How are you feeling now that Swyamvar is over?
I am feeling free. I haven't had a vacation since past three and half years and I am looking forward to a vacation. I plan to switch my phone off and go to Panchgani, my home town and Delhi. Of course in Delhi I will get a chance to meet up with Abhinav while I stay with my family there. I also want to go to Vaishnodevi, so the next few weeks will be just to chill out. Swayamvar was like a special world but I knew it was all for the camera.
Now I am back in the real world and totally cool with it. I am not looking for work right now but then I never planned anything in life so who knows what the future has in store for me.
How did you decide to choose Abhinav?
I always wanted a guy who was stable in life, in his career. He had to be intelligent, caring, supportive and independent and Abhinav is all of that and more. He is a mature person and during the Swayamvar he proved his maturity too. Yes I have spoken about wanting a tall guy and in his case it is a bonus. [smiles]
When will you marry?
I have no plans nor have I set a date for marriage. The engagement was a big deal for me and we both decided we need time. The idea behind getting engaged right now was to get to know each other better off camera. While talking with each other during Swayamvar, we realised we had a lot in common and we agreed on most things.
We realized things were smooth between us. We both want to know, if in real life, we would react the same way we did on camera. The real life is more important. Today, I am committed to him as he is to me. Whatever I do will matter to him, and vice versa. Like the engagement, my marriage too will be a sudden decision. We both are practical people and will not be rushed into anything.
There were reports that you might be living in with him.
I have not heard so but that couldn't be further from the truth. I won't be living with him. We got engaged which was a bold decision for a girl to take on national television. I have heard media stories that I would back out, not marry etc. But I would like to say I am not here to copy anyone. Whatever I decided and will do in the future will be for my personal life, and my family. I am not here to make news.
You are referring to Rakhi Sawant and her Swayamvar. Do you think reality shows and publicity go hand in hand?
Reality shows can be clean and I thought I don't have any controversies so I would be fine. But I was wrong. I have heard some media reports where they claimed the dulhan didn't know what she is doing, dulhan was drunk, she wont go through with it, she will get engaged and back off and more. It hurt me that a powerful tool was being misused. Media is important for both the audiences and actors. But at times we get portrayed negatively for sake of trps. The fact I have realised is that no one is spared controversy when they participate in reality shows.
What will you remember the most about Swayamvar years from now?
Swayamvar gave me special moments and that special person Abhinav. I will always have fond memories of Swayamvar and remember 3rd july as the day I got engaged.
We didn't see much of your parents on the show. Why?
There were with me all along the way. But it wasn't necessary to expose them to the camera. I had my family with me helping me with my decisions. I am used to being in front of the camera they are not. I got through some tough decisions with the love, help and support of my family.
What does marriage mean to you today after Swayamvar?
The same it always mean- commitment for life.
http://www.indya.com/gallery/indyagallery.aspx?p=Ratan-Reality-shows--controversy-go-hand-in-hand&aid=3001
Imagine's Swayamvar Season 3 - Ratan Ka Rishta saw various ups and downs before Ratan selected the four finalists.
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