Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar Rajul Hegde in Mumbai
The actress tells Rajul Hegde what to expect:
What prompted you to take up a television show?
There is no rule that an actor can do television only after his or her Bollywood career is over. I had never thought of doing TV. When I got a call from the channel for this show, I was very skeptical because I did not have time. But they told me that I needed to shoot for 20 days only. So I decided to give it a shot. I have seen both the seasons of Khatron Ke Khiladi and the American version, Fear Factor, as well.
Do you enjoy taking risks?
I like to do things that have not been done before by others. One has to take risks to succeed. I did Aitraaz early in my career when people told me I was taking a risk by doing a negative role. When I acted in Fashion, I was told women-oriented films don't work. All my risks have paid off.
What kind of preparation are you doing for the show?
My fitness consciousness is zero. But now I have started gyming regularly and working on my stamina.
I am doing Don 2 and since Lara (Dutta) is in the movie too, I need to look good (winks).
'I was scared of heights since childhood'
Fear is not a factor in my life. The only thing that scares me is failure and spiders. I was scared of heights since childhood but after trying sky-diving at 21, I have overcome that. I have done bungee jumping as well.
Have you tried any kind of wild sports?
Yes. I have done water rafting and bungee jumping. I have always loved pushing the envelope (smiles).
These things are more of a mental exercise than physical. But as I have always been focused and determined, things get a lot easier for me.
Akshay Kumar hosted the earlier two editions. Are you ready for comparisons?
That would be unfair because Akshay is India's Khiladi. I am happy Akshay did the first two seasons of KKK and the bar has been raised considerably. I can't be like him and neither will I try to follow in his footsteps. I will not follow a particular pattern as such but will do things my way.
'I will be performing a few hand-picked stunts'
My father and brother were excited, but my mom got scared. She said she would stay with me during the shoot and keep praying for me (smiles).
Would you be performing any dangerous stunts on the show?
Yes, I will be performing a few hand-picked stunts. But the contestants will have to do them all.
Do you think that you would be a distraction to the contestants?
I intend being a distraction. So that the task becomes a lot more difficult for them.
Comment
article