With multiple doors of opportunity now opening up for him, Karan Veer Mehra, who won both Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 and Bigg Boss 18 back-to-back, is undoubtedly in the best phase of his career.

He says, “It feels like I’ve suddenly arrived after 20 years in the industry, something I didn’t feel earlier. I’m humbled and aware that I must work harder to meet everyone’s expectations. However, I haven’t rushed into taking up random opportunities. I know what I’m looking for – rediscovering the actor in me. For 20 years, I was here and there, and now, suddenly, I’m in demand. But I know this phase is transient. I’m aware that in a few months, a new Bigg Boss season will air, and people’s attention will shift. So, I’m focused on my goals.”

Ask Karan if reality shows are the key to reaching this level of recognition, and he responds, “I’ve always been working, and people recognized me through my characters. The adulation was there, but never as Karan Veer Mehra and to this extent. Now, film opportunities and the doors of big production houses have opened up. Earlier, I would hear, ‘Haan bataate hain’, but now I’m having coffee with people, and it’s making me believe that opportunities are within reach.”

He adds, “I continue to give auditions and ask people to test me with a changed approach. Earlier, if I didn’t get a role, I would think, ‘They don’t know what they’ve missed’. Now, when I don’t get it, I reflect on what I could have done better. I’ve missed out on big opportunities because I wasn’t mature enough to understand scripts back then, but I don’t regret any of it. Those mistakes made me who I am today. I’m moving forward with the same enthusiasm and sincerity.”

Although Karan isn’t opposed to any medium, he prioritizes working with good storytellers and meaningful projects. He says, “I am not taking a break from any medium. I’m a performer and an entertainer at heart. I don’t segregate my audience by medium. I’m in talks for a couple of films, and I’ve already finalised something worth the wait.”

His chemistry with Bigg Boss co-contestant Chum Darang became the talk of the town. Talking about it, he says, “There’s definitely a relationship. It’s somewhere between friendship and romance. Chum and I decided to start fresh, without the baggage of being together 24/7, because we won’t be spending that much time together in the real world. There’s an age gap as well. We’re taking things one step at a time. At this point, we’re focusing on our work and being friends, seeing where it goes. We’re not forcing anything.”

Karan has been open about his past, including two failed marriages. Reflecting on those experiences, he says, “Kuchh bhi kar lo, marriage can never be foolproof. It’s a constant work-in-progress, something I didn’t invest enough energy in before and couldn’t make it work. It’s too soon to say if I’m open to marriage again.”