Wrestler Geeta Phogat from Haryana may have joined the reality show bandwagon on television by signing up for Fear Factor — Khatron Ke Khiladi, but she’s got her priorities set.
“After our life history was shown on the silver screen and much appreciated by the audiences, I have more of a responsibility on my shoulders now. I may be on this show, but I prefer working hard on my craft –Khushti, rather than being under the arc lights,” admits Geeta.
Also, this is not the first time that Geeta has been offered to star in a reality TV show. “I rejected a few other reality shows because they didn’t suit my personality. Through this show, I want to know and get acquainted with my fears. And it suits me as I love to perform various stunts,” she says.
When asked whether she would accept a film role if host and director Rohit Shetty offers her one, Geeta says, “Right now, I am committed to my game and until 2020, I have to live up to the expectations and promise that I made to my dad. I have only one aim — to win an Olympic medal.”
The new Khatron Ke Khiladi season will be based in Spain. Talking about the same, Geeta says, “Visiting Spain does not excite me as much as making my parents proud does. They don’t need any gifts from Spain, winning this show will be the biggest gift. I have all the support from my in-laws and husband as well.”
Praising actress Fatima Shaikh’s performance in Dangal, Geeta says, “Yes, I have watched Dangal. Fatima has done a brilliant job.”
Revealing some of her dislikes, Geeta says, “A doctor who visited our home recently instructed me to not go out late at night and asked me how I would safeguard myself if 10 men came and troubled me. Do we (women) not know how to protect ourselves?
“Even today, after proving that I’m so strong when compared to men in my game, I get to hear such a thing, which is really disheartening.”
Geeta also reveals that she is working on her autobiography.
“Maybe in the coming years, you will get to watch it on the silver screen. But until the day I do not get medals in the Olympic Games for my beloved country, my father’s dreams and my own will remain unfulfilled,” says the ambitious lady.
Offering a few words of advice to girls and women who find themselves in a dangerous situation, Geeta says, “They should not lose strength. They need to be prepared physically as well as mentally to face such situations. If all girls turn strong within themselves, men with bad intentions can be taught apt lessons.
“We have to act with presence of mind and handle these rogues mindfully. Physically, too, we need to get stronger.”
Geeta is thrilled that girls from Haryana are getting the freedom to choose and play games of their choice after the wrestlers proved themselves in their field.
“Folks back in Haryana are loving it and are allowing their daughters to follow their passion. We are happy that we have opened new vistas for them to be able to achieve their aims,” says Geeta, with a smile.
