Very few know that it was TV actress Pratima Kazmi, popular for her role as the waspish-tongued Nani of "Uttaran", who taught struggling Akshay Kumar Hindi, and after two decades the star offered to give her "gurudakshina".

At the first edition of Colors' Golden Petal Awards here Monday night, Akshay made this revelation.

"I have something to tell you all about this lady," Akshay said as he spotted Kazmi in the audience of the awards function.

He held her hand and told the audience: "This lady taught me Hindi for six long months in the initial phase of my career when I faced tough times. She is a wonderful person."

When Akshay offered to give her "gurudakshina", a visibly embarrassed Kazmi said: "It is Akshay's zindadili (whole heartedness) which is his best quality and which makes him so admirable. His stunts are so effortless."

At the drop of a hat, Akshay asked her: "Would you like to do any stunt?"

She said: "Mujhe hamesha se aag ugalna seekhna hai! Agar woh main seekh sakun... (I have always wanted to learn fire breathing. If only I could learn it)."

Taking a dig at her role in "Uttarn", Akshay said: "Arre serial mein toh aag ugalti hi ho, aao aaj real mein sikhaaun (You breathe fire in your serial with your dialogues, but come I will teach you fire breathing in real life)," and took her to the stage to perform the risky stunt.

Just as Akshay warns fans and kids not to try any of his dangerous "Khatron Ke Khiladi" stunts without training and supervision, he warned everyone for this stunt too.

He taught Kazmi how she must keep a small amount of kerosene in her mouth, take care not to gulp it down, and blow it out to create a ball of fire in the air.

The actress, true to her character in "Uttaran", said: "Rami Rakhe" before the stunt to take god's blessings, and performed it successfully.

She thanked Akshay, and said: "Darr durr ho gaya (My fear has gone)."

To which, master Akshay said: "This is what it is - you are the 'Khatron ki khiladi' today."