MUMBAI: They did some very successful films as a jodi. Then Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar went their separate ways. Now fate and television TRPs (in that order) have brought them face-to-face in a major headlong clash.

It is that factor called the Fear Factor. After doing two seasons as host of the very successful reality show Akshay Kumar was replaced by Priyanka Chopra. The TRPs when the glamorous Chopra took over hit the roof… or so claim those close to Priyanka.

"What TRPs?" snigger people from Akshay Kumar’s camp, citing the fact that Akshay has now been recalled to the show to host the fourth season as proof of that fact that Priyanka just didn’t work as the Fear Factor anchor.

Counters a source close to Priyanka, “This constant reminder that she was eased out of another season of Fear Factor because of the lack of a decent viewership really irks Priyanka. TRPs cannot be fudged. The fact is Priyanka’s debut on Fear Factor was the third-most popular debut by a film actor after Amitabh Bachchan on Kaun Banega Crorepati and Madhuri Dixit in Jhalak Dilkhlaa Jaa. If Priyanka is not doing another season of Fear Factor, it’s because she showed no interest in television after hosting Fear Factor once. Priyanka has five films on hand. She is very clear films are her priority. Mr Akshay Kumar whose Master Chef garnered pathetic TRPs on Star Plus, is most welcome to host any show that he gets. Priyanka is just not interested in television.”

True to their diplomatic nature neither Akshay nor Priyanka chose to comment on the war of TRPs between them. However, both the camps are actively spreading stories of how Akshay usurped Priyanka from her anchoring position on Fear Factor while the opposite camp protests that the lady just ain’t interested.