After Rakhi Sawant and Rahul Mahajan, television bahu Ratan Rajpoot — famous as Laali in Zee TV’s Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo — will search for a groom on Ratan Ka Rishta, Season 3 of the popular Swayamvar series on Imagine. t2 caught up with the gushing bride-to-be…

Why the decision to get married on national television?

Kyunki mujhe lagaa ki meri shaadi karne ki umra ho chuki hai. (Ratan is 18). I am a traditional girl and I have always been fascinated by the idea of a swayamvar. When Imagine first approached me for the show, I have to admit that I was taken aback and extremely nervous. In fact, I am jittery even now (laughs). But the temptation of having a swayamvar where so many men will go out of their way to woo me just made me want to do it. I was apprehensive about what my family would say, but once I saw that even they were equally excited about it, there has been no looking back.

Why play out a private affair like marriage on a public platform?

Marriage is not a private affair. When two people decide to get married, there are so many others — the families, friends, neighbours — who are involved. On Ratan Ka Rishta, I am seeking the help of every Indian in choosing a groom for me. It is the audience who took a girl like me from Patna and made me a household name. Today when I am about to take the most important decision of my life, it is only fair that I involve the TV audience, that has given me so much love and adulation, in that decision.

However, I also realise that this is not just another show for me; it’s a question of my life. There is no script here and no actors. Tension toh hoti hi hai, lekin ab toh sirf shaadi karni hai (laughs). There is no looking back!

What kind of a man is Ratan Rajpoot looking for?

The kind of man I wanted a few years ago is drastically different from the kind of man I want now. Earlier it was all about looks, but now as I grow older I want someone who is genuine and honest and who loves me for what I am. He should respect everyone, irrespective of that person’s social standing and class. I want a strong and independent man I can depend on. Wow, that’s quite a long list, isn’t it?

How will you go about choosing the right man in just over a month?

I know that most of the men on the show will definitely put forth their best side for the first few days, but how long can one fake it? Besides, I have a very strong intuition and can gauge who is being genuine and who is not. Whether it is an arranged match or a love marriage, one is never sure as to whether it is going to work or not. Here at least I will have the option of choosing from 16 men by spending adequate time with them, getting to know them better…. I have decided to take the plunge and I am approaching the whole process with a positive frame of mind.

In Season 2, Rahul Mahajan had selected the 16 hopefuls on the basis of their astrological charts. What will be your criterion for selection?

I don’t have any demands as such but I have requested the channel to get the final approval of all the candidates short-listed from me and my family. That is all I want.

Rakhi Sawant got engaged in Season 1 but it didn’t last long. Any apprehensions?

Not at all. Some marriages work, some don’t. It’s Rakhi’s personal matter and I am no one to comment on it. If she felt that things were not working out with the man she had chosen on the show, it’s entirely her call. But I don’t think something like this will ever happen to me. I know I will make the best possible choice.

Priyanka Roy
Would you ever agree to a swayamvar?Why/ why not? Tell t2@abpmail.com