Rakhi Sawant's video interview to ETimes TV last week made it amply clear that Rakhi and Ritesh had all but parted ways. Today, she officially announced on her Instagram that they have separated as a couple. We at ETimes TV caught up with Ms Sawant over the telephone, about an hour ago.
Excerpts from the conversation that transpired:
It was evident from your interview with us that you'll were about to part ways...
Well, I still love Ritesh. I have loved him truly. I shall wait for him about a year if he wants to come back.
I just took my car and drove off for a long drive. Back home, I am now constantly eating. I am feeling very depressed.
Today is Monday. When exactly did you call it off?
It happened yesterday at about 3 pm. But I didn't call it off. It was his decision. He was with me on Friday, throughout. We woke up on Sunday very normally. Suddenly, he started packing his bags and said that he wants to separate from me as his legal issues (Read: with his wife) have become too much. God knows who he's spoken to during those morning hours that led him to take this step (For those who missed Rakhi's recent video interview with ETimes TV, we reproduce it below. Click to see it).
You'll were planning a baby this year?
Yes, we had decided to have a child in 2022. Lekin abhi kaise?
Have you tried calling him after that?
Yes, I did. But he didn't take my calls. Even my mother tried to explain and request him while he was leaving. She was crying and telling him that this is not the right way to lead a life.
As I said, I truly loved him. I kept our marriage intact despite the fact that he hardly stayed with me ever since he came into my life.
Did the show 'Bigg Boss' (Season 15) ruin your relationship with Ritesh?
On one hand, I am happy that he got in. This made people understand that a certain Ritesh whom I was saying I had married, exists. On the other hand, a lot of things about him came out in the open.
But you knew before entering 'Bigg Boss 15' that he was married and even has a child...
Yes, but I didn't know his wife's strong stance until I came out of 'Bigg Boss 15' and read her interviews.
Honestly, I don't know who has harassed whom- did she harass him or did he harass her?
We heard that he was keen to enter 'Bigg Boss 15' for publicity because he wants to turn producer...
Haan, woh bahut kuch banna chahte hain. And...
And?
Before leaving, he said that our marriage was not legal.
Lekin galti toh uski thi na. He married you despite knowing that he already has a wife. It was he who knew from the word 'Go' that his marriage with you is illegal. Strange, isn't it?
Strange, indeed. But now if he divorces his first wife and comes back to me, he needs to buy a house and a car of his own. And, I have categorically told him that.
Valentine's Day has virtually proved to be a Break-Up Day for you...
Yes, and that really hurts.
Anybody from the industry has called you in support?
Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Mahima Chaudhary, Kashmera Shah, Pratik Sehajpal have come forward with motivational messages.
I am seeing so many lovey-dovey messages on social media. I am trying to avoid taking the phone in hand. Mujhse bardasht nahi ho raha.
Does the Riteish chapter in your life reduce your faith in love and man?
No, it doesn't. And, certainly not my faith in God.
Did you feel after 'Bigg Boss 15' that he will leave you?
Hmmm... yes. I felt he was staying in my house only to be at the Grand Finale. 'Bigg Boss' ke contract mein hain that 'you have to pay Rs 2 crore if you don't attend the Grand Finale'.
Besides, he was not touching me or kissing me in front of the media. Only I was kissing him. He is a shy person, lekin un baton se zarror jyaada lagne laga tha.
