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What scares Akshay Kumar

Everyone knows how Akshay Kumar likes to do his own stunts on screen. The actor will perform stunts for his television show, Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 as well, as a special treat for his fans.

The actor talks to Rajul Hegde about his action show, and his stunts over the years. He also admits the one thing that still scares him even today.

Over to Akshay Kumar:

How is Level 2 different from the first?

The stunts are tougher and more dangerous compared to the earlier level. Last year, people complained that I didn't perform any stunt. Though as a host, I am not supposed to do any stunts, I did some this time because I enjoy it. My stunts are a bonus -- a treat for my fans.

This year, the girls were tougher because they had watched the first level. They were prepared for the dangerous stunts.

'I kept reminding the girls that they had not come on the show to eat jalebis'

How many stunts have you done?

I must have done seven-eight stunts. Once, I had to do a stunt with almost every girl because they weren't performing well on that particular day.

The girls felt you were their headmaster and they were the students in a hostel.

Yes, I kept reminding them that they had not come on the show to eat jalebis but to perform stunts. I kept pushing them to do stunts because I wanted them to overcome their fears.

I made Bruna Abdullah do a stunt with cockroaches, as I knew she was scared of them.

If the girls didn't give their all while performing the stunt, I would give them a piece of my mind. I would tell them that they didn't deserve to be on the show.

When I met Rupali Ganguly this morning, she told me her life had changed and that she's become more confident after taking part in the show.

'I am scared of merry-go-rounds'

Do you have any say in conceptualising the stunts?

Yes. I have jointly designed the stunts with the team.

Who do you think is the most fearless contestant?

All of them have unique qualities and different phobias. So I can't pick one.

Last season, Yana Gupta did exceedingly well but couldn't make it to the finals because of the show's format.

I was on the verge of disqualifying Bruna Abdulla for a stunt with cockroachs. I couldn't force her to do the stunt because the format doesn't allow me to do that. Finally, she did it. When the girls first came on the show, they had smile on their face. Slowly they started crying, got hurt and even bled. I used to sympathise them but the 18 days in the camp was a test for them to overcome their fears. But they have done a brilliant job.

Any fear that you have that you are yet to overcome?

I am scared of merry-go-rounds. I don't know why. But I get this horrible feeling and my head starts spinning whenever I sit in it.

'I could have lost my life performing Blue's stunt'

Which was your favourite stunt?

It will be shown in the forthcoming episodes. The girls are in an aeroplane, 1,000 feet above the ground. They have to walk from one wing to the other.

And then there's one where the girls have to swim with crocodiles.

Which are the most dangerous stunts you have done so far?

I swam with 40 sharks in my film Blue. It was the most dangerous stunt I've done because I could have lost my life performing it. I had to fight with goons 150 feet underwater without an oxygen mask and equipment. My vision was blurred. I had also hurt my head while fighting and it had started bleeding. The crew had to divert the sharks' attention by putting fish in the water. I had to make sure I didn't panic and swim to the surface. If one attempts to come out of the water quickly, the lungs might burst due to water pressure.

It was reported that Lara Dutta had to learn swimming for Blue?

Yes. I always give Lara's example to the girls. When I did Andaz with her, she had water phobia.

When I asked her how she will do it, she asked me to give her three months. Hats off to her, not only did she learn swimming but she also got a diving certificate.

'I believe women are stronger than men'

Do you remember your first stunt?

Yes, it was for the film Saugand. I was hung with two ropes and tortured in that particular scene.

Do you think guys need to prove themselves in level three?

I believe women are stronger than men. Men might have more strength and may be able to pick up more bricks. But women are tougher and show the right presence of mind than men in similar situations.

You have done films and television. What next?

I'm planning an All India Akshay Kumar Karate Tournament in October. I have already announced it and 30,000 students have registered. We will shortlist 1,000 children. They will be my guests in Mumbai for three days, all expenses paid. Winners will get a medal from a recognised school in Japan.