It seems that almost all the eligibles of the TV industry are gung ho about giving up their single status. Latest to join the bandwagon is Sampada Vaze of Rishton Ki Dor fame who got hitched to her long time boyfriend, Chris George on 26th January in her home town, Pune.

But what sets her marriage apart from others is the interesting fact that she will take the sacred vows not once but twice!!! Yes, the duo had a church wedding on Republic Day and will also have a Hindu shaadi on 28th January; the reception to be conducted in the day between in Mumbai.

Prashant Golecha caught up with Sampada on the eve of her D day as she takes out time from her hectic preparations just for an exclusive conversation.

"I very well knew that I will get married to Chris George"

First of all, congratulations! So your marriage is on Republic Day. Any particular reason?
No it's just that it's a long weekend so we decided on 26th January. Republic day is just a co-incidence. We are professionals and above all lot of our guests will be flowing from various cities to Pune.

How come your marriage was announced all of a sudden?
It wasn't in a jiffy. In December we decided to formalize our relationship. I very well knew that I will get married to Chris George. I haven't kept him under wraps. He knows all my close friends and vice versa. Contrary to everyone's assumption Chris isn't a firang but a half Mahrastrian, half Malyali. He is the owner of an IT company and is also into the wine import business. So he keeps traveling abroad for work.

Tell us about the preparations from your end.
I have done nothing. It's my cousin Parvati Vaze, a fashion designer, who's done my trousseau. And, of course my parents are doing up the entire arrangements in Pune. I am of no help! I owe it to my parents for managing everything. I want to gift them a holiday since they are doing everything and working so hard for the wedding of their daughter.

What about your honeymoon plans?
Initially for three four days we'll go to Shimla or Ooty just to be together as we intend to go on our actual honeymoon somewhere in March or April. I want to go to Europe, especially to Ireland. My favourite book, Scarlet is based in Ireland and I am dying to visit my dream destination.

"I owe it to my parents for managing my wedding preperations"

Would you continue acting post wedding?
Of course. We both should keep growing as individuals. In fact within three days of my functions I will resume shooting for Rishton Ki Dor. So on 31st January you'll find me back to my sets!

Do you think that marriage will affect your career?
No, not at all. It would have been affected had I been a film actress. Our medium caters to the family audience, especially women. Though right now I want to concentrate on my acting career, but later in life I would definitely want to diversify.

Your partner's from a different profession. Does it help?
Yes, it helps in maintaining a balance. I would say, there would have been disadvantages if I would I have got married to an actor. The acting field is very uncertain. One of the either partners must have a stable job. On an average whether it's a male or female actor one can relish only five years as a lead star.

Are marriages made in heaven?
I don't think so. It's pure luck. First you need to find a suitable person and above that you constantly need to work on your relationship to live 'happily ever after'.