Excerpts from the interview to IANS:

Q: Why this bitter parting?

A: Destiny. It was very harsh. Whatever happens happens for the best.

Q: Why is Rakhi so bitter?

A: I've no idea what's in her mind. There's a communication gap between us. She's doing her own thing. I'm also busy trying to make my own career. I want to devote all my time to work so that I can make some progress. Yes, there were complications between us. We weren't talking much lately. I wasn't giving her time. I wish she had confidence in me and not listened to loose talk about my character.

Q: But you must've done something to hurt her?

A: No nothing. I've never done anything to hurt her.

Q: Do you now resent being known as Rakhi Sawant's boyfriend?

A: Yes, to a great extent I am known as her boyfriend. But my work lately has proved I'm not just someone's boyfriend. I am Abhishek Awasthi.

Q: Whenever we saw you, it was only with her.

A: I've supported her a lot. I was like a wall between her and the world. No one could reach her without crossing me.

Q: Were you also working as her manager?

A: No, never. She has a manager to handle her work. But I was there to make sure no harm was done to her.

Q: She says she doesn't want to say anything because families are involved?

A: She's saying this after saying it all. If it comes to speaking out I could also say a lot of things. I don't need to clear my name. She has been with me for three years, given me some golden moments that will remain with me for my lifetime.

Q: Do you think someone has instigated her against you?

A: Oh yes. They were doing it all the time. People enjoy breaking up relationships, not building them.

Q: When did you part?

A: A month back. Now I stay in my own flat in Malad.

Q: Hurt?

A: Ummmm. I'm very happy to be alone. Really.

Q: You've split a number of times and come together again. How do we take you seriously this time?

A: Not a number of times. A few times. And I took the help of media last time (at Valentine's Day). I wanted to set an example for other couples who have differences and who have a chance of patching up. I also wanted to show the world how much I loved Rakhi. People turned that into a joke. And the damage done then was more to my family than me. That's why I'm keeping quiet now. I don't want to talk about this any more.

Q: What is the lesson that you've learnt?

A: In love you shouldn't compromise beyond a point. The more you compromise the more you're mistreated.

Q: Any regrets?

A: Regrets for what? Those three years will remain precious to me. Yes, the last two months have been unfortunate. I was totally misunderstood. I was doing a daily soap and I had no time to attend to her calls. Anyway my first serial Tony & Deya Singh's "Jugni Chali Jalandhar" is getting a very good response.

Q: Afraid to step into the world without Rakhi Sawant?

A: Look, if I wasn't talented I wouldn't have got any work.