Pavitra Punia on bouncing back after personal setbacks; says, 'I have not yet cried'

Reality Ranis of the Jungle just ended on Discovery Channel with Irina Rudkova emerging as the winner. Pavitra Punia who was a part of season one came for the finale of the second season. While she admits she is not a wildlife enthusiast per se, Pavitra Punia says being in a challenging environment always gives her a rush of adrenaline. She says, “I think it is in my blood. Whenever I hear of mental or physical challenges it gives me a sense of excitement that runs through my veins. I love such kind of shows that have that deadly survival quotient. And who would not like to associate with Discovery channel.” On a lighter note she adds, “Bigg Boss was a lot easier than this.”

The actress who has been part of shows like Baal Veer, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Bigg Boss and other shows admits she has never spent time in a jungle. “I never did camping or anything of that sort. This was my first time in a jungle for ten days,” she says.

Pavitra Punia on coping up with grief in personal life

On the personal front, she just got engaged to a businessman based in the US. The past few years had been rough for her. She lost her father, and her relationship with actor Eijaz Khan also ended due to lack of compatibility. Talking about struggling with a sense of grief and loss, she said, “Life goes on. I have lost a precious human, my father. However, I am responsible for my mother and younger siblings. When they see me working and moving ahead in life, they feel better. They also get some strength and hope. For a woman losing her husband is a big thing. I do not want my mother to worry for me.”

Emotionally, she also reveals that she’s still not ready to accept that her father is no more. “I am not daring enough. I have not yet cried. I feel I will be really shattered if I cry. One of my biggest reasons to work continuously is not to remember him and shatter myself,” she said.

I am not daring enough. I have not yet cried. I feel I will be really shattered if I cry. One of my biggest reasons to work continuously is not to remember him and shatter myself.

- Pavitra Punia on deep sense of grief after death of father

On survival shows finding audience in India

India with its wide topography, forests and natural landscapes can be a hotspot for survival shows. However, they do not seem to have much of an audience. Pavitra tells us, “In India, people connect more with violence. Hence, shows with more fights and less actual work succeed here. People follow contestants and keep on tracking them on those shows. Indians are known for Bhed Chaal. However, I am glad that Reality Ranis of the Jungle got attention. This is why makers commissioned a second season. I found this season amazing though I was a small a part of it.”