Shikhar Dhawan, a name synonymous with Indian cricket over the past two decades, has decided to embark on a new venture, transitioning from cricketer to talk show host. The 39-year-old’s new show, ‘Dhawan Karenge,’ recently premiered on JioCinema, featuring none other than Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar as the first guest. As audiences warm up to Dhawan’s new avatar, the cricketer-turned-host shared his motivations and vision for the show in an exclusive interview with DNA.
When asked what prompted the transition from cricket to hosting a talk show, Dhawan responded with his typical dry, sarcastic humor, “I am growing old as a cricketer. There will be a time when I will have to give that up completely. So, I have to do something else. God has given me lots of talents so I thought why not try them out. I have entertained people with Instagram Reels so I thought I could bring that same energy to this concept. Pretty soon, it became a reality.”
‘Dhawan Karenge’ features an eclectic mix of guests, ranging from Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar and Taapsee Pannu to Dhawan’s cricketing colleagues such as Harbhajan Singh and Rishabh Pant. Dhawan was deliberate in his choice to include a varied roster, aiming to showcase his versatility beyond the cricket field. “I feel why should I limit myself to just one thing. If I am good at talking, why should I only talk about cricket? And everyone has seen the cricketer side of me. This show gives me a chance to show more sides of myself. I have fondness for Bollywood too. In fact, soon I would love to have political leaders on the show or big business leaders,” Dhawan elaborated.
The seasoned cricketer, who has played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is for India, has drawn upon various qualities cultivated during his extensive cricket career to prepare for his new role as a talk show host. He underscored the importance of self-belief and rigorous preparation, attributes ingrained in him as an athlete, which have significantly benefited his television foray. “I have been a cricketer for so long that it has made my self-belief very strong. Also, as a sportsperson, preparation is key.
. That habit also helped here. I took acting classes, worked on my pronunciation, and talking skills so that I look comfortable in front of the camera. I did all the work, whatever was required,” Dhawan explained.
Given that Dhawan’s show is a light-hearted, banter-filled chat show, inevitable comparisons have arisen with Kapil Sharma’s iconic talk shows. However, Dhawan is unfazed by such comparisons, emphasizing that while he admires Kapil Sharma, he aims to carve out his unique style. “I love Kapil Sharma’s show and how he makes his guests laugh. That is what I want in my show too, that people laugh and my guests are at ease. It is similar to my character too. So, you see that on my show too. I am just myself here,” he stated.
‘Dhawan Karenge’ is available for streaming on JioCinema, with new episodes featuring different guests releasing every Monday. The inaugural episode featuring Akshay Kumar has already generated buzz, and audiences await to see who Dhawan will interact with next.
As Dhawan ventures into this new avenue, his journey symbolizes a broader narrative of embracing change and exploring latent potential beyond one’s primary profession. The show not only introduces a new side of Dhawan to his fans but also serves as an inspiration for individuals contemplating a career shift or exploring multifaceted talents.
For those interested in catching up with the latest episodes of ‘Dhawan Karenge,’ JioCinema provides an accessible platform. Audiences can look forward to gaining a different perspective on their favorite celebrities as Dhawan engages them in candid and entertaining conversations.
Meanwhile, Dhawan’s venture is a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of careers and how skills honed in one field can transcend boundaries and find expression in entirely new domains. As ‘Dhawan Karenge’ garners viewership, it may well set a precedent for other sports personalities exploring creative avenues post their athletic careers.
The DNA app, which hosted Dhawan’s exclusive interview, is now available for download on the Google Play Store. Download the app to stay updated with such exclusive interactions and share your feedback with the team.
