I'm Dating Aanchal Kumar

When it comes to forthrightness Rahul Bhatt is surely a chip off the old Mahesh Bhatt block.But that's where the father-son part ways. While papa Mahesh lets it all hang out, Rahul likes to keep his private life close to his chest. Private to the point of being a recluse the reticent Bhatt has found love. True love, he hopes.

Model Aanchal Kumar whom Rahul met during Bigg Boss is now the love of Rahul's life.

Reluctantly, the reticent Rahul admits he has been dating her for a month now.

Sparks, as the nation saw, had begun to fly on Bigg Boss where Aanchal and Rahul were constantly in one another's company. Not too much could be read in this televised togetherness since such jodis are often doctored for the camera.

Reluctant and loath to make new friends Rahul tried to put Aanchal out of his mind after his eviction from Bigg Boss. But somehow she stayed. Now the two are very much a pair.

Says Rahul, “Yes Aanchal and I are seeing each other. We've been dating for a month now. It takes me a long time to open up with people. I've very few friends and after what I've gone through (the Headley episode) I'm even more wary of new contacts.”

Rahul hit it off with Aanchal from Day 1 on Bigg Boss. “She is honest and trustworthy. A lovely person. I'm looking at a long- term relationship.”

Aanchal was in Goa for the New Years, sans Rahul.

How come?

Says Rahul shyly, “This year I was with my close group of friends in Pune. But next year, I promise I'll be in Goa with Aanchal. Like I said, I'm looking at a long-term relationship with her.”

When contacted Aanchal was more diplomatic about her declarations of affection for Rahul.

“Rahul is a good friend I met in the Bigg Boss house. The show helped me in terms of the recognition with the masses. People got to know me. The best thing about being on Bigg Boss was the respect I won for my conduct on the show. I walked out with my head held high.”