“I have overcome my fear of acrophobia on COLORS’ ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’” says Nyrraa M Banerji

Surviving in a jungle is no cakewalk because the biggest challenge is to beat the ultimate beast, one's own fear. Raising the fear factor to a whole new level, India's favorite stunt-based reality show, Maruti Suzuki presents 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 13', has recently returned on COLORS with an exciting jungle-themed season. The undisputed action maestro and host of the show, Rohit Shetty, continues to test the courage of daredevil contestants with never-seen-before stunts in the wilderness of Cape Town, South Africa. The gorgeous television actor Nyrraa M Banerji shares her experience of conquering her fears.

1. Tell us something about your overall shoot experience for COLORS’ Khatron Ke Khiladi 13 in Cape Town.

A. Cape Town's scenic beauty and impressive infrastructure mesmerized us. The excitement of performing stunts on ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’ in such a faraway and stunning location added to the thrill. Despite the extremely cold weather, we were in the middle of wonderful locales, grasslands, and majestic mountains. Cape Town was the picturesque backdrop for our stunts, and when we weren't performing, we would appreciate the city's charm. However, the cold weather presented an additional challenge. Nonetheless, we were fortunate to have an edition filled with new and modified stunts, with very few aborts. Almost everyone attempted the stunts, and the word "abort" was used sparingly. We were consumed by the excitement of performing under the guidance and motivation of Rohit sir. We consider ourselves extremely lucky, and now I'm missing it all.

2. What fears did you overcome during this accelerating journey, and what were the challenges you faced?

A.  I used to experience vertigo when looking down from heights, I have overcome my fear of acrophobia ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’. During a particular stunt in Cape Town, I performed well but couldn't bring myself to jump due to fear of water. I always had a fear of drowning, although I loved the water and enjoyed playing in it. In the week before heading to Cape Town, I learned to swim and received positive feedback on my swimming abilities. However, the cold water in Cape Town was a shock to my body, and I struggled to acclimatize to it initially. It took a few water stunts for me to realize that staying further down and allowing my body to numb up was the key to acclimatization. Despite overcoming my fear of water and performing well in a few water-related stunts, I am still disappointed with how I’ve handled my fear of heights.

3. Which was your first stunt and how did you feel when you were performing a stunt?

A.  In the first stunt on ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’, all the contestants had to hold on to cargo bags tied to a rope suspended from a helicopter hovering above a water body. Unfortunately, I had the disadvantageous position of being underneath the cargo bags and I had to solely rely on my hands for support. While others managed to navigate their way up, I struggled to make progress. Having said that, I think it was very cool way to kick off our journey on the show.

4. What are your thoughts on the support and guidance provided by the show's host Rohit Shetty?

A. Rohit Shetty sir backed us completely and encouraged us providing alternatives and helping us think through challenges in ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’. This show teaches the importance of mental strength, and presence of mind while testing your physical abilities. I personally tend to be emotionally driven. I need a certain level of fear or pressure to perform well. However, I made a conscious effort to enhance my mental strength. It was a rewarding experience to have a host who is empathetic, cooperative, and encouraging.

5. How have you changed as a person after this rollercoaster ride filled with thrill, emotions, and fear in COLORS’ Khatron Ke Khiladi?

A.  After participating in Khatron Ke Khiladi season 13, I realized that it was a challenging and unique season. Most of the stunts were different, and the weather was erratic. Each contestant had distinct personalities, adding to the dynamic of the competition. I think I’ve become more cautious after performing stunts and observing contestants face their fears. Now that I'm back, I’m torn between wanting to relax and making every moment count. This rollercoaster ride taught me the value of focus, discipline, and starting the day early. I learned to create a sense of urgency in my mind and use mental focus to accomplish tasks without procrastination.

6. You prepared yourself mentally and physically for the stunts before flying to Cape Town. How much do you think it helped you during the shoot of the show?

A.  All the hard work that went into learning to swim, hitting the gym and practicing gymnastics paid off. Having said that, I think that nothing could have prepared me for the unexpected twists that this edition posed. I never thought that I had this kind of strength and courage.  I became emotionally charged and focused on performing better with time on ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’.

7. Can you share any memorable moments or incidents that transpired during the show?

A.   The swimming pool water in Cape Town had a high level of chlorine. Without goggles, it was difficult to see underwater due to the high chlorine and my eyes would burn. During a stunt on ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’, I repeatedly requested small-sized goggles that would provide better visibility and prevent water from entering my eyes. It served as comic fodder and everyone pulled my leg for taking three takes to perform the stunt.

8. How did you bond with your fellow contestants on the show and were friendships formed?

A. Before ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’, I already knew Ruhi, Anjum, and Arjit from our past work. We occasionally interacted on each other's sets or during integrations. We all were on the same flight, including Daisy, Rashmeet, Archana, and Aishwarya. During the journey, I sat next to Archana on the flight to Dubai and then ended up sitting with Aishwarya on the connecting flight to Cape Town. Surprisingly, we bonded instantly and became best friends from that point onward. While I didn't have a strong bond with Ruhi and Anjum during the show, I grew close to Shiv, and the three of us girls formed a tight-knit group. It was a beautiful journey of friendship and camaraderie.

9. What skills or lessons did you learn from the show that you think will benefit you in the future?

A.  One of the most important skills I developed during ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 13’ was mental strength. I observed that each contestant operated from a different mindset. Everyone had their unique approach. I worked on building my mental strength throughout the show, although it truly solidified in the second half. Initially, some external factors and challenges seemed to bring me down, but I remained determined to learn and be consistent. I needed to observe and learn from the other contestants, who were all talented and had their strengths. I paid attention to their mental fortitude and fearlessness. Whenever any doubts or negative thoughts arose, I talked myself out of it.