I should not help people or be friends with everyone: Vindu Dara Singh

Vindu Dara Singh has certainly had an eventful fortnight — and for a former Bigg Boss winner, that's saying something. Suspected of betting and involvement in the IPL spot-fixing scandal, Vindu's been in police custody in Mumbai since he was arrested last month. But he was granted bail on Tuesday after the judge, in his order, tore apart the police's case, saying that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Vindu was guilty of forgery or cheating. 

"The role of accused number 8 (Vindu) is revolving around the solitary point of betting of cricket matches with others. There's no material for his involvement in match or spot fixing," said the court order.

However, Vindu didn't disappoint on one count — when we spoke to him on Thursday, the son of the legendary Dara Singh expressed trauma, shock, hurt... In his very emotional replies, there was more than enough of the drama that the spot-fixing controversy and its famous suspects were expected to generate.

The actor said he was 'almost comatose' when he was grilled by the police, 'unable to identify myself', as he recollected the nights he spent in jail. "'Who am I?' I asked myself — a criminal or an actor with child-like desires? I had no answer to that," philosophised Vindu during the exclusive chat. The unbearable 'pain' of that experience, he said, has made him vow to sever his ties with the cricketing fraternity. He declared that he desired to 'wipe out his social circuit' and delete the contacts in his cellphone. "Bahut dosti ho gayi. Bas, ab aur nahin," he asserted.

Did you ever imagine going through all this?
Not even in my dreams. I can't call the last 15 days the worst because they were more than that. I was like a criminal who couldn't tell the world the truth. I never imagined that one day I would have to pay for something that I never did.

But there were so many charges against you...
What's being shown is not always correct. Also, things were blown out of proportion. They (the facts) were presented in such a way that people believed what's being said.

Do you mean that it's all concocted or has it just been exaggerated?
I am just saying that I am not involved in what's being spread around or shown (in the media). When the papers write or channels telecast (something), everyone believes it. But frankly, it has left me pained as everyone jumped the gun and declared me a criminal. I was also branded as the kingpin of the racket.

How did you react to the charge of supplying girls to lure cricketers?
Rubbish. It's so, so wrong. I was in so much shock that I could not say anything. Again, allegations are not always true. Bas isi ki kasar baaki thi, baaki sab to mujhe bana hi diya tha — mastermind, bookie, conduit, underworld ka aadmi, everything. Khair, it hardly matters as it was a testing time. And I thank God and my well-wishers for supporting me.

Of the people linked to the case, how many do you know?
I only know Gurunath Meiyappan and Prem Taneja.

But the probe revealed that you tried to extract inside information about KKR from their CEO, Venky Mysore...
I don't know him at all. You know, this happened on the day when my bail plea was being heard. I also discovered this through the newspapers that day. Everything will be clear very soon.

Why did you keep quiet? Did you not fear that your silence might strengthen suspicion? ​
The reason was that we were waiting for the court order. I have full faith in the judiciary and that's what has happened.

What did the judge say while granting bail?
(Reading out the court order granting bail) "The role of accused Vindu is revolving around the solitary point of betting of cricket matches with other. There's no material for his involvement in match or spot fixing." Also, the court said there's no evidence of cheating and forgery.

So, you are involved in betting...
Mistakes do happen. But what did everyone get by tarnishing my image? I am fine now, I have taken these things as a lesson.

What about your equation with cricketers?
Being an actor, I know a lot of people. I admire cricketers. But that doesn't mean we have teamed up to do something illegal.

Your photo with Sakshi Dhoni created quite a stir...
Dhoni and his wife have suffered too much. I feel very sad. What mistake have they committed? That evening, during the match (when the picture was clicked), Sakshi just said, 'Vindu bhaiyya,why don't you sit with us?' I don't even have their numbers.

What are your plans now? How do you plan to convince your fans that you're innocent?
First of all, never ever will I watch a cricket match. Also, I want to concentrate on my main work, which is films. And I want to take care of my family. They have also suffered a lot.

How did the entertainment industry and your family react?
Many of my friends were in touch with my lawyer. They were very happy when I was granted bail. My wife, Dina Umarova, has been a pillar of strength. My respect for her has grown tenfold. My mother, my brother Anu, my daughter and my son... I am thankful to them for standing by me.

What impact has this had on your daughter and son Fateh Randhawa?
My daughter is quite young. She doesn't know about all this. My son Fateh is 15 years old and is quite mature. He called me and told me, 'Dad, I know you can't do this.' It was so touching, I can't describe it.

What did you do after you got out?
I went to the Siddhivinayak temple (in Mumbai) and prayed. And since then, I've been at home with my family.

You've been known to be helpful to the people you know.
Wahi toh galti ki. I should not help people or be friends with everyone. It's a thankless job. I have deleted the (phone) numbers of people, especially the ones connected with cricket. I don't want to talk to them or hear from them.

And what about movies?
I am already at it. Now, I will involve myself in work completely.