Bridal season

Television actress Ratan Rajput is ready to be wooed in Swayamvar 3

From cricketers to film stars,a host of names were a matter of speculation for the third season of Imagine’s controversial show Swayamvar. But the channel has finally settled for a television celebrity. Popular television actress Ratan Rajput,who is currently doing her second daily Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo,has been signed on to be wooed in the third season. A source close to SOL India,which produces the show,tells us that the channel was looking for a celebrity who enjoys credibility and was keen on getting married. The show’s credibility had taken a beating after Rakhi Sawant got engaged but broke up soon after the first season. Rahul Mahajan walked away with his bride Dimpy on the show but the absence of his family members — except his mother — gave an impression that celebrities came on to the show for money and publicity alone. Unfortunately for the show,both Sawant and Mahajan were dubious in terms of image and credibility. The recent open fracas between Mahajan and Dimpy was a matter of concern for the channel as well.

Therefore,the channel,for the third season,wanted a non-controversial celebrity whose family had no issue about her/him getting married on television. They also wanted full involvement of the celebrity’s family in the show. Rajput,according to the source,is not only serious about getting married but also has her parents’ approval. They will play a key role in the selection process and help the young maiden choose her groom. All efforts to reach Rajput and the channel’s officials,however,yielded no result.

Meanwhile,Imagine has started a teaser campaign for the show and the call for entries will follow soon. However,the show will go on air mid-2011 since the cricket World Cup in February will be followed by Indian Premier League 4,which will keep the viewers busy till end of May.