Akki is back, and how!

Ok, by now everyone knows I am an ardent fan of the original macho star Akshay Kumar. I've been a regular viewer of his films ' can't wait to see Blue ' regardless of the media's trashing, and last year his Khatron ke Khiladi was the only TV programme I watched from start to finish.

Naturally, season 2 of the show had me salivating way before it began, and this week, I am happy to note, I made it back in time for all the four episodes.

As he says, season 2 is wayyy tougher than the previous one; how I wish the participants were too.

Going by what I've seen so far, barring a couple the 13 are a major disappointment. They may be bigger 'stars' than the season 1 bunch, but they sure are not better.

I didn't expect the attractive Shonali Nagrani to be the first one to get out.

I didn't expect Bruna Abdullah to go out on the third day.

But my biggest disappointment has been Sushma Reddy, she of the Reddy trio fame. If you are a Mumbaikar there's no way you cannot admire the three sisters, Meghna, Sameera and Sushma. They are gutsy, charming and full of beans –  typical Mumbai, if you ask me.

So it was with shock, and dismay, that I watched Sushma make a fool of herself right from day one. The stunt that involved swimming through a net underwater saw her develop cold feet, and saying while she could swim she didn't enjoy being underwater.

Huh? When you come on Fear Factor one supposes that you've worked on overcoming your fears and, most importantly, do the obvious things like spend time underwater, in cold water, at heights, climb, hang, hang upside down, etc etc as part of your training.

Sushma probably has never seen Fear Factor or its Indian versions, has never done anything tough or difficult in her life, and came on the show expecting it to be a ramp walk. Her tears on Thursday night and refusal to do the stunt rightly got her kicked out of the show, and can't have done the spunky Meghna and Sameera proud.

So who is the likely winner of Season 2?

Inside sources tell me it's Anushka Manchanda, formerly of Viva fame, but I am unable to confirm it. Personally, on available evidence so far, I think Jesse Randhawa has all the makings of a winner; Mandira Bedi and Shweta Salve were others I expected a lot out of, but so far they have not done anything to justify viewers', and their own, expectations.

Finally about the host Akshay Kumar. Rarely have I seen an actor getting better and looking better with age, and the khiladi is it. He also handles the bevy of beauties beautifully, being mentor and martinet depending on the situation. Way to go!