Exclusive: BB16 runner-up Shiv Thakare on marriage, 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' and actresses he wants to work with

Shiv Thakare may not have won Colors TV's show 'Bigg Boss 16' but he has definitely won hearts of the audiences. This is evident from the way the young lad is mobbed by people wherever he goes. His style and the way he carries himself has already made him a nation wide rage.

Fans adore him and his down-to-earth personality that has remained unchanged despite tasting success and stardom.

In an exclusive tête-à-tête with BollywoodMDB.com, the first runner-up of BB16 appeared as cheerful as always, exclaiming that it's all been great with him post Bigg Boss 16.

"Jo bhi chal raha tha mast chal raha tha aur apne liye chal raha tha," Shiv said beamingly. "Sapna poora hona shuru ho gaya hai. Ye jo mil raha hai uske liye main bohot thankful hoon. Bapa's (Lord Ganesha's) blessing is on me that I've earned tremendous love. And I'll cherish this forever," he added.

I like being close to my fans: Shiv Thakare

When reminded of his magnetic aura that makes him a crowd puller, Shiv very sheepishly said that he loves his fans and enjoys being among them.

"I'm having fun; this (adulation) is exactly what I've been waiting for. Unlike other celebrities, I have no qualms about getting close to fans. In fact, I like these things," he confides.

From Bigg Boss 16, Thakare is still in touch with a few contestants whom he established a great rapport with. Talking about them, he said, "People could connect with Nimrit (Kaur Ahluwalia), Priyanka (Choudhary), Abdu (Rozik), Sajid Sir (Khan), MC (Stan) and Archana (Gautam). Hence they're showering love on these people. Because these showed their real side on the show. It's fun to be with them; feels like family."

On being asked if his Aai (mother) is unhappy that he couldn't win BB16 after being so close to the trophy, Shiv does not appear too dejected.

"Well, there is a bit of a sadness, actually more than that (laughs). But what I've won is the love of my fans and the audience. Maybe that door closed because it wasn't meant for me; maybe bigger things lay ahead. I'm not someone who'd remain down over failure. Will wait for god to open that bigger door for me," he adds cheerfully.

Girls from across the country are crushing over him but Shiv's Aai (mother) wants him to get a bride from his hometown Amravati. Tell him this and he lets out a wide grin. "Itni saari ladkiyan Valentine's Day pe kitna kuch likh rahi, tweet kar rahi... Amravati kyun, badi hai duniya apni. I'll convince Aai that there are lots of prospects for me. And it need not strictly be Amravati, any Indian girl would do fine," Shiv said laughingly.

On speculations about him being a part of the next season of Khatron Ke Khiladi, the young lad said, "If people want me there, I'm sure their prayers will hopefully be answered."

Shiv wants to star opposite Alia Bhatt or Kiara Advani in his debut film

Alike many of his contemporaries, the 33-year-old Shiv Thakare also hopes to make it big on the silver screen some day. He'd like to pair opposite Alia Bhatt or Kiara Advani in his debut film. "It could be a simple love story of a desi boy like me meeting a simple girl. Kiara or Alia would be perfect for the female part," he stated.

With eyes fixed firmly on his goals, Shiv Thakare seeks unflinching love and support from his fans in the future.

"Many many thanks to all my fans and supporters. The way you've always stood behind me all along is a big thing. A single person cannot realise his dream; it is only realised when everybody stands by him and supports him. So thank you so much, love you all," he concluded.