Karan Veer Mehra: I can still give the younger guys a run for their money

Amidst a group of fiercely competitive contestants like Shalin Bhanot, Gashmeer Mahajani, and Krishna Shroff, not many expected Karan Veer Mehra to take home the Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 trophy. However, he believed it was possible. Reflecting on his journey, the actor in his 40s shares, “The experience was far more challenging than I expected, but I enjoyed every moment. With my NCC training — running, underwater swimming, jumping off choppers — I went in confident. However, once I saw how determined everyone else was, I realised I had underestimated them. Still, with some luck and early training, I lifted the trophy (smiles).”

‘My age didn’t stop me from pushing myself through every stunt’
While many view age as a disadvantage on a show that tests physical endurance, Karan has a different perspective. He explains, “People always say ‘age is just a number’, but for me, age is just a word. What truly matters is how you’ve treated and respected your body over the years. I’ve always prioritised fitness, and now, my body respects me in return. At this point, I can still give younger guys and girls a run for their money, which I did on this show. The only difference when you are in your 40s is that injuries take longer to heal, but that didn’t stop me from pushing through every stunt. It’s not your body that tires out first; it’s your mind. I’ve learnt how to train my mind to handle pressure and push through. When you’re at your lowest, the only way is up – that mindset has always kept me from giving up.”



‘It’s all about facing your fears’
On the personal front, the actor, who has been part of shows such as Virrudh, Pavitra Rishta, Ziddi Dil Maane Na and Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, has had his share of setbacks. In 2017, he met with a serious bike accident that left him bedridden for six months, a period he describes as one of the most difficult. He recalls, “I almost became an alcoholic during that time. Unable to walk, I spent my days drinking and eating, which made me sluggish and led to weight gain. After the accident, doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to run for two years, but I was back on the football field in just nine months. So, overcoming that phase and getting back in shape felt like a victory in itself. It’s all about facing your fears. Every time I’ve been knocked down, I’ve found a way to rise again. I know I will have to do it again, especially as I get older, with new challenges, younger actors and different roles. However, I am prepared to keep pushing.”