His expressions hardly gave away what was going on in his mind as he sat pondering over the rather controversial questions being dished out at him. One would commend his courage to accept in public his failures and shortcomings. But the polygraph test gave him away when he denied at having put up a show to gain media attention.

Chaudhary insists the polygraph test is incorrect. Seated at the edge of his living room sofa in a printed white tee and jeans, the actor, with his hands clasped, he attempts earnestness when he says, “Why will I mess up my public image any further for media’s attention? They already are interested in me — I have been chased for all the wrong things and the worst has already been written about me; why would I need more of it?” Then he adds, “The polygraph test isn’t accurate.”

To prove his point, he confesses to having lied on at least two points in the show. “In the more financially stressful times of my life I have, at least, a million times dreamt of a bag full of cash dropping from the heaven above. If I do get a bag full of Rs 1 crore, am I a fool to look at whom it belongs to and return it to the rightful owner?” he laughs mockingly. The 33-year-old also says he has been inundated with calls and messages by friends who are surprised that he didn’t get disqualified when he said he said that he never makes up stories to brag about himself. Naturally, Chaudhary is amused. “It was an experiment and didn’t quite care about what comes out of it.”

What is it that made him get candid about his personal life and risk whatever little is left of his image? “I have been separated for two years now, dealt with alcoholism and ruined my career and public image, I have nothing to lose, especially since my eight-year-old daughter Palak knows as much about me as the world does. If anything, I would have won the money on the show. In fact, I was pretty sure I would take home the prize money,” he replies.