Anything is possible if you believe in yourself – Rajniesh Duggall

Winning is not new for Rajniesh Duggall. The model turned actor has had a winning spree with the contests Mr. India 2003, Mr. International and the Kingfisher Model of the year 2005. Now the man adds yet another feather to his cap by winning the Season 5 of Endemol India’s Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (Colors TV).

We got into a conversation with the jubilant Rajniesh soon after he was declared the winner.

How does it feel to be the winner? Did you think that you could win?

It feels really great to be the winner of this ultimate adrenaline based stunt reality show. I am really happy. I have worked really hard. You have to be calm and be prepared for anything when it comes to the tasks. When I entered the semi finals, I envisioned myself that I will win. Because my motto is if you enter, you enter to win. First position it is, not second nor third.

Tell us about your experience in the finale task? How difficult was it?

The finale task was very tricky. I wouldn’t say it was one of the most difficult tasks for me, but this was challenging in many ways. Roughly we had to get a key, then get on to a helicopter which later dropped us into a river. Then there were nets, bombs and every masala a typical Bollywood climax will have. On top of that it rained naturally. The finale was very testing but that is the whole point.

You said the finale task wasn’t as difficult as one of your previous tasks, which one are you referring to?

All the tasks were difficult and demanding. One that particularly stands out is this one task which involved sixty snakes and a crocodile. There was a skull kept next to the crocodile and we had to retrieve it. I was really scared of snakes and I was shaken up all over. It was mentally very challenging.

Initially what made you join Khatron Ke Khiladi?

I have always wanted to be a part of Khatron Ke Khiladi. I was fascinated by the tasks and stunts. My only concern initially was with the segments where one of the tasks involved eating caterpillars. So when Colors approached me, all I asked was will I have to eat caterpillars or such stuff. But thankfully they said no, such stunts are not there this time. I went and talked with Vikram sir (Vikram Bhatt) and he encouraged me to take part saying that this is really a good opportunity. I believe a good reality show in a well-liked channel makes you popular, especially now that you are a winner. And if I had to eat any caterpillars I would have said no.

Who was your biggest inspiration?

I myself am my inspiration. The thought of winning made me go forward. The winning spirit I had since my childhood is my inspiration. Whenever I feel dejected, I would sit in a calm place and keep asking myself, ‘who is that guy who won Mr India?’ ‘Who is that guy who had won Mr International?’ ‘Who is the winner of Kingfisher Model of the Year?’ Thus I motivated myself. Apart from that my wife Pallavee and our four-year-old daughter Teeya are my biggest encouragers. Teeya loves animals, especially cheetahs and when she heard that I am going to contest in segments where these animals are involved she was exceptionally happy. Rohit sir has always been motivating and encouraging.

What have you learned from your journey in Khatron Ke Khiladi?

It has been a great journey. I learned a lot of things. The tasks were made in such a way as to test both the physical as well as the mental stamina of a person. I have always had a stronger mind but sometimes a slight hesitation was there. But now that has changed and it is replaced with the ‘let’s do it’ attitude. Even when performing the tasks which involved snakes, I realized that fear is a state of mind. Once we focus ourselves to do something, all the fear vanishes.

Whom did you hate and whom did you like in KKK?

It was a good batch. There were some people whom I chose to ignore rather than waste time in hating them. Otherwise I made a lot of friends especially Salman (Salman Yusuff khan). He is a great performer and has put in a lot of effort. I evolved myself by learning from him.

Who were the other biggest challengers?

I think Gurmeet, Salman and Nikitin had the chances of winning. Salman and Gurmeet’s mental strength is really great and Nikitin has a great physical stamina because of his training in mix martial arts.

Do you think that the show’s makers were biased?

No, I don’t think so. Everyone and every channel have their own favorites but there was no bias here. The show went on entirely based on performance. Even if you have favorites, whomsoever performs well and comes first has to be the winner. There is no space for favoritism.

What are the present projects you are involved in?

I am currently shooting for a new film Ho Gaya Direct Ishq. Also talks for some other reality shows are on. But nothing has been finalized.

Finally, what have you got to say to the audience?

Anything is possible if you believe in yourself. That’s what I have to say.