The news of cricketer Hardik Pandya getting engaged to Serbian model-actress Natasa Stankovic took everyone by surprise. A few months ago, she had participated in the dance reality show, 'Nach Baliye', with her ex-boyfriend, TV actor Aly Goni, who she dated for a year in 2014. The two, as exes, had put up some good performances on the show and were the third runners-up. TOI spoke to Aly after Natasa’s recent engagement, and he said, “Natasa told me about her relationship with Hardik some time ago. She really loves him a lot and so does he. I remember, during 'Nach Baliye', he would often call to check on her. They look nice together and I am very happy for her. They make a perfect match. Natasa is a darling; she is sweet and caring.”

So, was he aware of their engagement plan? “No, I wasn’t. Even Natasa was taken by surprise; or else, she would have told me because we are close. I messaged her and she said that the feeling is still sinking in,” he replied.

Aly hasn’t met Hardik yet. He said, “I have spoken to him a couple of times, as Natasa and I would practically be together for eight-nine hours rehearsing for 'Nach Baliye'. I plan to meet them soon and congratulate them in person.”

During the show, Aly and Natasa were inseparable, and their camaraderie even led to speculations that they might rekindle their romance. However, Aly said that it was never a possibility. It’s funny how some people are reacting to this news (of Natasa’s engagement) on social media. They are making memes on it with me crying in the background to the song, 'Channa Mereya' ('Ae Dil Hai Mushkil') (laughs!). I have also been inundated with sympathy messages. What’s wrong with these people? I guess they can’t envision two exes becoming friends, as they might not be capable of it. Natasa and I were sure that we won’t get back into a relationship with each other again. We attempted it once previously, but it didn’t work out. However, our split hasn’t changed our equation. We were very young when we started dating. Even then, we were buddies first. We parted on a good note and continue to be great friends. That’s also a reason why I could participate with her on Nach Baliye. I don’t think I would have been able to do that with anyone else.”

Aly, who has featured in shows like 'Yeh Hai Mohabbatein' and 'Naagin 3', has often been linked with actress Jasmin Bhasin, who was his fellow contestant in 'Khatron Ke Khiladi'. When asked about it, he said, “I don’t know how to define our relationship, it’s a pure and good friendship. Jasmin is closest to me. She is more than a best friend. I don’t have many friends in the industry. We talk to each other about everything under the sun, and I always make fun of her. I don’t want to give it a tag, as I don’t want to make it ugly. For now, friendship is a better bond. If there could be anything more than that, I am not sure about it yet.”

Calling himself “commitment phobic”, he added, “I am focussing on work at the moment. Also, I would want to marry someone who is not from the industry. I aspire to lead a normal life when I am not working. I would want to talk beyond just ‘lights, camera and action’.”

On the work front, the actor has taken time out from fiction shows. “I am working on myself and will be back in action soon,” he signed off.