Outplay. Outwit. Outlast.

India gears up for Survivor — the award-winning British reality format touted as “the biggest competitive reality show on television.” Set to hit screens in mid-2011, the STAR Plus reality show will test the spirit of 20 contestants — marooned on an uninhabited tropical island — as they struggle to fight the elements and one another in a game of physical and mental endurance.

In this battle of wits, integrity and strength, contestants will catch their own food, build their own shelter and form their own “society” as they struggle to adapt to a life of extreme danger and discomfort.

While TV stars Abhishek Awasthi (better known as Rakhi Sawant’s ex-boyfriend) and Indian Idol finalist Rahul Vaidya have reportedly been approached, STAR Plus is also providing an opportunity to one viewer to be part of the ride of a lifetime (apply on the show’s microsite http://www.starsurvivor.in and register). Will Survivor India be as big a hit as its international versions or will it get a thumbs down like the similarly-themed Sarkaar Ki Duniya and Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao?

 

Jo darr gaya woh ghar gaya....

It isn’t Akshay Kumar who is going to be mouthing these dreaded lines on this year’s edition of Khatron Ke Khiladi. Come August, Salman Khan — the original dabangg (fearless) star of Bollywood — will replace the Khiladi in the Colors Fear Factor show.

According to sources, Akshay has been dropped from the fourth season of KKK even after shooting a promo for it. Salman — who gave the channel a huge TRP boost as host of Bigg Boss 4 last year — has apparently shot the promo of the show in Bangkok, where he is currently shooting for Ready, co-starring Asin.

Though Colors isn’t willing to officially confirm the news, the web world is abuzz with the fact that Sallu offered the channel an “unbelievable” deal for hosting two shows — Khatron Ke Khiladi 4 and Bigg Boss 5.

Akshay, the host for the first two seasons, was scheduled to return after a one-season break in which Priyanka Chopra took over. Ajay Devgn was also in the race to host Season 4, but was beaten to it by Akki. Now with Salman in the hot seat, will Akshay go back to the kitchen to host the next season of Masterchef India? For now, he’ll wait and stew!