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Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 Molten Wax Stunt Draws Viewer Backlash

Published 10 August 2026

The reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 has sparked significant controversy and viewer backlash following a stunt that required contestants to endure hot molten wax poured on their hands. The task, which aired during the show's second week, has been widely criticized on social media as cruel and dehumanizing, reigniting debates about the safety and ethics of extreme challenges on the program.

The elimination stunt, hosted by filmmaker Rohit Shetty, involved four contestants who had received the "fear fanda": Rubina Dilaik, Ruhaanika Dhawan, Harsh Gujral, and Vishal Aditya Singh. They were tasked with collecting hot wax on their bare hands over a 10-minute period, with the contestant who gathered the most wax being saved from elimination. The task was performed under medical supervision.

From the outset, the contestants expressed anxiety. Ruhaanika Dhawan broke down in tears before the stunt began. As the wax was applied, the pain intensified. Rubina Dilaik described the sensation, stating, "Now, it's stinging, and those stings are unbearable. The wax on the layer is penetrating even deeper. The impact is killing." Ruhaanika eventually withdrew from the task midway, while Harsh...

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