In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Karan Veer Mehra reflected on his journey through the high-pressure world of reality television, from winning Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 to becoming the back-to-back champion of Bigg Boss 18. Whether navigating misunderstandings over his sharp humor or staying focused on personal connections over strategy, he proved that real victory comes from being genuine
Highlighted Quote: Honestly, I never focused on any contestant except myself and my own people. It’s a common fact that people talk behind your back. If that happens, it means you’re on the right path to becoming famous
Highlighted Quote 2: Shilpa Shirodkar has rehearsed enough for Bigg Boss 19
Tejal Sinha
Winning Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 was no small feat, but Karan Veer Mehra didn’t stop there. He went on to conquer Bigg Boss 18, and become a back-to-back winner of two of India’s most challenging reality shows. With his trademark resilience, sharp wit, and unwavering authenticity, he proved that he wasn’t just playing a game—he was living it. Whether facing extreme stunts or navigating the mind games of the Bigg Boss house, he remained true to himself, earning not just the trophy but the admiration of countless fans. As he steps into the next chapter of his journey, he reflects on the rollercoaster ride that tested his strength, shaped his perspective, and reinforced his belief that real victory lies in staying true to who you are.
While many contestants enter these competitions with a clear game plan, he insists his journey was about authenticity and self-discovery, in this exclusive chat with The Pioneer.
Reflecting on his Bigg Boss 18 experience, he described it as a “mini-life” he lived inside the house. “It made me learn a lot of things, and I hope to implement all of that in the real world now. I really enjoyed being inside and would have loved to stay longer,” he shared.
Known for his fitness discipline, he became synonymous with rigorous workout sessions in the Bigg Boss house. However, he acknowledged that this was a reason that initially made him focus on himself rather than the rest. “I was not really chilling—I was too much in the gym. That’s what I was made to realize,” he admitted.
Apart from his workouts, Mehra’s sharp wit and one-liners also stirred controversy. He explained that his humor was often misinterpreted. “I was coming up with one-liners that people couldn’t comprehend. Once they told me that my one-liners were actually demeaning, that’s when the fights began. That’s when I had to start clearing my point of view,” he explained.
Unlike many contestants who strategize to form alliances, he approached relationships organically. “I never forced a relationship. It started off with a task– ‘Rajmata’ and her two Yuvraj. You have to understand, the only person who plays the game is Bigg Boss himself. You just have to be honest and true to yourself,” he remarked.
Speaking about his Bigg Boss housemate Vivian, he described him as “a nice guy” who needed more time to process situations. “I think 105 days weren’t enough for him. Maybe if he had stayed longer, he would have understood the relationships more clearly,” he said.
Addressing speculation about post-show get-togethers, he clarified that he harbors no grudges. “If I throw a party—which I’m definitely talking about myself—I will invite everybody, including Vivian and Nouran.”
He also spoke about Eisha’s public apologies for her behavior in the house but admitted that he never paid much attention to the drama surrounding other contestants. “Honestly, I never focused on any contestant except myself and my own people. It’s a common fact that people talk behind your back. If that happens, it means you’re on the right path to becoming famous.”
“Let me be the king who has won hearts. I don’t aspire to be a legend; I’m simply enjoying my kingdom,” Karan shares with a smile, as we discuss the viral cake picture that took over social media after Vivian’s party.
Reflecting on his Bigg Boss 18 victory, Karan acknowledges, “I must have been a tough competitor, and that’s why some people didn’t clap when I won. I always say, it’s okay to lose a battle, but never act like a loser. Unfortunately, some people behaved like that. I would never have done that.”
As the conversation shifts, Karan hints at what’s next for the Bigg Boss universe, mentioning Shilpa’s upcoming season. “She’s finally ready for her next season. She’s rehearsed enough for Bigg Boss 19,” Karan humorously teases, suggesting there’s more to come in the world of reality television.
On his bond with fellow contestant Chum, Karan revealed that they are still adjusting to life outside the house. “We are still acclimatizing to the fact that we’ve come out of the house. We’re taking it slow. Of course, we are very good friends, and what happens from here will happen naturally,” he shared.
He acknowledged that he was seen as a strong competitor, which led to mixed reactions. “It must have been tough competition, and that’s one of the reasons some people didn’t clap when I won. But I always say, it’s okay to lose a battle, but don’t behave like a loser. Some people, unfortunately, did just that,” he remarked.
Throughout his Bigg Boss 18 journey, Mehra experienced numerous high points. He recalled the intense task, where he carried his fellow contestant Edin for about four hours, as well as fun moments like dancing, jumping in the pool, and late-night parties.
However, he admitted to one small regret. “I cut Rajat’s beard, though he looked good in it, but later, I kind of regretted it. I even offered to let him cut my beard in return.”
Many fans have compared Bigg Boss 18 to the legendary Bigg Boss 13, a season that remains one of the most popular in the show’s history. Mehra was humbled by the comparison and proud of how his season was conducted.
“I’m a big fan of Bigg Boss 13, and I’m happy that our season is being compared to it. The digital reach has expanded, so obviously, every season will keep growing. But what I’m really proud of is that this was a clean season—no excessive abusive language, no physical fights, and none of the extreme incidents like throwing urine, which I had seen in earlier seasons. I hope every season from now on is compared to Bigg Boss 18,” he said.
He was also honored to be mentioned in the same breath as the late Sidharth Shukla. “Sidharth was a very different guy—large-hearted and strong. He won Khatron and the Bigg Boss. I’m just happy that only two of us could dominate Bigg Boss the way we did. Let that be history,” he stated.
Despite winning, he insisted that he never entered Bigg Boss with a competitive mindset. “Not for a moment did I think I couldn’t go till the end—because I wasn’t in a race. I wasn’t trying to impress someone. I wasn’t playing for the trophy. I was just living,” he said.
He revealed that he was so immersed in the experience that he could have stayed even longer. “I told the makers, ‘This is just getting started. I could have stayed another 105 days.’ I was just living a parallel life,” he reflected.
Now that he has conquered reality television, Mehra is focused on what’s next. “The next step is going to be the main step. I just want to make sure I don’t let my audience down. I want to do something as big as Bigg Boss, if not bigger,” he said.