Paris Lakshmi on winning the top prize in Dare the Fear, a show on Asianet

Dare the Fear, a reality show on Asianet, had a dozen women contestants trying to challenge their fears and endurance limits to win the top prize. Dancer and actor Paris Lakshmi, who emerged as the winner of the show, won ₹5 lakh. First runner-up Poojitha Menon bagged ₹ 3 lakh and second runners-up Dilsha Prasannan and Archana Susheelan took home ₹ 1 lakh each.

Lakshmi is all smiles as she explains what attracted her to the programme that was completely shot in Thailand and Malaysia and what it was like to be a contestant on the show.

Excerpts from an interview...

How did you become a part of Dare the Fear?

The channel contacted me. I am not a fan of reality shows or of TV but the concept of an all-women show attracted me. It was all about doing stunts to achieve different kinds of targets. Since I don’t have many fears, I was game for the show.

I came into the show as a wild card entry in the middle of the game. It was meant to be a surprise for the contestants and viewers.

What was the hardest task you had to do to win the prize?

We had to go on an extremely high bridge and then walk across a narrow metal bridge over it to complete a series of tasks. I managed to complete the tasks but there was an upset at the last minute and I was quite disappointed! The entire show was about staying cool under pressure and testing your physical and mental stamina. Another contest I enjoyed was having to roll a barrel across a distance by using our hands.

Did you go for some special training to take part in the show?

I am a dancer and so fitness is always a priority. I also do light exercises to keep myself agile. For the show, I went to a gym for some weight training. That is something I did only to do justice as a contestant.

What does your family have to say about your win?

Many of the contestants had family members accompanying them to Malaysia. But the producers of the show did not allow a single person to be present while we took part in the challenges. Perhaps, they were worried that the parents or family members might get scared by the challenges or that they would distract us.

Game for more such shows?

(Laughs) Not really. I was invited to be part of a famous dance reality show in North India but I refused.

This show was different from the usual ones and that is why I participated. However, if someone gives me a role in a film that involves stunts and actions, I would jump to take that up!