Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 23, 2021)

Rahul Vaidya started his Bigg Boss journey not knowing that he would be in the top two at the finale. He is the runner-up of Bigg Boss Season 14, while Rubina Dilaik took home the trophy. In a conversation with Bombay Times, he spoke about his journey in the show. Excerpts:

Are you upset that you didn’t win the trophy?
I’m happy that my journey in Bigg Boss has ended. I would’ve been happier to be on the winning side, but there can only be one winner. However, I believe in winning with dignity and losing with grace. Honestly, I am very happy that now I can get back to my family and my girlfriend and spend quality time with them. I have done my bit, and being in the top two means a lot. I am so surprised that I am not sad at all.

Do you feel you didn’t win the trophy because you left the house for a few days?
No, I don’t think that is the reason, because people don’t keep these things in mind. There’s no point in you being inside the house throughout and not performing well and I’m sure my competitors, too, messed up a few times. People keep your journey in mind and forgive you for your mistakes. As Salman Khan sir said, we both were at par with each other, but somebody was just a bit ahead. And, I humbly accept the decision of the public.

As a singer, and given that lyrics play a huge role in your profession, how would you describe your journey?
Hum rahe ya na rahe, kal yaad ayenge ye pal, pal yeh hai pyaar ke pal, kal yaad ayenge ye pal.

What was your main goal when you decided to be a part of Bigg Boss and did you achieve what you came for?
I have got what I wanted the show to give me. I wanted to gain new fans and reach more people who had not seen or heard of me. That has surely happened through this platform. An artiste is nothing without his or her fans and I am happy to have found new fans.

You were the runner-up of Indian Idol 1 and now Bigg Boss 14, too. Do you feel that you lack that little luck because you were so close to winning both?
I can probably blame my luck a bit. But I would rather be happy for whatever my luck has given me rather than complain about what it hasn’t. Fifteen years ago, when Indian Idol happened, I was a different person, and now I am a completely different person. I have no regrets.

You were very calm after you re-entered the house, was that a part of your strategy?
Not really. I met my family after I came outside. When I was in the house, I was missing them a lot. So, that comfort of meeting them reflected in my behaviour, I guess.

We saw you mimicking and acting in the house. Do you feel you may have a career as an actor, too?
Let’s see, because one should never say never. If something excites me, then why not?

What is the one quality did you discovered of yours during your stay in the house?
I am very good at handling my temper, and I always been compassionate. I have kept that grace intact and never lose it by getting nasty with anyone.

Did you finally figure the reason behind Rubina and your tiff in the house?
No, I haven’t figured that out yet, but we will think about it, I’m sure, when we both are at peace.

What did your girlfriend, Disha Parmar, say after you were declared the runner-up?
She was really upset. She was sad, but I told her, ‘Baby, it’s fine, and we are all good.’