'Always Wanted People to Know Me More': Dheeraj Dhoopar Says Ahead of His Reality Show Debut with Lock Upp 2

After winning hearts with his performances on television for nearly 17 years, Dheeraj Dhoopar is now ready to step out of his comfort zone and embrace a brand-new challenge. The popular actor is all set to make his reality show debut with Lock Upp: Sach Ya Saza, marking a significant new chapter in his career. In an exclusive conversation with India Forums, Dheeraj opened up about why he finally said yes to a reality show after years of turning down offers, what excites him the most about Lock Upp, his desire to let audiences see the person behind the actor, and the one thing he'll miss the most inside the jail.

Congratulations On Lock Upp: Sach Ya Saza. This is your first reality show. Reality show fans have one question: Where have you been all this while? I'm sure you've been approached for several reality shows over the years. So why did you choose Lock Upp over any other show?

This is a good question. I have been getting approached for many reality shows in the past and even this year but nothing has excited me like the way Lock Upp: Sach Ya Saza did. The format, the duration and so many other things about the show has made it a very enticing opportunity. Before doing this I have been doing continuous shows and never got a chance to explore the idea of doing a reality show. But now I would like to explore reality space as well and make a mark. 

There is nothing in my life that I need to feel guilty about. One thing I know right now is that I will miss my family a lot

- Dheeraj Dhoopar

Among all the contestants, who are you most excited to meet?

I am still not very aware of all the names but I am extremely excited to meet all of them. It will be special as I will not just be meeting them but also spending time with them. And the other exciting part is that there will be actors from my own industry as well as people from other walks of life. An exciting thing in all. 

You've completed 17 years in the industry. As you said in the promo, "Ab waqt aa gaya hai actor ke peeche ke chehre ko pehchane ka." In all these years, have you ever had a moment when you wished people knew the real Dheeraj instead of just the actor they see on screen?

Yes I have always wanted people to know me more. Generally people create perceptions about an actor with limited knowledge about the actor. So why not let people know you better.

I have been getting approached for many reality shows in the past and even this year but nothing has excited me like the way Lock Upp: Sach Ya Saza did. The format, the duration and so many other things about the show has made it a very enticing opportunity

- Dheeraj Dhoopar

Lastly, since you are all set to locked upp, What's one thing you feel guilty about?

There is nothing in my life that I need to feel guilty about. One thing I know right now is that I will miss my family a lot.

Lock Upp returns after nearly four years with an all-new chapter, Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa – Who Owns the Truth? The reality show premieres today and will stream on Netflix every Saturday to Wednesday at 8 PM. This season is hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh. With a fresh format and the theme of truth and consequences, the show is expected to bring plenty of drama and unexpected twists. The rumoured contestant list includes several popular faces from the television industry and the digital world, making the new season one to watch.