Exclusive - Shiv Thakare recalls his struggle days: I enjoyed sitting at my father’s paan shop, he would give me Rs 5 to eat dal pakwaan

After winning hearts with his honesty and loyalty in Bigg Boss 16, Shiv Thakare is all set to show his daredevil side in Khatron Ke Khiladi 13. He recently joined ETimes TV for a quick chat about his participation in the show, his phobias and Aai’s reaction. Shiv is riding high on the success of BB 16 and talked about letting go of film offers for KKK13. The reality TV star opened up about Mandali, linkup rumours with Akanksha Puri and if he has moved on from his last relationship. Shiv further recalled his days of struggle when he worked at his father's paan shop and later stand in a queue for Roadies audition. (Photo: Instagram)

Initially, I took pressure but now I have converted it into motivation. Now, it is not just my dream but it is a dream of many other people. I’ve to put everything to achieve it. Ab double zid se karna hai… I have prepared myself mentally that everyone who is going there is strong and I have to give my best. Aur Shiv Thakare ko thoda zyada karna hai. (Photo: Instagram)

I am scared of everything, be it water, lion or snakes, but I am going to do all the stunts and not going to give up. I feel when you have dreamt of something all your life and you get to it, fear takes secondary position. Darr side ho jaayega when you see your dream becoming a reality. (Photo: Instagram)

I hope to become Rohit Shetty’s favourite. If I end up doing all the stunts well, I will definitely become his favourite. And maybe that can help me bag a movie with him. Shayad woh soche chal ek baar audition leke dekhte hain… agar aisa hogaya toh mazaa aajayega. Like many others, even I dream of this. (Photo: Instagram)

My mother was very happy because I always wanted to do this and she knew about it. But then she was worried about the creepy crawlies. Even my grandmother was scared. I made them understand that there is a proper team who looks after the safety of all the contestants. Now, they motivate me to do well. She tells me not to be scared. The best part would be to watch the show with her after I return shooting the entire show. When I am not around her she gets worried. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, I was offered two Marathi films that were to be shot in London. But I had already committed to the show and I didn’t want to back out. I wanted to do both but it was not possible because they were going to be shot in different countries. It was a lead role. This show was also huge so I chose KKK 13 over the two films. I am in talks for a few other films and hopefully if things work out then I might be doing them after Khatron. (Photo: Instagram)

Like everyone I had also dreamt of being on the screen. Somebody had told me give 2 to 3 years to achieve my dreams. I was told, 'Don’t ruin your future. You have done engineering and so if nothing happens here, go back and look for a job'. But I was sure of giving everything to chase my dream. I don’t have any qualms in giving my entire life chasing my dream because I was earning money alongside. I was very sure I am not going to give up even though I didn't know what future holds for me. Now, I’ve realised that dreams can come true if you work towards it with honesty. I just visualise myself standing in the queue for Roadies audition and now sitting here giving interviews for KKK. (Photo: Instagram)

I am very stubborn and headstrong. Not even for once I felt that I won’t be able to achieve my dreams. I’ve enjoyed working at my dad’s paan shop and learnt a lot while sitting there. I met different people and I gained confidence as a person. Now, when I get calls from people who try to take advantage of me and fool me, I catch them. They feel, 'Arre chote city se aaya hai isko ullu bana sakte hain', but now I understand them. I’ve met different people while working at the paan shop and handled them well. (Photo: Instagram)

I enjoyed sitting at my father’s paan shop. He would give me Rs 5 to eat dal pakwaan during school days but I would need Rs 20, so I earned the rest Rs 15 on my own. My journey has been very filmy and interesting. I feel, had I got everything easily, I would have not enjoyed it as much as I am doing now. Now, that I’ve done everything on my own, I enjoy it more. My mother wanted me to be an engineer, I did that. My mother was very emotional about my education. I have a caller tune since last 10-12 years that is SRK’s “Joh bhi chaahu woh main paaun”. I have always believed in it. (Photo: Instagram)

Everyone is very happy in the Mandali about my participation. They are more confident than I am and believe that I’ll do well on the show. Mandali was always together, there were a few differences which every family goes through. Abdu welcomed MC Stan and they met each other and now everything is fine. We meet each other but we don’t put on social media every time. We all are busy in our field which is an amazing thing. We meet each other, have fun and pull each other’s leg. (Photo: Instagram)

Season 16 has turned out to be lucky for everyone. I had heard that after Bigg Boss, the contestants get work only for next six months or acting career band hojaata hai… But this season has changed everything. People who got evicted early they are also working like Tina Datta, Shalin and Gautam. Some of them are working on their movies like Nimrit. Priyanka is also working on projects. Archana is working, Sajid sir is working on a film, Abdu is doing next level work and MC is doing concerts. This season has not only become hit but has given work to the contestants for the next two years. (Photo: Instagram)

I don’t want rumours waali ladkiyaan, I don’t want to become rumours waala Shiv Thakare. I want a normal person in my life who doesn’t need social media to prove her love. Relationships or dating don't happen in a day. When you like someone, you spend time with that person, you talk and understand each other. I am an old school person when it comes to romance. Now, I am totally dedicated towards KKK. I’ve found work right now and it has taken me years to reach this place. There will be a time when I’ll find the right person and there will be no need for any publicity. (Photo: Instagram)

I am in a happy space. When you have given everything to a relationship, it takes time to move on from it. I am a person who gets involved in a relationship and then moves on when there's a realisation that we both are happy in our individual lives. The best thing is to get involved in work. Now, I’ve a new life, new dreams. Things that happened in the past, they have ended on a good note. (Photo: Instagram)