Model and actress Gauahar Khan has emerged as the winner of the controversial reality show Bigg Boss 7, after spending 103 days inside the Bigg Boss house. In a candid conversation with TOI, Gauahar talks about winning the trophy of Bigg Boss 7, her love Kushal Tandon and host Salman Khan.On winning the reality show Bigg Boss 7?
I thank my family for the support. I want to dedicate this trophy to all those who loved me and voted for me. I would like to thank all my friends who thought my win is their win and, last but not the least, God who wanted me to win. I prayed every day to win. I am a big fan of the show. I did not expect to come so far, till the finale.
Your sister and mother were confident about your win, were you also confident about winning the show?
Yes I did feel. I would be lying if I say no. I was confident I would win. I wanted to win the show but I did not expect it. But when Tanishaa and I were left I did not expect to win. When I saw her mother Tanujaji, I felt the game is over for me and Tanishaa has won. Considering a legend like Tanujaji came on the show, I felt it's her trophy. But when Salman raised my hand and took my name, I just couldn't believe it. I thank everyone for the votes and the love that they have given me.
Tell us about your journey in the Bigg Boss house?
I have had a wonderful journey with so many ups and down. It has been a roller-coaster ride. I gave my 100 % in whatever I did during my stay in the Bigg Boss house. I am really proud of it. I did whatever I felt is right and stood by it. I was just trying to be myself and not trying to be safe. That's the reason I faced a lot flak from people. However, the most difficult part for me was being judged by my co-contestants. They even judged my relationship with Kushal and said that it was for the cameras but I managed to overcome every challenge.
You have been appreciated for being straightforward, taking stand attitude. Do you think that is one of the prime reasons why you became a winner?
I hope that is. I did not want to be what I am not. I wanted to be me and I was like that. I tried to be honest and gave me my opinion where I felt it was needed. I even received a lot of flak for it.
READ: No host other than Salman Khan for Bigg Boss: Gauahar Khan
You have done two reality shows in the past so did that experience help in you some way? No because 'Khan sisters' was completely different, it was about me as a person, it was my life with my sisters. This was to deal with people in the house. The two shows that I've done in the past were very different from Bigg Boss.
You and Kushal have declared that you both love each other. In the previous seasons we haven't seen the love stories going ahead. What about yours?
I don't think anyone declared love for each other the way we did. I feel we gave each other respect and when this happens it doesn't die just like that. I think it needs a lot of courage to accept your love on national TV. There have been lot of people on previous seasons who have shared good chemistry but have never accepted their love. I don't understand why people hide their feelings. There have been very few who have accepted their love like Kushal and me. I didn't want to disrespect my love for Kushal. We will work towards it and we will be together.
But we did feel that Kushal was little insecure regarding Ajaz?
There was no insecurity but anger. I don't know what Ajaz used to say about me outside and Kushal knew it as he had seen the show when he went out and came back again. He felt bad because I was still behaving normally with Ajaz. I don't think he was immature. I think anyone could have reacted this way.
You agreed and laughed to Pratyusha's comment on Tanishaa that 'cheap girls behave like this' post her fight with Kushal.
I don't want to talk on what has happened. If you see, I have never commented on her personal life or about her and Armaan or the way she is. I was always questioned about the way I am. It was in reference to what had already happened. If I comment or react on Pratyusha's comment it is not that I have spoken ill about her or her character. There was an act done by her, so I don't want to give explanation outside the house now. But I maintain she is a nice girl though I don't know what her problem is. But I never indulged into group discussion about her. So if something is said to my person (Kushal), I am a human being and I will react.
READ: I want people to call me a superstar: Gauahar Khan
What are the things that Kushal has added to your personality?
He gave me the strength that I have now and it helped me to go ahead in the show. Without him it wouldn't have been possible. He has made me realize when to shut up. I give credit to him for me wining the show. I think he is very integral part of my win.
On Armaan Kohli and Tanishaa's love story?
The only difference is that they never accepted their love for each other. But as I have stayed inside the house and seen it for myself, Armaanji and Tanishaa both have feelings for each other. I feel they truly love, respect each other. I hope they have a future together.
What is the reason behind your glamorous look in the house?
I did not repeat any dresses in the Bigg Boss house. I did repeat my night wear. I managed to pack well and during festive season they used to send few clothes.
How would you define your life in Bigg Boss house?
Unpredictable
What is the first thing you want to do after winning the show?
I want to run. (Laughs). I want to give my parents a tight hug, as I missed them badly.
When Salman Khan used to take up your case, people came out in your support on social networking sites. Did you also feel he was unfair?
I think he was doing his job. As a human being, you do feel bad for certain things, which I told him on the show. I don't think there is a better host than him.
WATCH: Gauahar Khan wins 'Bigg Boss' season 7
