Producer Luv Israni Talks About KINK 2 And Working With Poonam Pandey

Luv Israni, the mastermind behind the popular dating reality show KINK season 2, opens up about the journey of bringing KINK 2 to life. The second season, set against the exotic backdrop of Vietnam, promises a fresh and adventurous experience for audiences.

"The success of KINK Season 1 was the reason that Atrangii decided for Season 2. I did a lot of research and watched at least 50 dating reality shows from different parts of the world. The idea for KINK 2 is fresh, and I have a fantastic creative team working with me. Together, we created something truly entertaining. From the initial idea to pre-production, shooting, and post-production, it has been an adventurous journey of building a remarkable show," shares Luv.

This time, KINK 2 distinguishes itself by being the first Indian dating reality show to be shot in Vietnam. Luv explains the effort put into making the second season unique. "We made sure KINK 2 stood out by changing the location. We also focused on getting the right participants. We auditioned more than 500 people across the country, ensuring the contestants were from different professions. It's not easy to be yourself with cameras around you, so we prioritized personality over just good looks."

Talking about the format of the show he adds, "The format is looking great with three phases: the singles finding their partners, wild card entries, and the final phase where contestants need to find their true connection. The narrative is looking fantastic in the episodes now."

However, filming in Vietnam presented its own set of challenges. "Shooting in Vietnam was tough because it's not a very shoot-friendly location, and getting supplies was a major challenge. We had to work with local doctors, which was also a concern initially. But I had a dedicated production team, talented artists, and an excellent camera and sound team who supported me throughout. Even Poonam Pandey, the host of the show, was very cooperative and helpful, which made the process smoother."

Talking about the appeal of reality shows like KINK, Luv believes that authenticity is what draws viewers in. "Shows like KINK 2 are successful because people relate to the characters. Conflicts and disagreements are part of reality shows, but viewers are curious to see how people from different walks of life interact and grow. When building this show, I aimed to keep it as real as possible."

Highlighting the biggest USP of the show, Luv explains, "The biggest USP of the show is its authenticity and exotic locations. We shot in three stunning places-Renaissance Riverside Hotel, Furama Resort Danang, and Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resorts & Spa. The choice of venues played a significant role in making the show visually appealing and different from the first season."

He also sheds light on Poonam Pandey's contribution to the show as the host. "Poonam Pandey is known for her bold and controversial image, so we knew her presence would add spice and glamour to the show. She was excited about hosting since it was something she had never done before. We conducted multiple workshops with her to guide her on being a bold and confident host. Poonam was incredibly professional, always making herself available for costume trials and fully supporting the process without any tantrums. Her involvement has definitely enhanced the overall appeal of the show."