Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who was keen to settle down for the last two years, has finally found his perfect match. The grandson of the legendary singer Mukesh got engaged to Mumbai-based Rukmini Sahayon Dussehra at a Juhu hotel. Here are excerpts from an informal chat with the actor:
You have dated many girls from the industry and have had serious relationships with two actresses. It’s come as a surprise that you decided to settle for an arranged match…
Even I thought I will find someone on my own. But the most beautiful thing about an arranged marriage is, love is inevitable if you find the right girl. I have been hoping to find someone for the last two-three years; even mom and dad have been talking about it for so long. Suddenly, on the first day of Ganpati, a common family friend mentioned Rukmini. I was supposed to fly to Sri Lanka for a show and was not even serious about it. But my father (Nitin Mukesh) insisted that I meet her. And when I met her, I knew that she was the one. She is pretty, but more importantly, she is a good human being. Puri duniya dhoondh li, aur mere ghar ke paas mil gayi woh! She stays next to my new house in Andheri and it is a big coincidence that despite the families knowing each other, we never met! So, it is all destiny.
Was age an important factor that prompted you to take this decision?
I would never get married because of age or reasons like that. I fell in love with her and so, said ‘yes’.
What did you like about Rukmini?
Family comes first for me, and Rukmini has gelled well with them. If my parents are happy, I am happy, too. In my past relationships, too, I did feel that I have found someone who has the same wavelength as me, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out.
Are you in touch with any of your ex-girlfriends?
You recently stated in an interview that your mother wants to be your girlfriend in her next life. This did not go down well with some people on social media…
I think it’s the most beautiful thing a parent can say to his/her child. But unfortunately, people couldn’t understand the depth of emotions I was trying to explain. My mother has seen me with my girlfriends and she felt that I am exactly like my father — I really pamper them. She feels it is rare to find a guy who keeps his partner in the forefront. I don’t care about such issues, because I love my mom.