In a significant pivot from his illustrious cricketing career, Shikhar Dhawan is all set to make his debut as a chat show host with his new venture, Dhawan Karenge. The excitement is palpable as Dhawan puts aside his cricket bat and steps into an arena governed by lights, cameras, and the magic of conversation. Premiering on Jio Cinema, the show aims to bring “authentic and unfiltered conversations” to the screen, delving deep into the lives of Bollywood celebrities and cricketing legends alike.
The show’s debut guest is a well-known figure both in India and internationally: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar. Dhawan did not pick Kumar randomly; their friendship dates back five years, and this personal connection adds a layer of sincerity and intimacy to the conversation. “Fans of Akshay Kumar will get to see a new side of him, one that isn’t usually depicted in the media,” Dhawan shares, visibly elated. “This is not just about glamour or the facade of celebrity; it’s about uncovering the human behind the screen persona.”
Dhawan Karenge is tailored to cater to a burgeoning viewership hungry for behind-the-scenes insights and a more personal and earnest portrayal of their idols. Viewers can tune in starting today on Jio Cinema to catch these candid moments.
As the anticipation builds, it’s intriguing to trace how Dhawan’s journey has led him to this point. Known for his aggressive and dynamic style on the cricket field, Dhawan’s venture into television could be seen as an unusual choice. However, the cricketer is no stranger to the camera. His flamboyant celebrations, expressive face, and the occasional behind-the-scenes footage during matches have portrayed him as a character brimming with charisma and confidence. “I’ve always enjoyed engaging with fans, sharing stories, and just being genuine. This show is an extension of that,” Dhawan asserts.
In discussing the inception of Dhawan Karenge, Dhawan explains that the idea originated from his passion for stories and people. “I’ve traveled extensively because of cricket, and every place, every person has a unique story to tell. I wanted to create a platform that allows for these stories to be shared with a wider audience,” he explains. The show is meticulously designed to include elements that highlight the guest’s career, personal life, and any unknown facets of their journey. There will be segments that challenge both the host and the guest, including quirky game sections, rapid-fire questions, and sometimes, surprise elements that even the guests are unaware of.
Returning to Akshay Kumar, Dhawan teases a few snippets from the inaugural episode. “We talked about everything—his fitness regimes, his foray into different genres of cinema, and even some light-hearted moments that had us both in splits,” Dhawan reveals. “But it’s not just the laughter or the banter. There are moments of real vulnerability where Akshay shares his fears, his motivations, and what keeps him grounded.”
Dhawan admits that entering the world of television has not been without its challenges. “Being on a cricket field is second nature to me. But hosting a show, ensuring the guest’s comfort while maintaining a flow of conversation, that’s a whole different ball game,” he says. Despite these challenges, the cricket star seems to have embraced his new role with open arms.
Jio Cinema, the streaming partner for Dhawan Karenge, has placed significant bets on the show’s success, given the massive fan following both Dhawan and Kumar command. The platform is known for its diverse content catering to varied audience tastes, and adding a celebrity chat show hosted by a cricket icon seems like a strategically sound addition.
In preparation, Dhawan has spent months honing his interviewing skills, learning from television veterans, and meticulously planning each episode’s content. “I want to make sure that when viewers tune in, they get something real and enriching. I owe it to them and to our guests,” Dhawan explains.
As the minutes tick down to the premiere of Dhawan Karenge, the excitement is not solely in the anticipation of Dhawan’s new avatar but also in the promise of an innovative format rejuvenating how audiences engage with celebrities. The show stands as a testament to the evolving dimensions of public personas and how meaningful, heartfelt conversations continue to captivate audiences.
So, stay tuned to Jio Cinema starting today to witness Shikhar Dhawan in an entirely new light, swapping cricket tales for compelling dialogues, and sharing moments that bridge the gap between stardom and everyday reality.
