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'I will definitely marry on the show's finale'

Rakhi Sawant may not have been as lucky but Rahul Mahajan hopes to take home a bride in NDTV Imagine's Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.

Son of late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, Rahul talks to Rajul Hegde about the 15 prospective brides in his life, and his future plans.

Marriage is a private affair. Why did you choose to marry on national television?

Why not? My first marriage (with Shweta Singh) didn't work but I have to move on in life. No matter what I do -- whether I get married on a reality show or not -- the news will be everywhere (of this being my second marriage). So I thought I might as well use this for my benefit.

For the last three years, I have not had any privacy. The media has been covering all my activities. My next wedding will go live anyway. The only difference is that this reality show will be shown only NDTV Imagine, not on other channels.

Does that mean you are not capable of finding true love yourself?

It's not like that. People place matrimonial ads in newspapers, mobile phones and on the Internet. I got an opportunity to use television to find my life partner. Television has a bigger reach. That's why 16,000 girls registered for this show.

You had a troubled marriage with Swetha, even though that was a love marriage. Do you think you'll be second time lucky?

My marriage didn't work because time was against me. Two people can be great friends but the marriage did not work out though we tried our best. I'm very confident that I will definitely marry on the finale show and take my bride home.

Any lessons learnt from your earlier marriage?

It is not a classroom where we learn lessons. The first time was bad for me. I have full faith in God that I will find a life partner through this show.

'My marriage and politics are two different things'

How involved were you in selecting the 15 prospective brides? What made you select them in particular?

I wasn't involved in the initial round of auditions. The channel short-listed 50 girls and sent their videos to me. The girls then had to go through various rounds of auditions. Caste and religion was no bar but I discussed their background with my family. It was a tough decision but I managed to shortlist 15 girls, who were approved by my mother.

What are you looking for in your ideal partner?

I am looking at four qualities in a woman -- a great sense of humour, honesty, genuineness and intelligence.

It was reported that you would be consulting a pundit for the kundlis of these girls. What if he disapproves the girl you choose?

I did consult a pundit for various reasons and have taken his suggestions too. But I will listen to my inner voice when I make my final decision.

How did your family react when you informed them of your decision to marry on a reality show?

My mother was looking for a suitable bride for me when I got this offer. We would have gone through the matrimonial websites anyway. So I discussed with my mother, sister Poonam and other family members and they were okay with the idea of me taking part in a reality show, provided I got married and brought my wife home.

Did you consult BJP leaders like Gopinath Munde and Nitin Gadgil before coming on this show?

Yes, they were okay with it.

Your sister lost the Maharashtra Assembly elections last year. Your political career is down. Will your public wedding affect your political standing further?

My marriage and politics are two different things. Marriage has nothing to do with it.

'I'll not just get married on this show, but will stay married for the rest of my life'

Rakhi Sawant made a joke of herself by choosing Elesh Parunjanwala as her husband, and then accusing him of cheating her. What do you have to say?

That is Rakhi's personal matter. How can I comment on that? The format and the channel might be the same but I am a different person. My show title itself says Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega. That means the day I choose my bride, I will get married. I'll not just get married on this show, but will stay married for the rest of my life.

Viewers felt cheated after the first season of Rakhi Ka Swayamvara because she did not marry Elesh.

I don't want to comment on that. I agreed to be part of this show because I wanted to marry this way. I thought it would make a romantic story to tell my children and grandchildren. After my wedding, I will go on my honeymoon to a tropical land. But I cannot talk about that. After watching my show, viewers will definitely change their opinion.

Did you watch the last that season of Swayamvara?

Yes. I started watching it and then got hooked on to it. I liked the concept of the show.

What are your expectations from the show?

I'm enjoying this unique reality show and happy to create history. Plus, I am learning a lot about human psychology. The girls know that I will choose only one amongst them, and so I have to be very careful when I interact with them.

I have to give equal attention to everyone, understand their emotions and respect them. I think I will become an expert in human psychology by the time the show ends!

Watch Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega from Monday to Friday at 8pm and Saturdays at 9pm on NDTV Imagine.