Christy Varghese catches up with the reality TV star, Prince Narula, and the founder of Dreamz Production House, Sharad ChAudhary, as they join forces for the new web series, Extreme Survivors
Prince Narula is a name that has grown to be synonymous with reality television over the past five years. Prince first emerged in the limelight in 2014 when he finished as the second-runner up in PTC Punjabi’s Mr. Punjab. In 2015, he participated in MTV India’s Roadies X2 where he emerged as the winner and thus commenced his reign as the widely acclaimed star of reality TV. Hot on the heels of his victory at Roadies X2, he took part in MTV India’s Splitsvilla 8, winning his second reality TV crown on the trot. In October 2015, Narula entered Colors TV’s Bigg Boss 9, winning yet again, marking a hat-trick of back-to-back wins.
In 2016, he raked in the rewards of the glory he had attained in the previous year. From 2016 to 2018, he portrayed Lakhan ‘Lucky’ Singh Ahlawat in &TV’s Badho Bahu. Since 2016, Narula has also been a ‘gang leader’ in each season of MTV Roadies. In 2018, he played Aryan in Laal Ishq, following which he portrayed Shahnawaz in Colors TV’s Naagin 3. In 2019, Narula made his digital debut with ZEE5’s Bombers as Bali. Next, as if on a whim, he participated in Star Plus’ Nach Baliye 9, to win his fourth consecutive reality show.
Against the backdrop of this winning mentality comes the news that he would be hosting a new web series, Extreme Survivors. From a model, to a reality TV persona, to an actor and now a web series host, these are not unfamiliar grounds as he has been hosting Flipkart Video’s Khel Paheliyon Ka, a riddle-themed interactive quiz show.
In these times when people prefer binge-watching shows and web series at their convenience from the confines of their homes, content has grown to become somewhat redundant. New times need newer solutions, which is why producers and directors are leaving no stone unturned to make sure they create content which can keep people engaged and invested. This is where Extreme Survivors, directed by Sharad Chaudhary, holds promise a breath of fresh air in times when lukewarm reality shows and web-series are a dime a dozen.
Sharad, who happens to be a casting director and entertainment entrepreneur working in the field for over eight years, expresses that the buzz surrounding Extreme Survivors is no fluke as it would be promising for audiences who love adventure and high-octane stunts and tasks.
“We have devoted a lot of time and energy to this show, and the results are out there for everyone to see. The first two episodes of Extreme Survivors is streaming now on the TV and Movie app named ‘VIS Entertainment’. I am sure you will like it,” he says with a smile.
Sharad’s Dreamz Production House, a well-known name in the modelling and fashion industry, is promoting the young talents of India through various ventures like Mr & Miss Super Model International and Provogue Personal Care Mr India. As we wait for Prince to join us, Sharad tells us that Prince has a lot going on, but at the moment he has been focussing on the projects of his record label, Wiinning Records.
Right on cue, Prince shows up and profusely apologises, sharing that he was in the middle of a music video shoot for his label.
His judgement is impeccable as he sees our initial question coming from a mile away and laughs it off when we ask him how is Extreme Survivors different from other reality TV shows which promise high octane stunts, such as Roadies or Khatron Ke Khiladi. “You might think that these shows are similar to each other, and on face value it might seem like they might seem to bear a close resemblance to each other. However, if you watch these shows you will realise that each one of the shows you mentioned is designed in a different vein altogether. The concept is implemented by the director, and after watching Extreme Survivors, you would have to agree that Sharad bhai has done a splendid job. I believe that if you really love something and work towards it to the best of your ability without worrying about the results, you will achieve it without fail. Sharad and I have poured a lot of love into the show, and I would urge you to watch the show,” Prince grins.
When we quiz him on the challenges he experienced while hosting the show, he is quick to retort, “Reality toh mere khoon me hai (Reality runs in my veins). After over six years in the industry, it comes naturally to me. Earlier this year, I was roped in by Flipkart Video to host their quiz show so it is not really uncharted territory. However, it is great fun to be a part of a show like Extreme Survivors, which involved a lot of stunts and action. I have to say that my time as a ‘gang leader’ in the Roadies came in handy here. However, I have developed a change in mentality. Earlier, it was all about entertaining people. Now, while that is all well and good, I have grown to realise that I would to cause some real change and help inspire people. I hope through this show I have been able to effect growth in participants and the audience, but there is always room for improvement. I have come a long way, yes, but there is a long way to go, yet!”
While Khatron Ke Khiladi, Roadies and Extreme Survivors may be designed differently, we ask him is there any chance of seeing him in Khatron Ke Khiladi, since he is well acquainted with the other two shows now?
“Who would turn down an opportunity to work with Rohit Shetty sir? Well, I have. (laughs) It was not by design of course, I just could not commit to the show because of pre-existing commitments. But you may rest assured, you will see me on his show soon, if not on the next season, the one after that. I can’t wait to win my fifth reality show, after all,” he shares unabashedly.