As one of the favourites, being eliminated just three weeks before the finale must be very disappointing…

If the Indian voting public had kept a non-celebrity like me in the house for 74 days, they could have kept me on for 21 more days. But at the end of the day, there is not much disappointment because I think, given my background, I have done very well on Bigg Boss. Kitne bade bade tees maar khan mere aankhon ke saamne eliminate ho gaye (a lot of bigger names got eliminated in front of me). We all have to accept the fact this is a game and only one person can win. That’s destiny.

You didn’t seem to understand the game in the first few weeks…

I had no idea that there was a show called Bigg Boss. I come from a village where most people haven’t even heard of a TV. When I was approached for the show, I just said ‘yes’ because a few of my friends and relatives said that they wanted to see me on TV! I didn’t know a single co-contestant when I walked into the show. I was completely lost and didn’t speak to anyone. As a result, I got nominated consecutively for the first three weeks. I didn’t even know what the word ‘nomination’ meant. Then some of the contestants explained the game to me and how public voting is done. Every one of them had come into the house telling their friends and relatives to vote for them if they ever got nominated. I hadn’t told anyone because I didn’t even know what it was all about!

How would you describe these 74 days in Bigg Boss?

When I came in, I thought I would last just a few days. Slowly I got comfortable in the house and started understanding the game. I met people from different walks of life and became friendly with some of them. Today, I am grateful to the people of India who accepted and supported a former criminal like me. I can never be thankful enough.

Who were you closest to?

I made it a point to get along well with everyone. I was closer to Shweta (Tiwari), Sameerbhai (Soni) and Manojbhai (Tiwari) — in fact, Manojbhai is like a younger brother to me. I know he is angry with me because I nominated him but he should understand this is a game and that someone will have to nominate someone. I had thrown him out of the game, not out of my heart. A lot of my own friends nominated me and that’s why I am out of Bigg Boss today. If I am not feeling bad, why is Manoj Tiwari creating an issue because I nominated him?

Which were the best and the worst moments in the Bigg Boss house?

I loved all the tasks. There was a ‘school task’ in which I was made the principal of a school even though I am illiterate! It meant a lot to me. The worst days were when Dollyji (Bindra) first came into the house. She just upset the whole balance in the house. I have been a dacoit myself but I have never seen a woman behave as aggressively as Dollyji did!

Who do you think will win?

It’s very difficult to say right now because the viewers who vote are very unpredictable.

Who is your choice as the winner of Bigg Boss?

I want a woman to win this time and I think Shweta Tiwari has a very good chance. I have a gut feeling it is going to be her.