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Rediff.com  » Movies » 'I prefer working on wrestling rather than being under the arc lights'

'I prefer working on wrestling rather than being under the arc lights'

By Rajul Hegde
May 20, 2017 10:00 IST
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'I have overcome most of my fears. I was scared of water, so I learnt swimming. I don't think I will be scared of animals or creepy crawlies.'

Gold medallist wrestler Geeta Phogat will take part in her first adventure-based reality show, Khatron Ke Khiladi 8, hosted by Rohit Shetty. She's ready to take on the challenges in Spain, where the show will be show.

She has already started keeping a watch on her diet -- she had a plate of salad for dinner.

"I have just started working out after my shoulder surgery," Geeta says. "I had put on some weight after Dangal released, as my schedule went for toss. I used to attend so many events to promote the film. I will have to reduce before going to Spain."

So what's her biggest fear?

At the moment, it's Rohit Shetty.

"I didn't have that earlier but now after meeting him, I fear him," Geeta says with a laugh. "I have overcome most of my fears. I was scared of water, so I learnt swimming. I don't think I will be scared of animals or creepy crawlies."

Geeta was not allowed to watch television much, as has only seen a few episodes of Khatron Ke Khiladi.

"I took up the challenge because I wanted to fight my fears. Plus, I have not played any adventures sports, so it will be an interesting experience," she says. 

 

Geeta says people have been recognising her, thanks to Dangal and her appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show.

"People knew that Babita and I were wrestlers but they didn't know us by face," she explains.

Geeta was offered Nach Baliye before but she could not take it up, as it was time-consuming.

"They wanted me to give them two-three months. That wouldn't have been possible for me," she says.

Is she ready to appear on more TV shows?

"No. I am committed to my game till 2020. I have to live up to expectations and promises that I made to my dad. My only aim is to win an Olympic medal. After I stop wrestling, my dream is to open a wrestling academy, train students and produce more Geetas and Babitas!" she exclaims.

Geeta doesn't really like the limelight.

"I may be on this show but I prefer working on wrestling rather than being under the arc lights. Sometimes I feel kaunsa duniya mein aagayee hoon. You have to keep repeating lines and there are so many re-takes. Sometimes I feel like running away from it all!" she says with a laugh.

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Rajul Hegde / Rediff.com in Mumbai