Reality TV: Return to real self

We’ve seen them on the small screen, lighting up our living rooms in their reality shows. But how do reality show stars work out their own realities once the show is over?

Aarti Chhabria who was the winner of Khatron Ke Khiladi 4 last season says one of the first things she did was to take a vacation with her family to Kulu Manali. “Naturally I was on a high, anybody would be after they’ve won,” says the actress who had spent substantial time training for the show’s stunts prior to when it started. Now the actress is looking forward to performing in action-oriented films in keeping with the reality show’s mantra.

Munisha Khatwani who’s just returned from shooting a reality show for seven weeks overseas, says she felt disoriented and a bit lost when she returned.

“We were in a different time zone while shooting and had lost touch with civilisation. On my return, I talked to my family and friends non-stop because there was so much to converse about.” Munisha says she gorged on ghar ka khaana  and exulted while showering, because they were luxuries that were not available at the remote location they were at.

“I still feel a bit lost. There’s so much to catch up on — the television, the music, what’s new in the city —  I don’t know where to start!”

Samir Soni who was one of the finalists of Bigg Boss 4 was evicted only a week prior to the grand finale. Samir says while it was a challenge to be in a locked space with over a dozen contestants, the first thing he did on his return home was to propose to his then girlfriend (and now wife) Neelam Kothari.

“The show was one of the most interesting and unique experiences of my life. It brought a certain clarity as to what my priorities in life were, as well as a perspective on relationships. I had lots of time to think about these things while we were on the show with no diversions. I realized that I shouldn’t waste any more time in setting my life on a course.”