I'm not as strong as Laali: Ratan Rajpoot

Mera swayamvar ho sakta hai kya?This may have been Ratan Rajpoot’s initial reaction when she was approached for the third season of “Swayamvar”, but now she’s ready and is all set to tie the knot on national television
What made you come to this show?
I came to get married.
Are you saying you wanted to get married on national television?
Not at all. But this is the one place where people will get to know the real Ratan Rajpoot.In these two months, the swayamvar will not only help me know the guys, but will also help the guys know the real me, because so far they only know of me as a celebrity. I want to tell them that I’m just another girl. So, I’m happy, excited and nervous like any other girl about the marriage.
But the guys will be coming to marry Laali or Ruchi (her character in “Radha Ki Betiaaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi”), not Ratan Rajpoot, isn’t it?
I know, but if I feel that the person is interested in the character more than in me, then I will not be able to think of a future with him.
What would your man be like?
Caring, supportive and dependable. He should respect everyone, not just his family members.
If you look at the past two seasons... Rakhi Sawant and Elesh parted ways... Rahul and Dimpy Mahajan made headlines for alleged domestic violence. How hopeful is Ratan Rajpoot of a happily-ever-after ending to her own swayamvar?
I haven’t watched the two previous seasons, but no matter how you get married, be it love, arranged or on national television, what is meant to happen does happen. It all depends on an individual and there is no secret formula to it. You’ve cited two examples, but then this is what happens in every fifth or sixth house today. That doesn’t mean people will not marry.
You are among TV’s most popular betis... How do you think you’ll fare as a real-life bride-to-be? What is going on in your mind right now?
A lot! It’s easy to be a daughter, but with marriage, you have to play so many roles: that of a wife, daughter-in-law, mother and so on... So it’s a little nerve-wracking for sure, but then I’m also looking forward to playing all these roles in real life. Marriage comes with its share of responsibilities and I think I’ll be able to do it.
How did your family react when you told them about the swayamvar?
When I was offered this show, I was taken aback and asked, ‘Mera swayamvar ho sakta hai kya?’ I’m a very simple girl with middle-class upbringing. You know how every girl thinks that she will be chosen, instead of embracing the fact that she can choose someone herself. But once the offer came, I took my time, talked to my family members – my parents, sister, brother were all there, they met the people from the show. Also, since I’m the youngest in the family, I’ve always been dependent on them for every decision. I’m not a good decision-maker myself! My papa said, ‘Don’t jump to conclusions; go with the flow.’
What if you like a guy and your family doesn’t?
I believe that when you start something good you shouldn’t consider the worst-case scenario. So when I’m embarking on my search for a life partner, I wouldn’t like to harbour negative thoughts. If the worst thought is what comes to your mind first, then you won’t be able to take a single step forward. For me, family is of great importance, be it mine or someone else’s.
Ruchi, Laali, and now, a reality show bride... Which of these roles has been most challenging?
In TV serials, we have directors, writers and co-actors to guide and help us in developing the character. Everything is scripted. But in this reality show, there will be no dialogues or script and the outcome will affect my life directly. So, this is definitely most challenging.
Do you agree that on TV everything is exaggerated? Would you, in real life, be able to tolerate the kind of things the way your character Laali does?
I’m not as strong as Laali. There are women like Laali, but then they give in at some point and perhaps that’s why some take their lives. Because TV has a deep impact on the lives of many, we exaggerate things a little on TV so that it helps women fight their own battles.
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