Niko Tokić Cartel for Net.hr about the race of life, his nephew, Šimi Eleza and big plans

Croatian businessman and former presidential candidate Niko Tokić Kartelo, 60, will soon take part in the adventure reality show Asia Express: Zmajeva Ruta on RTL television, marking a dramatic shift from his usual political and business roles. The show, which begins in September, will see him travel through Asia with his nephew Ivan Tokić, 36, whom he calls “a son I never had.” The program promises challenges such as surviving on just one euro per day, navigating unfamiliar environments, and relying solely on personal resourcefulness. Tokić explained that the invitation to join the show came at a pivotal moment in his life, when he felt overwhelmed by the demands of his work with youth initiatives and rural development projects. He described the experience as a much-needed break, allowing him to step away from the pressures of daily responsibilities. “It’s like things happen exactly when they need to,” he said, adding that the opportunity to participate in Asia Express felt like a long-awaited reprieve. The show will present Tokić in a completely different light, away from politics and business, focusing instead on survival, adaptability, and personal growth under extreme conditions. He emphasized that he does not feel the need to change who he is for the cameras, stating that he is the same person whether the cameras are rolling or not. This transparency, he believes, will allow viewers to see a more authentic side of him. The journey with his nephew has added another layer of significance to the experience. Tokić expressed confidence that he could endure the challenges of the show alongside Ivan, noting their mutual respect and understanding. “He respects me greatly, and I know how capable he is,” Tokić said. “But above all, this trip gave us a chance to talk, something we haven’t had much of before.” Despite turning 60 earlier this year, Tokić feels physically younger than his age suggests. He shared that a recent comprehensive health assessment revealed that his body functions similarly to someone in their early 40s. “Maybe I’m somewhere between 40 and 60,” he joked, highlighting his determination to stay active and engaged. His birthday was marked by a large celebration organized by his wife and daughters, who took charge since he was still recovering from his travels in Asia. Approximately 200 guests attended the event, though the number would have been higher had it not fallen on a working day. The party reflected both his personal milestones and the support of his family. Meanwhile, another participant in Asia Express: Zmajeva Ruta, Katarina Mamić, 29, is preparing for her own challenge in the show. A former Miss Croatia, Mamić won the title in 2019 after competing in the selection held on Mali Lošinj. She represented Croatia at the Miss World pageant in London and gained additional recognition for her performance in the Top Model category. Now based in Zagreb, she hails from Herzegovina and has become a familiar face in the Croatian fashion industry. Mamić will compete alongside international model Luna Valas, forming the team Gazelle. Their participation in the show marks a new chapter in Mamić's career, moving beyond modeling into the realm of endurance and survival challenges. The show’s producers have highlighted the contrast between her previous glamorous appearances and the raw, unpredictable nature of the competition. As the premiere date approaches, anticipation builds around the participants and the unique experiences they will face. Viewers are eager to see how these individuals will handle the physical and mental trials of the show, while also gaining insight into their personal journeys and relationships. With its mix of adventure, strategy, and human connection, Asia Express: Zmajeva Ruta promises to be an engaging and transformative experience for everyone involved.