Redemption was her motto and that’s what brought estranged actress Monica Bedi to Bigg Boss 2. Two stints later into the Boss house, one can at least assume that she’s succeeded in her first step towards redemption.

This was unimaginable from a girl who spent the last few years in and out of jail before being finally exonerated from all cases in July 2007.

Since July 2008, Monica found herself in a jail of different kind. She may not have won Bigg Boss 2 but Monica is thrilled that her troubled life is back on track. She owes this change to Bigg Boss.

In an exclusive chat with Tellychakkar, Monica speaks on her Bigg Boss experience, Rahul Mahajan’s marriage proposal, the controversies surrounding her and more. Read on.

What’s the difference in being eliminated then and now?

The only difference that I feel is that earlier I was eliminated through a conspiracy. Now, with just five people left you’re prepared for any eventuality.

Who were the people that conspired against you earlier?

Raja, Sambhavana, Ashutosh and Zulfi.

Did you expect to be out now?

I expected to be nominated but I’ll be lying if I said that I’m not surprised by the result. After earning the wild card, I thought that the public might come to my rescue again. However, this time too, I was pitted against a strong contender.

Did bitching about Diana Hayden go against you?

No comments. There is a little devil in all of us. Besides, you’re bound to resort to such things when you find yourselves in such a depressing atmosphere.

Why couldn’t you gel with Diana?

I’m really sad about this. Diana’s well educated, has travelled around the world and was one person who I could be friends with. However, things didn’t work out between us. I was disappointed that Diana always sided with Ashutosh even when he was wrong. She got upset with me for nominating Ashutosh. Earlier too, when Ashu was at fault she chose to stand against Payal. I find her very childish and this was unexpected from a well educated girl like her.

Why is it that the public isn’t voting for the girls?

That’s a mystery for me too. I’ve also been hearing tales of heavy betting on Bigg Boss 2 where the bookies are SMSing for their favourites. Luckily for me, the channel decided on the wild card or else it was left to public voting then I wouldn’t have made it to the house again. I'm just happy to have been a part of this show. This has changed my life. I thank Colors and Endemol for it.

What have you thought about Rahul Mahajan’s proposal?

(Laughs) It’s (proposal) genuine and I respect it but I only take Rahul as a good friend. Rahul has faced similar problems as mine so he understands me a lot better. This is such a big decision and I can’t take one without consulting my parents. I’ll respect whatever decision they take.

If your parents are comfortable with Rahul then will you marry him?

(Laughs) I still don’t know him inside out. At the moment, my career is my priority now. I want to work, make money.

Apparently after your first eviction, Rahul got close with Payal. Upon your return, he started to ignore her. Where do you think his loyalty lies?

I did see what happened when I wasn’t there. That’s why upon my return, I questioned Payal whether Rahul and she are a pair? I told her that Rahul is getting attracted to me and if she was seeing him then, Rahul must be asked to stop. However, Payal always maintained that they were just friends. However, through what I saw, Rahul cannot be a trustworthy person. He’s good friend and I’d like him to remain as one.

During your first stay, RPI demanded for your ouster. You were eliminated in that week. Do you think you were eliminated fairly?

I wasn’t aware of it at all. However, if I was eliminated due to some other reason, then I wouldn’t have been given the wild card.

Were you also aware that the police were keeping a constant check on you?

Yes, I did and was pretty happy about it. I had nothing to conceal. If there were some doubts in their mind then I guess all of it must be cleared by now. However, if ever they need something from me then I’m always there to help.

Reportedly, Abu Salem too kept a close eye on you. Are you worried that your past might come back to haunt you?

Not at all. My past is past. I’m never going to return to it ever again. I’m at peace with myself now.

You had earlier mentioned that it was difficult for you to get a house. Now that Sanjay Nirupam has helped you get one, have people in your society accepted you?

Earlier people were scared of me, so they didn’t want to get anywhere near me. Bigg Boss has changed this perception. They now know what the real Monica is.

My landlord though did face resentment from certain quarters but he chose to stand by me. I’m really thankful to him. As of now, no one in my society has objected to my stay. However, there always will be some people who’ll try creating problems for you. You can’t get bogged down.

What lies ahead for Monica Bedi?

Bigg Boss has indeed changed my life. I’m got two films and couple of TV shows in my hand. I’m not allowed to speak on any one of them.