Abhinav Shukla (born 27 September 1982) is an Indian actor who primarily works in Hindi television and films. He participated in Bigg Boss 14 and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 and emerged as semi finalist in the latter.[3]
Shukla started his career in the Indian television industry with Jersey No. 10 in 2007. Later in 2008, he played Shantanu in Colors TV's Jaane Kya Baat Hui.[4] In 2009, he played Vikram in Zee TV's Chotti Bahu. In 2010, he was cast in Star One's Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi where he plays the role of Dev. In 2011, he left the show and was replaced by Samir Sharma[5]
In 2011 to 2012, Shukla then was a part of the show Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai where he played Dr. Manan.[6] In January 2012, he participated in Survivor India as a contestant and was voted out in episode 21.[7][8] In April 2012 he played Sumer in Zee TV's Hitler Didi.[9]
In 2018 he opted to play a negative role on Colors TV show Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka as Rajdeep.[16] He however quit the show later in November.[17] In 2019, he acted in Luka Chuppi which released in March.[18] He later participated in Khatra Khatra Khatra. He directed a short film based on female-foeticide Bareilly Ki Beti: The Youngest Survivor starring his wife Rubina Dilaik.[19] In 2020, he along with his wife Rubina Dilaik entered Colors TV's Bigg Boss 14 as a contestant.[20][21] He got evicted on Day 130.[22]
Personal life
Shukla married his longtime girlfriend, actress Rubina Dilaik on 21 June 2018 in Shimla.[2] On Bigg Boss 14, it was revealed that his marriage with Dilaik was about to end and they gave each other six months before getting divorced.[23] Post the show, they decided to continue their marriage. Shukla stated, "There's no divorce happening."[24] They welcomed twin girls on 27 November 2023.[25]
Shukla who is a self-confessed adventure lover successfully climbed the peak of Stok Kangri in pure Alpine style along with his brother on 23 July 2017 and announced that this marked his foray into mountaineering.[26] In 2016 he along with his brother completed a 7-day trek from Chandra Taal to Bara-lacha la in alpine style.[27] A year before he had cycled from Manali to Leh solo in six days.[28]
He is known for his outdoor and adventure activities, whenever not shooting or working he likes to trek and camp out in the woods.[29] On 4 January 2014 while on a trek to a fort in Matheran forests of Maharashtra he got stuck on a ledge of a rock face and had to be rescued by a team of rock climbers. He said he had mentally prepared himself for days of survival, even had stored his urine for emergency.[30]