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Karan Kundrra’s journey to stardom

With his debut in Kitani Mohabbat Hai, hosting edgy reality shows like Gumrah and Love School, becoming a fan favorite and mentor in MTV Roadies, and receiving praise as a popular host in shows like Bigg Boss 15, Karan Kundrra's TV journey exemplifies a shift from romantic lead to diverse TV personality. 

September 29, 2025 / 13:46 IST
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Debut show
Karan Kundrra made his acting debut in 2009 in the lead role of Arjun Punj in the NDTV Imagine romance drama Kitani Mohabbat Hai, which was produced by Ekta Kapoor. The show became an instant success, establishing Kundrra as a television heartthrob.

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Versatile Hosting
He hosted the popular youth show Gumrah—End Of Innocence on Channel V, which tackled serious social issues. He then hosted the relationship-based reality show MTV Love School for three seasons.

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Gang leader and reality TV star
Karan Kundrra became a prominent reality TV personality as a gang leader on MTV's popular adventure show Roadies. His journey on the show marked a significant shift from his romantic lead roles in daily soaps to a more assertive and raw on-screen persona, which resonated strongly with the youth audience.

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Dramatic comeback
Following a string of successful reality TV appearances, Karan Kundrra made a highly anticipated return to fiction television in 2018 with Ekta Kapoor's romantic drama, Dil Hi Toh Hai. This comeback role as the rich and suave businessman, Ritwik Noon, was met with praise from critics and his dedicated fanbase.

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Popularity in Bigg Boss
Karan Kundrra's participation in Bigg Boss 15 in 2021 was a turning point that substantially boosted his popularity and endeared him to a new audience. While he had a large fan following from his years on television, his time in the controversial reality show revealed a more personal and vulnerable side of him.

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Various TV roles
Karan Kundrra's versatility as an actor is evident in his multiple roles across different genres of television. He has showcased his acting range by playing varied characters in popular TV series like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences in different formats.

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Adaptability in the positions of judge and host
He proceeded to display his versatility after Bigg Boss 15 by making appearances on a number of shows as a judge and a jailor, proving his widespread appeal.

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Web series
He successfully transitioned from traditional television to the web series format, showcasing his adaptability as an actor. His roles in the period drama It Happened in Calcutta and the romantic thriller Love Adhura were particularly instrumental in establishing his position in the digital space.

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9/10

Continued hosting 
Karan Kundrra's successful run on Bigg Boss 15 further fueled his hosting career, allowing him to take on prominent roles in major television and streaming projects. These ventures demonstrated his strong and versatile screen presence, cementing his position as a sought-after reality TV host in projects like Temptation Island India and Dance Deewane Juniors.

10/10

Evolving Persona
Kundrra has evolved from a romantic heartthrob to a well-rounded entertainer, connecting with diverse audiences across various platforms, including movies, web series, and television.