Anita Hasnandani is back in action literally. The girl-next-door of Kavyvanjali will soon be seen performing death-defying stunts in Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi, to be hosted by Akshay Kumar.

There’s more action in store for Anita as she plays Draupadi in 9X’s Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki.. Plus, she has another soap in her kitty.

In an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar, the pretty lass talks about overcoming her fear, Mahabharat and her relation with beau Ejaz. Read on.

What attracted you to Fear Factor? Is it the adventure or Akshay Kumar?

None of these thoughts crept in my mind. I wasn’t sure of taking up this show as I kept asking myself whether I’ll be able to perform such daredevil acts. But I wouldn’t know the answer till I actually tried it myself. Well, that’s how I landed in this show.

Isn’t it a risk for a beautiful woman to participate in such shows as you might end with injuries to your face and body?

Yes, that threat is always there but life is all about taking risks. You wouldn’t succeed without taking risks. This was once in a lifetime opportunity and I couldn’t miss it.

Have you overcome all your fears?

Not entirely but I no longer fret at the sight of a cockroach or water. I still don’t how to swim. However, after my Fear Factor experience, I’ve realised the importance of swimming. I will learn it now.

Were you made to face roaches and perform stunts in water?

Yes, there were plenty of water stunts. Fortunately, none of us were made to eat insects or worms. I wasn’t the only non-swimmer out there. The atmosphere was such that we dared to do anything.

What kind of stunts did you perform?

We’re not supposed to disclose that but I can assure you that each of them were difficult in its own way. I used to break down even before performing. I reckon, amongst all the girls, I was the one who shed the most tears. At the end of the day, it’s all about your inner strength. Fortunately, I was able to perform most tasks.

Was Akshay a tough taskmaster?

He didn’t blast anyone but he used to get very upset if any of us refused to perform a stunt. He did push us to the brink but kept motivating us at every stage. I was hesitant in putting my hand in a container full of frogs, roaches and other insects. The moment I saw it, I started to weep. However, Akshay grabbed my hand and shoved it in the container.

Akshay himself showed us the way by performing the difficult stunts.

Reality shows aren’t complete without any dramatics. Was there any?

Not really. In fact, it was very peaceful out there. This show is not about competing but it’s all about overcoming one’s fear. We all were too occupied with our own task that there was no time to indulge in any bickering.

How much research have you done on your other show Mahabharat?

I’ve been reading little bit of Mahabharat. I have picked up few books. It’s important to do some work when you playing an important character like Draupadi.

Are you learning Sanskrit?

No, I haven’t but I do pay attention to my language. Often, I pick up my script well in advance thus giving myself more time to prepare.

Critics feel that Balaji actors are fit to do saas-bahu roles not an epic like Mahabharat. Comment.

I’m very much aware of this fact. Viewers are accustomed to seeing us in saas-bahu roles. At the end of the day, we’ve given our best shot and merely hope for the best.

You were supposed to do a comedy show? What happened to that?

Unfortunately, Mahabharat will now consume most of time thereby it’s not possible for me to take up other shows. I’ll be doing another soap thus it left me with no time for Karlo Sapney Poorey.

Finally, is everything going smoothly between Ejaz and you?

It’s always been smooth. I don’t know where stories of our break-up emanate from. We are very much in love with each other. However marriage is still far away.