The Hindu : New Delhi News : Beating fear with faith and prayer

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Wednesday, Jul 16, 2008
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New Delhi

Beating fear with faith and prayer

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, the host of the new TV show “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi”.

Prayer is a way of not just meditation but also a means to consolidate one’s energy, calming the mind and being blessed by the universe at the same time.

Bearing all this in mind, Bollywood’s ultimate action hero Akshay Kumar saw to it that all 13 gorgeous participants in an upcoming show on the new Hindi entertainment channel Colors religiously chanted the Gayatri Mantra before performing each d angerous stunt.

Leading by example, the dashing hunk as the host for “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi” himself recited the sacred mantra of Hinduism to egg on the participants, enhance their self-belief and make them fearless while performing death-defying stunts in the exotic locales of South Africa.

Pointing out that teachings and powers inherent in the Gayatri Mantra instil confidence among contestants before performing intrepid stunts, Akshay Kumar says: “Whenever I do my stunts, I chant the Gayatri Mantra in my mind. I strongly believe that our body is animated by life energy. According to India’s science of sound healing, you can gather and direct that healing life force through the power of sacred sound. Hence to help the girls overcome their fear I thought it is best to start their stunts with this ultimate chant.”

Doctor-turned-model Aditi Govtrikar, who is one of the 13 contestants, starts developing self-doubts and nervousness when she is desperate to win something. “Akshay has superhero genes at least in some part of his body. I cannot think of anybody else who would have been so deeply involved and connected to the show as he did,” says the green-eyed beauty who abhors bungee jumping.

Aditi, who was crowned Mrs. World in 2001, feels her encyclopaedic knowledge about health and fitness would stand her in good stead in the upcoming show. “My risk-taking appetite is perfectly suited to make me a winner. However, I want to overcome the fear that I will not be able to do a task assigned to me,” says the actor, whose life has been one full of adventures.

For vivacious Bollywood actor and television personality Pooja Bedi, the show was a challenge as she suffers from vertigo and is paranoid about snakes. However, she says there are no “ifs” in her life.

“Akshay is the ultimate action guru when it comes to performing these death-defying stunts. It was fun, motivation and a great learning experience to work with him for the show,” says Pooja, who is considered the poster girl for the new breed of liberated and independent women.

Vidya Malvade, who acted in the film “Chak De! India” which created ripples at the box office recently, has however still not overcome her fears. She says that she is yet to get over the fear of heights and falling from helicopters.

Madhur Tankha

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