It's a jungle out there, a dog-eat-dog world. And it takes some genuine survivor skills to outsmart the predatory tactics of competing teams and even one's own team members. For Catan tribe's Abhinav Shukla, surviving great odds and tough situations may not seem like a great challenge, as he firmly believes in his own instincts and self.

Although his tribe (team) performed miserably at the ‘Rewards Challenge' Abhinav is not one to give up so easily. Being an engineer, and having often taken the "long and difficult route" in life, he is no stranger to challenges.

"I like living on the edge" he says. In the 22nd Jan episode he proved not just his engineering skills but also the shrewdness to knock out a possible threat: Karan Patel whom he voted out.

It was at raft-making where Abhinav showed his true mettle. With deft hands he strung together bamboo sticks and tied efficient knots that made the raft truly sea-worthy. And he also broke an international record while doing so. The best of raft-makers anywhere in the world require a minimum of 3 hours for the task, whereas Abhinav did it in 2 hours flat!

Amazed tribe mates asked him where he picked up the skills. "It's simple and basic engineering principles" Abhinav said. Well, his raft-making skills and the ability to light a fire without a matchstick or lighter may get him past obstacles and dangers in a forest.

But will he be able to survive the wily ways of team-mates and the challenges that lie ahead? More pointedly, we asked him if he would survive a show like Bigg Boss. He laughs and say

"Might have to think twice as I'm too real for that kind of reality show. A few episodes of Bigg Boss and I'd go for a toss ! In the jungle, I can kill and eat a poisonous snake to survive. But on Bigg Boss I'd be chewed alive by those man-eaters. Grrrrrowwwl!" So Abhinav can joke too!

We probe further "Would you refuse if the Bigg Boss people invite you?"

"Well, to be frank I like natural beauty. Not artificial. I never make friends easily. And when I do, I'm faithful, for life. So you see I am certainly NOT the kind of person people want to see on Bigg Boss.

Besides, dirty politics is not my cup of tea. I follow a simple funda in life. Jahaan baaton say baat nahin bantee, vahaan laaton say baat karoonga.So I am afraid I might get physical too. (laughs)

We have to agree with Abhinav's friends who also like his honesty and directness.

The promising young actor has already shown his acting prowess in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai and Geet. He is lately looking for a bigger break.

His brooding intensity does indicate serious talent and potential as an actor but that is something only time will reveal. For the time being, he is happy countering challenges on SI.

He would also love to be on shows like Fear Factor and Khatron Kay Khiladi where he just might go on to prove he's India's answer to Bear Grylls.