Shiv Thakare interview reveals his mindset during The 50 win, his gratitude towards fans, and his journey from humble beginnings.
From navigating intense challenges on reality television to emerging as one of its most recognised faces, Shiv Thakare continues to redefine resilience and ambition. In this exclusive conversation with The Brew News Managing Editor Shaneer N Siddiqui, the reality star reflects on his recent win on The 50, the values that shaped his journey, and the unwavering support of his fans that fuels his success.
The Brew News: Winning The 50 on Colors TV is a massive achievement. What was going through your mind in the final moments of the maze challenge?
Shiv Thakare: The final day is about gratitude and the chance to perform in the finale. During the maze challenge, I kept reminding myself to stay calm and focused and to show the effort I have put in over the past 50 days. I felt that winning would reflect my journey and the way I played the game. I have learned that chaos and noise only get in the way and that you achieve more when you stay calm. The finale comes down to how well you perform in the moment. Winning also depends on timing and luck. I approached the task with focus, speed, and composure, and truly felt that God was by my side.
The Brew News: You’ve now been called the “King of Reality Shows.” How do you personally define this title?
Shiv Thakare: Who doesn’t like being called the “King of Reality”? For me, it is about feeling grateful and blessed. By God’s grace, I have had the opportunity to be part of many shows and, more importantly, received so much love from people. That support means everything to me.
The Brew News: This victory wasn’t just yours; you shared ₹50 lakh with a fan from a farming family. What inspired that emotional decision?
Shiv Thakare: What I love most about this show is that the effort you put in for your fans is what drives you forward. The 50 on Colors TV is special because it gives celebrities the chance to perform and win 50 lakhs for their fans. The winner came from a farmer’s family and probably earns around Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs a year. Receiving 50 lakhs can truly change his life. Being able to play a part in that and help make it possible is incredibly moving. Moments like this happen because of the show and the platform it provides.
The Brew News: Looking back at your journey from selling newspapers to winning multiple reality shows, what moment changed everything for you?
Shiv Thakare: My ambition, fueled by the determination and courage my mother instilled in me, has been the driving force shaping my journey. I always wanted to do something different from what my previous generations had done, and the opportunities I received felt like their blessings. Shows like Roadies and Bigg Boss Marathi gave me exposure and strengthened my hunger to keep winning. Even today, I want to keep going further and achieve more.
From selling newspapers to where I am today, that journey keeps me grounded and reminds me of where I started. Having faced those tough days, you value everything more. You can stay in a five-star hotel and also feel comfortable sleeping on the floor of a simple home. That perspective has shaped me, and reality shows have truly changed my life.
The Brew News: Every reality show tests a different side of you. What was the toughest challenge in The 50 on Colors TV compared to your previous shows?
Shiv Thakare: The toughest part about The 50 on Colors TV was that there were 50 people, each with completely different personalities. You cannot reveal everything to everyone, so you have to be smart in handling situations. I consciously showed a calmer side of myself so the audience outside would connect with me and continue to support me. Surviving in that environment with 50 people was truly challenging.
The Brew News: You’ve built a strong emotional connection with your audience. How important has that support been in your journey?
Shiv Thakare: When you enter a show with your family, and I call my fans my family, their trust means everything. Even when competitors make accusations during the show, your fans are the ones who stand by you. Through television and platforms such as Twitter, your value reaches people around the world. I truly believe there is no greater power than that, and that power comes from my fans.
The Brew News: With multiple wins under your belt, do you still feel nervous before entering a new competition?
Shiv Thakare: Absolutely not. If winning ever started putting pressure on me, I would not be able to move forward. I have always felt a hunger to win. I am not afraid of failure because I have experienced both success and setbacks. That is my biggest strength, having seen both sides.
The Brew News: Beyond reality shows, you’ve also stepped into business. What’s next for Shiv Thakare as a brand?
Shiv Thakare: Amraa is something I have been planning for many years, and I am proud that it is finally taking shape. Many exciting things are happening this year, and Amraa is one of them. I want my studio salon to grow each year while staying closely connected to Amaravati, my hometown, where I opened my first outlet. My goal is to build it into a brand that truly offers something meaningful. I also want to support artists from Mumbai, giving them the kind of service a premium brand provides while keeping an authentic Indian touch, because old is gold. I feel blessed to bring these ideas to life. There is also a big film coming up, and I hope all my dreams come true. I am grateful for my fans’ support and God’s blessings.
