Nightiewale Baba to tell all

Disappointed: Deepak Parasher with Carol Gracias in Bigg Boss

You mentioned your first wife and a daughter you've never met on the show.
Yes. There is nothing to hide. In 1984, I met Sarita, a Punjabi girl settled in Malaysia. She was a big fan of mine. Nikah had just been released and those were the heady days of stardom. It was a chat mangni, pat byaah sort of thing.

When she was pregnant, I met with a speedboat accident and injured my foot. It was so bad that I was told I would never be able to walk again. I did not want her to know about this, as I was worried it would affect her delivery.

So I told her I had injured my foot while dancing with a girl. Of course, all kinds of stories had been circulating about me too. So I guess the incident really affected her. She left home with everything and remained incommunicado for a long time.

She phoned me twice in 1988 and 1999 when I lost my parents. The first time when she called she said she was in Singapore and that's when I got to know about my daughter. The next time she called, she said she was in New Zealand. I don't know where they are now. But a child needs both parents, so I hope I meet her someday. I've remarried since. My present wife's name is Neerja.

Your nightgown has become such a talking point!
So the Bigg Boss contestants used to call me Nightiewale Baba, eh? How could they speak so negatively about me? First of all, men don't wear nighties, women do. What I wear is called a kandoora or a jabba (Arab men wear this). I've been wearing them since I first saw them in Dubai in 1986 and I've been getting them from there ever since. They are so comfortable and I'm always wearing them at home, which is why I wore them on the show as well.

Farah Khan loved your style statement.
That's what I have just been told and I think it is really sweet of her to say this. I suggest her husband (Shirish Kunder) try wearing a kandoora too!

Do you think that being yourself has gone against you?
Yes, but why should I become a different person overnight, like the rest of the contestants have done, to remain on Bigg Boss? I have been part of the film industry for 28 years. I have behaved, dressed and done exactly like I do at home. I did not play to the cameras. I used to get up early and cook basic food like rice, dal and sabzi. At that time, most of the others would still be sleeping. I was sad about being nominated for eviction in the first week itself and then again in the second week. I only did what I should have done as the eldest person on the show. I did not hit anyone below the belt or become part of any clique. They thought I was dangerous for them, so they ousted me.

Who will cook for them now?
When your mother passes away, you have to fend for yourself. I guess they will have to do the same now.