Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

'Drinking goat brain mixed with blood was tough'

Last updated on: September 2, 2009 
Marc Robinson

Model-turned-choreographer Marc Robinson became the latest celebrity to be evicted from reality TV show Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao last week. He was pitted against Mona Wasu in the final fight.

Marc talks to Rajul Hegde about his experience in the jungle and much more.

Why did you decide to take part in a reality show?

I have been in the fashion industry for more than 20 years and have tried almost everything from modelling to films. But this was one thing I haven't done. It was an ultimate reality show to test your endurance.

How easy was it to have those weird concoctions because you made it seem so effortless?

When I look back and think about those things, even I feel weird. But somehow we managed to eat those things. Before I went on the show, people had warned me about the weird stuff I would have to eat. Some models even asked me if I had checked out the videos on You Tube. I just remembered what my DJ friend had said during the task -- that a Bandra boy can eat anything you give him on the plate. I guess that is what happened during the show.

What were the most difficult thing to eat in the show?

I had to drink a concoction of fish guts. That was a thick slush. That was the yuckiest thing I had to swallow.

But the most difficult one is during a tie between Chetan [Hansraj] and I. We had to drink something that looked like a milkshake to win the tie. When stirred it turned pink. They told us that it was goat brain mixed with blood. I really don't know how we managed to drink it. I lost the tie because some parts of the brain got stuck in my mouth.

'I don't think my wife and children will let me go there again'

Last updated on: September 2, 2009 
Marc Robinson

Would you like to go back on the show?

Well. It was a lifetime experience but I don't think my wife and children will let me go there again.

What did you learn from the jungle experience?

The show gave me time for self-introspection and realisation. It made me realise that 80 percent of the stuff we spend time on in the city is useless. Jungle life is healthier. After taking part in this show, my family has become more important for me. I can't tell you how much I missed them.

I also managed to lose 11 kilos of weight in a good way. That would have not been possible in Mumbai.

'Hunger makes a man do a lot of things he wouldn't otherwise'

Last updated on: September 2, 2009 
Marc Robinson

Why is Akashdeep Saighal so abusive on the show? Was he briefed to do so?

I really do not know why he is behaving in such a way. If he is playing the game to get the votes or TRPs, then it's fine because most of them are playing games. I hope that he doesn't behave like this in real life. If he does then I wouldn't like to be associated with him because his statements are derogatory. But I must say that hunger makes a man do a lot of things he wouldn't otherwise. A growling stomach has become a growling mouth [smiles].

Did you dislike anyone in the jungle?

I had requested all contestants to treat this as a game and nothing else. That would make life easier for everyone and I think I managed to do that. Chetan and I really hit it off during the show. We knew each other earlier, but became good friends during this show. I do not hate anyone because it's a strong emotion, which I have reserved for my wife, as I can hate a person only when I love him or her.

'Mona Wasu is turning out to be a true leader'

Last updated on: September 2, 2009 
Marc Robinson

Who do you think will win?

Like I said, Chetan is a friend and I would definitely want him to win. He is an intelligent guy with a big heart. But I doubt whether he will be able to make it to the end. He has a weak mind and is letting Akash fire from his shoulders.

Mona Wasu is turning out to be a true leader because she is physically and mentally fit. I would be happy if a girl/woman wins because a lot of children have been watching the show. It will give show them that girls are no less physically stronger than men.

Just a couple of days ago I went to drop off my daughter to her ballet classes and her friends, on seeing me, asked her why I was out of jungle. She said that I lost the Maha Jungle Challenge to a girl and then cheered and said 'girl power'. That made me proud and victorious because it's a step forward. I want a girl to win the show because I have a daughter.