From conquering his fear of heights during a daring dam stunt to mastering combat training with a Glock in Special Ops 2, Karan Tacker opens up in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer about the intense physical prep, emotional journey, and why he insists on doing every stunt himself. He also shares glimpses into his upcoming projects — including a biopic on paranormal investigator Gaurav Tiwari — and reflects on his red carpet debut at Cannes, and working with cinematic legends like Anupam Kher and Neeraj Pandey.
“You’ll see someone who has been in the field for a long time. He’s sharper, faster, and more efficient. And there’s a whole lot of action coming your way. There’s so much going on beneath the surface. It’s not just about kicks and punches. There’s a deep emotional motivation driving everything — the sense of duty, the love for the country“
Tejal Sinha
Karan Tacker doesn’t just play a spy — he lives the thrill, the grit, and the emotional weight that comes with it. As he gears up to return as Himmat Singh’s trusted agent in Special Ops: The Himmat Story, releasing July 11, Karan is not only stepping back into an action-packed universe but also reflecting on a journey that’s been deeply personal. From overcoming his fear of heights by performing a daring stunt on one of the world’s tallest dams, to assembling a Glock in under ten seconds, to pushing his physical and emotional limits — Karan’s transformation is as real off-screen as it is on-screen.
Having made a smashing debut in the Neeraj Pandey-created Special Ops, Karan cemented his place in the action-thriller space with a performance that blended intensity with nuance. Now, in Season 2, he’s back — faster, sharper, and more grounded than ever. But behind the stunts and guns lies an artist constantly evolving: a trained sailor, a dancer, an entrepreneur, and above all, a passionate actor who thrives on reinvention. In this candid interview with The Pioneer, Karan opens up about his journey from phobia to fearlessness, his respect for discipline on set, the emotional core of his character, and the quiet thrill of being seen for more than just the action.
“The journey has been amazing,” he begins with a smile. “I remember sitting at home, hoping for a great script to come my way, and then Special Ops happened. It really changed the course of my life. The response to season one was overwhelming, and fans kept asking when season two would arrive. So, when I finally got the call, I was just thrilled. We actually shot this almost a year and a half ago, and I’ve been waiting eagerly for the world to see what we’ve done. This time, the story goes wider, the mountain is much bigger, and the stakes are higher.”
Karan is known to perform all his stunts himself — something that hasn’t changed this season either. “Every single stunt I’ve ever done has been on my own,” he says firmly. “Even in season one. I enjoy action. I feel like if there’s something that’s exciting and challenging, I want to experience it myself. I always tell people — it’s like someone offering you a delicious dish and then asking someone else to eat it. Where’s the fun in that?”
However, things took a different turn when he had to shoot one of the major action sequences on one of the world’s tallest dams — despite having a fear of heights. “I’ve had this phobia since I was a kid. I remember once, I was on a Ferris wheel and I had to be taken down halfway because I was crying. That’s how terrified I was,” he laughs. “So when I had to shoot this scene, it was terrifying. I was 600 feet up. At first, I didn’t even want to let go of the safety harness. But once I did it, I felt so proud — and then I was disappointed that it ended so quickly!”
To prepare for the stunts, Karan trained with top action experts for over ten days. “One of the coolest things I learned was in Georgia,” he recalls. “My action director taught me how to completely dismantle and reassemble a Glock. I can now do that in less than ten seconds — ready for combat. That’s something I’m genuinely proud of.”
In season two, fans can expect to see a more evolved version of Karan’s character. “You’ll see someone who has been in the field for a long time. He’s sharper, faster, and more efficient. And there’s a whole lot of action coming your way,” he teases.
Working under Neeraj Pandey’s direction once again has been a rewarding experience for the actor. “I love Neeraj sir — the way he works, the precision he brings to storytelling. As an actor, that kind of clarity and discipline really empowers you. You feel safe knowing that even if you falter a little, you have someone who knows exactly how to guide you.”
Despite the massive success of the first season, Karan says he didn’t feel pressured stepping back into the role. “There’s no pressure, really. I just feel excited. I love being back on set, especially when it’s with people I’ve worked with before. It feels like home.”
Beyond the action, Karan believes that his character’s emotional core is equally important. “There’s so much going on beneath the surface. It’s not just about kicks and punches. There’s a deep emotional motivation driving everything — the sense of duty, the love for the country.”
While many know Karan as a versatile performer, he’s also dabbled in directing, anchoring, dancing, entrepreneurship, and even sailing. But for him, acting remains the closest to his heart. “I did direct one brand campaign, but I’m definitely not a director yet,” he clarifies. “It just became easier to produce and direct my own vision for that one. But if I find a story I really want to tell someday, I might take the plunge.”
One of his recent proud moments was his red carpet debut at Cannes for the film Tanvi the Great, directed by Anupam Kher. “It was surreal,” Karan recalls. “Just to be part of a film that’s so beautiful and then to exhibit it on such a prestigious platform — I was overwhelmed. Being around creatives from across the globe — from actors to directors to global superstars — it felt like I was exactly where I needed to be.”
Speaking of the film and Anupam Kher, he adds, “Working with Anupam sir was incredible. He’s someone who has so much to share — emotionally, creatively, and intellectually. We had great conversations, and I truly value the relationship we built.”
Coming up next is Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Story, based on the real-life paranormal investigator. “He was a fascinating man — came to Mumbai to become an actor, then became a pilot, and later turned into a renowned paranormal expert before passing away mysteriously. It’s such an intriguing narrative, and I feel privileged to bring his story to light.”
Whether he’s jumping off dams, learning gun assembly, sailing the seas, or playing emotionally intense characters, Karan Tacker continues to grow as an artist and challenge himself. “I don’t believe in pressure — only in passion,” he signs off with a smile.
