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'This wedding is a second birth for me'

Rahul Mahajan got married on his reality show Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayege last weekend, and he seems quite happy with the way his life has shaped up.

His bride -- Bengali model Dimpy Ganguly -- has already won over the support of his mother. The couple will be off on their honeymoon to the Maldives later this month.

Rahul talks to Rajul Hegde and tells her why he chose Dimpy from over 16,500 applicants.

Are you happy that you kept your promise and married on your show?

I am a man of words. I'm glad I got married as promised.

I got married because I wanted to, not to prove anything to anyone. I am happy everyone supported me throughout the show. Everyone gets a second chance. This is like a second birth to me. I believe positive things have begun in my life and I'm hopeful that it will continue.

What made you choose Dimpy Ganguly?

From day one itself, Dimpy and I were very comfortable with each other. We are good friends now. I have always believed that a good friend will make a good wife, and that is what I saw in Dimpy. I can talk to her about everything. I don't have to be careful about my words or the way I talk. She is only 21 but is really matured for her age. She is always smiling. I love her for that.

'My mother is very happy that I chose Dimpy'

When did you decide to take her as your bride?

The chemistry was there from the start. Each day I kept seeing how much we had in common. But it was during the sangeet and mehndi functions that I realised that she was the one. I just saw it in her eyes and the way she looked at me. And the mehndi on her hands turned out to be the darkest. That was kind of an indication for me (smiles).

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

Our food habits are completely the opposite. She is a non-vegetarian while I am a vegetarian. I love strawberry flavour and she hates it. A common thing we share is our birthdays, on July 25 (laughs).

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 would discuss everything with her and seek her opinions. She is very happy that I chose Dimpy. My mother knows that Dimpy and I will be very happy together.

'There won't be any saas-bahu issues because we don't live in a joint family'

Do you foresee any saas-bahu bickering?

There will be no such issues because we don't live in a joint family. I'm aware of my responsibilities and will shoulder them maturely.

Your sister Poonam did not attend your wedding. Why?

Poonam's best wishes are with me. I have not met Poonam for a long time but will visit her soon. She didn't attend because she is a politician and the programme was on a television channel.

Will you go to Kolkata?

Yes. We will be in Kolkata after we return from the Maldives on March 24. Dimpy's parents will host a reception for us.

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.

We plan to fly to Maldives on March 10 if my passport is cleared. On Tuesday, our marriage will be registered in the Bandra court.

'I don't want to discuss whether I got paid or not'

Was it a difficult decision to marry immediately after your Uncle Pravin Mahajan's demise?

I wouldn't like to comment on that. I just know that I've fulfilled my promise to get married and will soon leave on a holiday with Dimpy.

How much were you paid for this reality show?

Money was not the issue here. I came on this show to get married. I don't want to discuss whether I got paid or not.

'I am open to do films, soaps or reality shows'

But you signed a contract to get married on the show?

What contract? There cannot be any contract for marriage. You can not force anyone to get married by any law.

Are you open to more reality shows?

I will do whatever comes my way, be it films, serials or reality shows. You have to do something to earn a good living.

Politics is not a business. A Member of Parliament or Legislative Assembly's salary is not enough to even buy good clothes. And we would not get a sponsor every time, Imagine TV (which hosted Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega).

Till the next general election, one has to work at the grass root level. If people decide to have me as a leader, it will be their choice.