For someone whose entire career revolves around reading people and analyzing the ins and outs of their minds, the “Mentalist” Oz Pearlman has a surprising soft spot for, well, surprises.
“I find the element of surprise to be one that creates the most memorable and meaningful experiences in our lives, something I incorporate into my show, Truth Be Told,” he tells The Knot. And earlier this month, Pearlman put his mantra into practice by helping one lucky man surprise the love of his life with a live proposal during his show at the iPic Theater in downtown Manhattan.
When fan Ahmed Gawashyt first approached the coveted entertainer with the idea to stage a proposal on his show, the Mentalist was thrilled. “Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a memorable moment in these two young people’s lives?” Pearlman says. “The core purpose of my mind-reading show is to actively engage and involve dozens of audience members.”
(Photo courtesy of Ahmed Gawashy)
On Friday, February 9, Gawashyt and his girlfriend, Fareeda, attended Pearlman’s show, with Fareeda becoming an unwitting participant in the program. During the second half of taping, Fareeda was picked “randomly” from the audience and she was asked to read several audience members’ minds. Then, she was asked to close her eyes and read one more person’s mind: Gawashyt.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but all of the credit goes to Oz, who made me more comfortable and comfortable as the show went on,” Gawashyt tells us. “It was almost like he was reading my mind going through the process!”
Gawashyt and Fareeda, who have been dating for four years, are now happily engaged.
When asked what it is he loves most about his now-fiancee, Gawashyt has an easy answer: everything.
“She’s pretty much my best friend and as time went on, I grew more attached,” he says. “Other than the fact that she’s beautiful, her personality was magnetic to me. I couldn’t stay away even if I wanted to, and I guess that’s how you know that somebody is the one. Even though we’re opposite in many ways, I still think that’s part of the package that makes a unique relationship.”
(Photo courtesy of Ahmed Gawashy)
Pearlman’s advice to others hoping to pop the question also revolves around the idea of surprise.
“We all love to feel special and cared for, with the proposal story being one of the most often repeated of your entire life,” he says. “So guys, take the time and put in the effort to make this something that will be remembered for a lifetime! If that means waiting a week or a month, then do it! Figure out the moment or setting or experience that will set this apart and go the extra mile, but also make it feel personal based on your knowledge of your partner’s likes.”
Watch the video above.