“I do see myself as Mrs Rahul Mahajan,” Calcutta girl Dimpy Ganguly had told t2 just days before the grand finale of Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega, Rahul Mahajan’s quest for a bride on national television. And on Saturday night, it was Dimpy who did become Mrs Rahul Mahajan in front of millions of television viewers across the country.

t2 caught up with the ecstatic couple, the morning after...

RAHUL MAHAJAN

Has the feeling sunk in?

It just sunk in this morning, when I woke up and saw Dimpy’s face. Last night we were all in a surreal dream. I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t know what was happening, who was saying what, there were hundreds of people watching us getting married and so many more on television. It was the wedding of the year. It just feels great, simply out of this world. Being married to the person you love is such a great feeling.

What made you choose Dimpy?

The fact that we are such good friends. From day one itself, Dimpy and I were very comfortable in each other’s company. I have always believed that a good friend will always make a good wife and that is something that I saw in Dimpy. I can talk to her about everything and I don’t have to be careful about my words or the way I speak them. She is just 21, but is really mature and understanding for her age. She can be a child one moment and a woman the next. She is always laughing and smiling and I love her for that.

During these five weeks, when did you realise that Dimpy was the one?

The chemistry was there right from the beginning and with each day I kept realising that we had so much in common. But it was during the sangeet and mehndi functions that I knew that she was the one. I just saw it in her eyes, the way she looked at me. And the mehndi on her palms turned out to be the darkest. That was kind of an indication for me (laughs, yes, the Rahul laugh!).

How has your family reacted to you choosing Dimpy?

My mother has been extremely supportive. She had an idea that Dimpy would be the one because I did discuss everything with her and sought her opinion. She is very happy that I chose Dimpy. My mother knows that Dimpy and I will be very happy together.

Is there anything that Dimpy and you don’t share in common?

Our food habits are completely opposite. She is a non-vegetarian while I am totally vegetarian. I love strawberry flavour while she hates it (laughs)!

When will you be coming to Calcutta?

We are leaving for our honeymoon to the Maldives on the 10th. We will be in Calcutta after we come back from the Maldives on the 24th. People are getting shocked that we are going for two weeks, but I think the honeymoon should last for a couple of months (laughs). Dimpy’s parents will host a reception for us in Calcutta. Also, I believe that in the Bengali tradition, the bride has to go back to her home for a couple of days after the wedding.

I feel great being Calcutta’s son-in-law. I have spent many nights in Calcutta while flying with Jet Airways (as a pilot). After that, I have kept going back to the city. Now, of course, Calcutta will have a whole new meaning for me because it is my wife’s city.

So have you picked up any Bangla from Dimpy?

No, no. But I kind of understand a lot of the conversation that Dimpy has with her people. Now I hope she starts teaching me some Bangla!

DIMPY GANGULY

How does it feel?

Oh my god! I feel married! It’s so unreal. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. Any woman would die to have a fairy tale wedding like this. I am so happy.

What were you feeling in the moments leading up to Rahul placing the garland around your neck?

I was totally blank. I was so nervous that I couldn’t even look at him. I had my eyes closed throughout and then I felt something wet and I saw the garland around my neck! I was so happy, nervous and excited at the same time. I just can’t express what I was feeling.

What has the reaction from friends and family been like?

Everyone is extremely happy. Besides my parents and relatives, all my friends were there to support me. There was (model) Ushoshie, (stylist) Sandy… all the people who are close to me were there for me on the biggest day of my life. What more could I want?

To be married in front of thousands must have felt special…

It was very, very special. It felt like a dream. Rahul and I felt so connected. I was telling him that he was looking so cute in the topor. He was looking like a pucca Bangali jamai, wasn’t he?

What Calcutta plans for Dimpy Mahajan?

Once we come back from the Maldives, we will be going to Calcutta for a few days. There will be a reception from my side of the family. I intend to teach Rahul some Bangla and even though I can’t cook, I will pick up some Bangla recipes when I am in Calcutta and cook some good Bengali food for Rahul!

Priyanka Roy
What gift would you choose for Rahul and Dimpy? Tell t2@abpmail.com