What he thought was an innocuous TV interview has turned out to be a nightmare after Vivek Oberoi was quoted as saying he would marry his love Aishwarya Rai. And Vivek is seething with rage and indignation.

A one-to-one with veteran journalist Prabhu Chawla on the programme "Seedhi Baat" on the Aaj Tak channel has stirred up more trouble than Vivek had ever wanted or expected.

A close friend of the couple tells: "It isn't really Vivek's fault. He never wanted to speak about Ash during the interview. He was forced into doing so because he was repeatedly asked provocative questions about Ash.

"He never said he's marrying her right now or even in the near future. When he was asked if he would marry her, he naturally said yes. Which man of integrity wouldn't want to marry the woman he loves?"

"Vivek doesn't like keeping quiet when aspersions are cast on people he loves. He thinks it isn't the honourable thing to do. And he's ready to face the consequences."

In the interview, Vivek was repeatedly asked about Aishwarya and his marriage plans.

Countering the interviewer's questioning, Vivek said he answered as good as he got, only to find his words twisted out of context and beamed on the channel piecemeal to spotlight the juicier parts.

An offended Vivek said: "From now on I'll insist that my interviews be used in totality. All I'll say is my intentions towards Aishwarya Rai are honourable, and so is my attitude to the press.

"I believe the press needs to draw a line between news-worthiness and conscientious reporting. Surely we can't have half-truths and distortions passing off as fact especially in an interview conducted by a serious political journalist.

"I don't wish to say anything more."

Apparently the interview, recorded when Vivek went to Delhi last week to attend an event organised by TV Today at which his tsunami relief project was granted around Rs.8 million rupees, and its focus on his relationship with Aishwarya has caused immense distress in the Rai household.

Aishwarya prefers to keep her private life out of the public glare. Such discussions on matters close to her heart are deeply distasteful to her.

Vivek has now decided to be extremely cautious in his public utterances and will take no questions on Aishwarya in interviews.

As for the supposed marriage, the couple's friend said there would be no wedding bells for Aishwarya and Vivek for quite some time.