Muna Aleem: on being eliminated

S he's the third contestant to be eliminated. Last week, Muna Aleem was in the news for her closeness to another team member, Gracious D'costa. And, it's this very relationship that has made the other team members vote her out. Her ouster from Sahara One's Biggest Loser Jeetega has made Gracious a very angry man. Muna speak Having lost 8.9 kilos, Muna says she has another 24 kilos more to reduce to reach her ideal weight. About being on the show, she says, "It was an experience of a lifetime. I want to return as the wild card- entry." How has it changed her as a person? "I didn't have this positivity and self confidence when I first entered the house. I've tried every method from gyms, diets, wraps and medication to lose weight but have never succeeded like now. "Also, I'm an only child and have never ever lived with so many people. It was difficult living with people who had dif- ferent natures and temperaments." Is she happy with her elimination? "It's a game. I'm not going to indulge in any blame game," she replies. But adds, "Their reasons didn't make sense to me. Firstly, I don't think I'm too thin and secondly, I feel they were threatened by Gracious and myself since we're both very strong individuals." On her relationship with Gracious, she says, "My swimming sessions hurt my knees and I could barely walk. The doctors asked me to keep ice packs. I think Gracious had the guts to come and comfort me. The others also could have helped me but no one came forward and for that, I will always respect and adore Gracious." How does she react to Gracious' anger towards other team members on her ouster? "No one can think of Gracious without thinking of him using fowl language or being vocal about his feelings. He's aggressive but he's harmless." Host speak Sunil Shetty, the anchor, says, "Well, somebody had to go. Muna is someone who can lose weight on her own. The team thought her relationship with Gracious would harm the team.. it's a game." Gracious has been a favourite with Shetty. How did he react seeing Gracious' outburst after Muna's ouster? "He hasn't been gracious at all," says Shetty. He feels that while the Red team have to eliminate members more intel- ligently, the Blue team have become overcon- fident and need to get their act together. "Now, they actually feel that they know more than the trainers," he quips. Shetty is pleased at the response towards the show saying it has given rise to 16 ambassadors who will go a long way in inspiring viewers to lead healthy lives. Channel speak Starting this Friday, Biggest Loser Jeetega will be aired from 8 p m onwards. Confirming this, the channel's programming head Kalyan Sundaram says, "It's a research–based decision from women who want to see it at this hour. They are our core audience. It's a niche pro- gramme and we're glad that Sec A and B are glued on to it."