"I am very much in for a live-in relationship"- Amrita Rao

Between the stress of meeting deadlines, traffic jams, financial obligations etc. it's easy to forget the importance of taking some time out to enjoy a few chuckles with your special someone every now and then. You meet, you know, you get engaged and then you get married. Then the dialogues start - 'Marriages are Made in Heaven, Love Is Blind, Marriage is an Institution, Behind Every Successful Man There is a Woman' and all. The couple look like 'made for each other' after they tie the knot and 'made by each other' in the subsequent years that follow. Welcome to the 'Perfect Match', where the pitch is unpredictable and the bowlers are seasoned.

We bring you a special interview with Amrita Rao, the confidant and one among the three relationship experts, who will be helping all wannabe brides find their perfect groom in a reality TV show called 'Perfect Bride' which premieres tonight on Star Plus. Meanwhile, Rao gets busy talking about the show, her ideas on marriage, her ideal man and much more in this 'Knotty Affair' special.

How real is this reality show going to be?
I think the best part about the show on an initial achievement note is the fact that Star Plus managed to find candidates that are genuine and have come here with the soul intention of getting married. None of them have come here to become a hero or an aspiring model. That was one of the highlights that attracted me towards the show, it being a genuine one.

How did the contestants come across? I mean, the boys side and their mothers.
I met the guys and they were all genuine. I think the boys are fabulous. Each one of them is doing really well for themselves. They are very well educated too. They are very good looking also. None of the girls will have any reason to say 'No' to them unless their mindsets do not match.

What about their mothers?
I met the extremely broad minded saas who doesn't mind her daughter-in-law waking up late and doesn't mind if she cannot cook. She is chilled out. But I also met those who want their daughter-in-laws to cook food. They came across as a bit conservative. But all in all, it's going to be a very interesting battle on the sets.

And the girls?
The ten girls are very beautiful. They come from Jaipur, Allahabad, etc. They are sweet and innocent. I like one contestant by the name Neha. I saw her portfolio and she was riding a bike in one of her pictures. She came across as quite outgoing.

So what's you're role going to be Rao?
I'm going to be like a friend to these girls. I'm going to be somebody who will be asking certain questions to the boys and their mothers. Questions, which the girls might not be able to ask or are shy too, as the girls don't know the boys yet. Also, some Questions which will bring out their personality, their bent of mind, etc. If these girls want, they can confide in me.

Have you got friends who confide in you?
Yes. I have. I had some friends in school. I wasn't their agony aunt but their agony friend.

What sort of questions or queries did your friends come up with?
Their major problems happened because of miscommunication.

What would you want to know from the guy you were to marry tomorrow?
Firstly, I'd want to know if he is ready for marriage because most guys are not.

Which means that you will only date a guy who'd want to marry you?
Not necessarily. I don't think there is any compulsion as such.

How important is marriage for you?
It is going to be one of my life's biggest decisions. It is something that can change your career, future, your place of residence, etc. It can even change your personality.

Do you think the time gap between ones engagement and marriage can make or break a relationship?
Yes. It's a good reality check. I've got some of my friends who got married when they were really young and at that time they got into it just because they'd given their word. Later on, they not only found themselves in distress but got divorced. I think a proper time gap is essential. I don't think there is any difference between love and arrange marriage today. I am very much in for a live-in relationship.

What characteristics would you look for in your ideal husband?
I'd look for someone who is extremely comfortable with his personality and his achievements. I don't want anyone who compares himself and his achievements with me. A man with a good sense of humour too is important. He should be taller than me (laughs).

What about a good rich guy?
I don't mind. But I'm rich too. I am just kidding (laughs).

Aren't you rich?
Sort of! But not much.

Do you believe in the saying that one should get married at the right time and at the right age?
I have seen this with some family friends of mine. When you either pass that eligible age to get married or you can't find anybody or you are not ready for it, a girl will then have to be happy with somebody who is possibly divorced.

Would you get married to a man who is divorced?
Yeah. If I like him and I can relate to him, it does not matter. I'm sure my family will also have their share of question and answers on it.

Would you follow the age old tradition of cooking for a man who has come to see you?
Yes I would. If I'm really excited about the whole idea, I would. But after that it depends if they still want to accept me or not. I think it's a risky proposition (laughs).