a fun joke going on, yaar.” Aditi revealed how much this change in behavior had upset her.
She also pointed out that the scolding from host Rohit Shetty, which may have added to Asim’s stress, was not unwarranted. Rohit Shetty, known for his tough but fair attitude, had reasons to be disappointed when contestants failed to perform stunts that had been rehearsed multiple times.
“Sir felt bad that if someone could not do it, then he will definitely scold us. He was not targeting anyone, but Asim became rude with him. He immediately started fighting,” Aditi recounted.
What was not shown in the episode, according to Aditi, was the depth of the argument, and how it had shaken both her and Niyati, causing them to cry.
Rohit Shetty’s Composure in Handling the Situation
The situation escalated to the point that Rohit Shetty’s bodyguard had to come to the set, but the director and host managed the situation with calmness and maturity.
“Rohit Sir handled it so well. He was so calm and composed that he did not say anything to Asim despite being provoked,” Aditi shared, expressing her admiration for how Rohit Shetty kept the situation under control without letting it escalate further.
Shilpa Shinde and Aditi’s Changing Equation
The conversation also touched on Shilpa Shinde, who had supported Asim during the incident. While Shilpa had said that Asim was triggered, Aditi disagreed.
“I don’t think so because we were very normal. If it comes to triggering, then everyone was having fun. And I was also made fun of. This was a part of entertainment,” Aditi said, suggesting that Asim’s reactions were not justified by the situation.
Aditi further spoke about her relationship with Shilpa, admitting that she felt betrayed at one point.
“Shilpa is a friend now, but even at that time, we had a good conversation. Everything was good, but still she did this, and I was like, ‘What kind of flip is this!’ One moment you’re sweet, the next moment you’re different,” Aditi shared.
She explained that while Shilpa was very sweet to her off-camera, her behavior on-screen sometimes changed. Aditi was left feeling confused and hurt by Shilpa’s sudden switch in attitude.
The Ugly Reality of Casting Couch in the Entertainment Industry
One of the most important revelations Aditi made during her interview was about her experiences with the casting couch in the industry. As someone who entered the industry without any connections, Aditi shared how she had been approached with inappropriate proposals.
“As I don’t have any parents here and didn’t know anyone in the industry, many people tried to connect, tried to talk to me. They would say, ‘Come and meet me in the evening,’ or ‘Come alone,'” she recounted.
Aditi explained that she always made sure to take someone with her to such meetings, whether it was a family member or her manager, to avoid any misunderstandings. She was clear in her stance that she wouldn’t tolerate any inappropriate behavior or comments.
One particular incident left her disturbed when a manager hinted that if women could wear certain outfits on social media, there should be no issue with doing bold content in acting.
“Whatever girls do is their personal choice, but my wish is that I do not want to do all this. If you are hinting something like this to me, then I am not interested,” Aditi firmly told the person in question.
She emphasized that she would rather lose out on work than compromise on her values, sending a strong message about integrity in an industry that often tests it.
Facing the Pressures of Reality TV and Industry Expectations
Aditi’s journey on Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 and her experiences in the entertainment industry highlight the immense pressure that actors face, both on and off-screen. From dealing with personal challenges, like disappointment over not getting a second chance, to handling complex relationships with co-stars like Asim Riaz and Shilpa Shinde, Aditi’s honesty is refreshing.
Her candid admission of facing the casting couch shows the darker side of the industry that often remains hidden. Aditi Sharma’s resilience, professionalism, and determination to stay true to herself, both in her personal and professional life, are qualities that make her stand out in a competitive field.
