"You will never see me participating in reality shows because I don't believe in them. I received offers from 'Nach Baliye' and 'Big Boss', but I said no. I feel these shows are too close to my real life and I wouldn't like to put my life in public, " Vivan told.
"As an anchor 'yes', I don't mind being a part of one but as a contestant I can't, " he added.
The 31-year-old actor, who replaced Angad Bedi as a host in UTV Bindaas's "Emotional Atyachaar", has again taken up the anchor's job in "D3 Commando Force: Dadagiri Against Terrorism".
This new reality show will see 14 civilians turned into commandoes to help fight terrorism.
"Honestly, when at first I was offered this show I refused to take it up. But when I heard the concept and the kind of message they wanted to convey, I agreed. Moreover, there is no masala in the show. We have tried to keep it clean."
Vivan, who won the title of Mr. India 2004, was seen in Falguni Pathak's "Maine Payal Hai Chhankai" video. Later he featured in Ekta Kapoor's soaps "Kyunki Saas Bhu Kabhi Bahu Thi" and "Kumkum". However, his character in "Maayka" made him a household name. His latest television series is "Pyaar Ka Bandhan".
Vivan has done small roles in movies like "Chak De! India", "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Karthik Calling Karthik". Vivan also worked as a VJ for Channel V.
"I have always tried to attempt something different, be it anchoring, TV, films or theatre. It is important to keep yourself fresh as it helps you grow as a human being, " he said.
The actor is actively involved in theatre and has been part of plays like "Oh God", "Champagne on the House" and "Verdict". His play on 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, "A Personal War" directed by Divya Palat, wowed the audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
"I will soon be travelling to New York for the play. We will be performing five to seven shows at the Broadway level. This play is an attempt to give a glimpse of what happened on 26/11 to American people for whom this is a page nine story. We want to make them aware of what we went through, " he said.
Vivan says he loves to be part of theatre, but rues that the medium doesn't pay.
"As an actor you will love to be part of theatre as it gives more creative freedom than any other medium, but unfortunately theatre doesn't pay. So you need to do something that helps you earn bread and butter for your family."