I am honestly looking for a partner: Rakhi Sawant

Rakhi Sawant went overboard when she announced that she would find her life partner through a reality show "Rakhi Ka Swayamvar". But now the outspoken actor, renowned more for her voluptuous looks than acting skills, says she is not doing it to hog the limelight.

"This (show) is not a publicity stunt or an entertainment show. All I can say is I am honestly looking for a partner with whom I can spend my life and who will love me for what I am," Rakhi told IANS in an e-mail interview.

"Like most other celebrities, I have often been misinterpreted. The 'Swayamvar' will show the world the real me. Like any other girl even I have dreamt of a family, a loving husband and a caring mother-in-law. I have all the qualities of an ideal wife," she added.

"Rakhi Ka Swayamvar", which premiered on NDTV Imagine Monday, has 16 men wooing Rakhi at Udaipur's Fateh Garh Palace. They will be put through a series of challenges to test their personality, character, physical fitness, talent and also their compatibility with Rakhi.

All through the series, viewers can help Rakhi decide, by voting for or against the prospective grooms and the final week will present the wedding celebrations.

Rakhi, who has played bit roles in films like "Main Hoon Na" and done item numbers in films like "Krazzy 4" and "1920", says her mother was one among the thousands of people who were shocked with her decision about marrying this way.

"Initially my mother was also in a shock just like everyone else. But now, when I have explained it to her, she understands my side of the story better. This 'swayamvar' is not just about me getting married, it's about a girl's right to have an equal say in this big decision," she said.

In the first episode, all contestants tried to show their better side to the bride-to-be, but Rakhi, who was earlier dating small time actor Abhishek Awasthi, has her own set of parameters for her Mr. Right.

"Like any other girl I am expecting a suitable match for myself - I want my prince charming. Someone who would love me and take care of me and be with me in good and bad times. He should be someone who respects women, appreciates my talent and allows me to work even after marriage. I'm looking forward to be a part of a family that loves and cares for me," she said.

As of now, Rakhi is busy analysing the traits of each of the contestants while also trying hard to be at her demure best.

According to sources in the channel, the show will not run for over a month.

When asked about her prospective guest list for the D-day, Rakhi said: "We shall end up spending the whole evening if we start putting the guest list together. All I would say is that all my friends will be a part of the wedding."

To further promote "Rakhi Ka Swayamvar", the channel has introduced a special online game, in which a man (the player) is supposed to either catch Rakhi's kisses or be a victim of shoes.

It is available on the NDTV Imagine website.

(Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)

Last updated on Jul 1^st, 2009 at 08:33 am IST--IANS