From businessmen, doctors to models and NRIs - over 12,500 men from across the world have sent applications to marry controversy queen Rakhi Sawant after she announced a 'swayamvara' as part of a reality show on NDTV Imagine.

Within 20 days of the announcement of the unique reality show 'Rakhi Ka Swayamwar', expected to go on air next month, a huge number of men have sent their profiles to woo Rakhi.

The item girl-turned-actress, who has mostly hit headlines for her outspoken ways, is overwhelmed with the response.

'I want to thank everybody for their continued support. This huge response has proved to everybody that my 'swayamvara' and 'shaadi' (wedding) is not a joke. My only wish is to find a person who will always be my support system and will respect me for what I am,' Rakhi said in a press release.

Rakhi had shocked one and all when when she had announced that she would choose a groom for herself through a reality TV show.

After a series of selection procedures, Rakhi will choose from among 15 grooms on the show and will take the help of viewers to decide on her ideal man.

According to the channel, the capital has topped the list of Rakhi's prospective grooms with 2,465 entries. Mumbai follows a close second with 1,980 entries. Most entries are in the broad age group of 18 to 35.

Those who are keen and are yet to register for becoming the love of Rakhi's life still have a chance as the last date for registration is May 5.