After Rakhi Ka Swayamvar, it’s Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jaayega. If Rakhi Sawant created a mini TV revolution with her quest for a groom, come December Rahul Mahajan is all set to find his dulhaniya on NDTV Imagine. A t2 chat…

Why have a swayamvar on national television?

Why not? Inserting ads in matrimonial columns or registering on shaadi.com is as much a public forum, but no one questions that. Television is a medium that reaches out to millions of viewers throughout the country and I believe that it will make the task of finding a bride a lot easier. Besides, nothing in my life has really been allowed to remain private — whether it is my father’s death or my failed marriage. I didn’t have a choice then, but now I am fully in control of my decision to marry on a public platform. Also, my mother has been asking me for a long time to get married again and I thought this was the best time to fulfil her wishes.

What was your first reaction when you were approached for the show?

Firstly, I think that Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jaayega is more than a show. It is a comprehensive and wonderful platform to meet the right person for marriage. And yes, I did take my time to sign up for the show. I wanted to evaluate the entire process, get to know how NDTV Imagine was planning to approach the show and so on. I also had a chat with friends and family on the pros and cons of taking it up. Only when I was fully satisfied that I was doing the right thing did I give my nod to the show.

What is Rahul Mahajan looking for in his partner?

Well, first she should think I am good enough to be her life partner (The Laugh). I am looking at basic qualities like she should be kind-hearted, genuine, loving, giving and most importantly, she should be able to adjust with me and my family.

How is Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jaayega going to be different from Rakhi Ka Swayamvar?

I am not aware of changes in the concept, because I have been told that the channel is still working on it. One major difference from my end will however be that the 16 girls that you will finally see on screen will be shortlisted only if their kundalis (horoscopes) match with mine. I strongly believe in astrology and this is something that I had made clear to the channel from the beginning.

With sometime to go for December, are you already getting excited and nervous?

I am very very excited. Not so nervous though, but that I guess will happen as we move closer to the date. Since I am the first man to ever have a swayamvar on television — or for that manner, anywhere — I am keen to know the kind of reactions. I have got a lot of positive feedback already.

Do you have a strategy in mind?

I have never though too much about anything in life. Even when I opted to be a part of Bigg Boss 2, I didn’t give too much thought to it. A lot of people said that I plotted and schemed in the house, but honestly, I had no strategy at all. This time too, I am planning to take it as it comes. More than any plan or strategy, I am looking towards fulfilling my promise to myself and my family that I am going to make the best possible choice and maintain my dignity throughout. And I am going to make this work because one failed marriage doesn’t mean the end of the world.

And will we see Rahul Mahajan the politician next year? Or will you remain a TV personality?

I don’t know what I am going to be doing tomorrow, one year is a long way off (laughs). My sister (Poonam) has already taken the plunge into politics and who knows I may also decide to give it a shot sometime. I do enjoy television so you will definitely see more of me on it. But one thing that I can say for sure is that I will definitely be married by the end of the year!

Who could but wouldn’t

Ankita Bajaj, college student

I am against the very idea of a swayamvar. There are some things in life that are meant to be in the private space and marriage is one of them. And secondly, I wouldn’t ever dream of marrying someone like Rahul Mahajan. He has a terrible reputation and is undoubtedly one of the most irritating people on screen.

Sanjukta Roy, college student

Television is a very frivolous medium to take such an important decision in life. And considering Rahul Mahajan’s reputation as a wife beater and his terrible laughter, he will never be a choice for me.

Who should but may not

Sambhavana Seth

As co-contestants on Bigg Boss 2, the Bhojpuri item girl and Mahajan hit it off pretty well. The one factor that binds them together? We can’t decide who is more irritating!

Britney Spears

If she can get one marriage annulled in a couple of hours, there is no reason why she can’t do the same one more time. Right, Britney Mahajan?