Showing posts with label Bigg Boss 15. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bigg Boss 15. Show all posts
I still look at Tejasswi Prakash and I’m like, yeh kya ladki hai-Karan Kundrra
10:31 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2026)
Karan Kundrra has often spoken candidly about love and on Valentine's Day as he talks about his relationship with Tejasswi Prakash, there’s an unmistakable sense of certainty and comfort. Looking back at how their bond began, Karan shared that neither of them had anticipated where their journey would lead. “When we met each other, we didn’t know that we would be together, that we would date and fall in love,” he said, adding that despite the years gone by, the feelings remain unchanged.
Karan and Tejasswi met on Bigg Boss 15, where their friendship slowly turned into love amid the pressures of the reality show. Reflecting on what makes their relationship work, Karan said, “I still look at her and I’m like, yeh kya ladki hai. She is still the same girl that I met. Every day something happens and I am reminded why I fell in love with her. We fell in love for the right reasons. We still have the same amount of fun, and we still like doing similar things together.”
Having spent four years together, including sharing the intense experience of reality television, Karan believes that understanding each other’s emotional rhythms has been key. “She understands my mood. I know kab yeh phatne wali hai. I know when she is comfortable and when she is not,” he said. “When you’ve done a reality show together, you’ve seen the extreme sides of each other.”
Interestingly, Karan also finds inspiration in long-term relationships around him. Like his Splitsvilla X6: Pyaar Ya Paisa co-host Sunny Leone, and her husband Daniel Weber. He shares, “When I see Daniel and Sunny together, it makes me feel that I want to be somebody like that for my girlfriend.”
Watching them as parents has had a deep impact on him. “Ab meri woh stage ho gayi hai jahan main dekh raha hoon how they are with their kids. You keep getting inspired,” he added.
Tejasswi Prakash aur mere relationship mein siyappe nahi hain-Karan Kundrra
8:20 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 24, 2023)
After hosting Dance Deewane Juniors and shooting a film, Karan Kundrra is back to the fiction genre two years after his stint on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. He will be seen as a werewolf in the fantasy show, Ishq Mein Ghayal (IMG). But it’s not just his work that generates interest amongst his audience; it’s also his relationship with actress Tejasswi Prakash that has been the talk of the town. In a chat with us, Karan talks about his choices of projects and being content on the personal front. Excerpts:
Your personal life has been in the news for quite some time now.
You’ve been in a relationship with Tejasswi Prakash…
I am calm, happy aur bohot sukoon mein hoon abhi. Wohi important hota hai life mein. I am at peace right now because I know what I want. I have clarity. It wasn’t a mission and happened organically. It is a normal relationship with two people coming together. Tejasswi and I are very different and it’s an imperfectly perfect love story. There are so many imperfections that it’s perfect (smiles).
Several people cast aspersions on the credibility of relationships that blossom inside the Bigg Boss house every year. How did you deal with such criticism?
It happens to date. Honestly, I am at a stage where I don’t care about these comments anymore. I can’t keep on proving a point to people. If somebody hates you, no matter how well you do in life, they will diss you.
So, are Tejasswi and you looking at marriage any time soon?
When you are clear about things, these things don’t seem important. Jab ek relationship mein koi cheez lack karti hai tab aap tension lete hain inn baaton ki. There is an unspoken clarity between us that this is not something we should be worrying about. Our parents know each other. We are together throughout the day and away only when we are shooting. We continue to discover each other, have been through ups and downs in our relationship, but every time something unfavourable happens, we emerge stronger. This is a no-tension relationship. Iss relationship mein siyappe nahi hain.
Ishq Mein Ghayal marks your return to the fantasy world of werewolves and vampires after Fanaah (2014). You will be seen as Veer, a grey character...
Veer is completely black. It’s the most interesting and badass character I have played in my career. Also, I feel that the concept of positive, negative or grey doesn’t exist on TV anymore.
What factors govern your choices of projects at this stage in your career?
Over the years, I’ve realised that everything is about the character, as it stays with audiences. Also, I have understood that no matter how well-written a character is, unless you play it with conviction, it won’t make the cut with the audience.
How did you decide to return to the fiction genre after hosting a reality show?
I don’t believe in making plans because whenever I’ve made plans for my career or life, they have never fructified. Of course, Bigg Boss opened a lot of avenues for me. I completed two films, hosted two reality shows. I don’t think you need breaks from television to explore cinema. Today, actors are not known by the platform they are on, but for their acting prowess. Nowadays, people don’t focus on becoming a hero. They instead want to be recognised as good actors. I believe that is a more long-lasting career choice than thinking ki main yeh sab chhod kar ab yahi karunga. Yeh pehle hota tha, ab nahi hota. Ab artiste ki value hai.
I don’t see a ring yet, let’s ask Karan Kundrra-Tejasswi Prakash
8:31 AM
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 19, 2022)
One of the most popular couples in town, Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash are a social media sensation. Each time the actors are papped together, their pictures go viral in no time. Mention this to Prakash and she sounds all modest:
“People love to see Karan, and if I’m with him, they like it. When we go out, everybody recognizes him. At times, people would tell him, ‘You were so good on Bigg Boss’. I’d be sitting right there and be like, ‘But, I won the show, aapne mujhe pehchana bhi nahin’ (laughs). And then Karan would say that’s because he's tall and people can spot him from a distance. So, he never takes the credit.”
All praises for her beau, Prakash admits that Kundrra’s presence has brought about “a massive difference” in her life. “I’ve changed completely. The way I approach my career now is so different. That’s because Karan has been so gutsy and has experimented with all his projects. And he makes sure that I have that confidence, too. He tells me, ‘You’re young, you can take risks, just try new things.’ He’s the one who has made me think the way I do now. Like, all the answers I just gave you, it’s all his teachings (chuckles),” she adds.
Amid all this, one question that has been on everyone’s mind is when are they taking their relationship to the next level. Prakash, 29, quips, “Whether wedding is on the cards or not, I am, as usual, going to put it all on Karan. I mean, I don’t know, I don’t see a ring. Do you? So, let’s ask him.”
However, when asked if it bothers her that more than her work, her love life gets talked about, she says, “TejRan (their couple name) has been loved so much that I’m just scared. I don’t want it to make people stop looking at us as serious actors; we’re not just a couple. That’s why a lot of times we avoid being together. Despite all the love and blessings, I have a concern... I don’t want our relationship to ever overshadow the fact that both Karan and I are good at what we do. We’re strong, both individually and as a couple.”
I loved Ritesh Singh so much and he left me-Rakhi Sawant
8:28 AM
Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; February 16, 2022)
Rakhi Sawant took to her social media to share the news that her husband Ritesh Singh had left her. Rakhi was moved to tears when she spoke to us. She said, “He left me! I loved him so much and he left me.”
Rakhi further said, “After Bigg Boss, we started living together in my house in Mumbai, but last Sunday, he packed his bags and left. He said that he is in legal trouble because he didn’t divorce his first wife and now he doesn’t want to live with me anymore. He said that he lost a lot of money in his business as he had to go through a lot of scrutiny after he entered the Bigg Boss house with me.”
Rakhi said she wasn’t aware of his marital status earlier. “After coming out of the Bigg Boss house, when I got to know that he married and had a child too, my heart broke. I cannot be unfair to a woman and a child. I am coming to terms with the fact that he has left me.”
She admitted that her marriage with him, which took place on July 28, 2019, was illegal. “Our marriage wasn’t not legal because he didn’t divorce his first wife.”
Talking about her family's reaction to this, Rakhi said, “Yesterday as soon as my mother and brother heard about this, they immediately came to meet me. They are very sad and told me that I should have found out more about Ritesh before getting involved with him. I loved and trusted Ritesh blindly and this is what he has done to me,” she said.
People have always accused Rakhi of faking her marriage. Even after Ritesh entered the BB house with her, there were rumours that the marriage wasn’t real.
However, this never bothered Rakhi. Recounting how they first met, she said, “We connected via WhatsApp and we chatted for over six months. He sent me his address, his bank account details and other things and I believed him. He proposed marriage and since I also wanted someone in my life, I married him three years ago. When I made it public, they didn't want to believe me. So, I convinced Ritesh to come to the Bigg Boss house with me.”
Rakhi continues to be hopeful. “I love him very much and I will forgive him for everything. If he gets divorced and wants to come back to me, then he should know that I am waiting for him. But, if he is happy with his wife and kids then God bless them. But for me, marriage and love is not a joke,” she concluded.
-------------------------
Vickey Lalwani (ETIMES; February 15, 2022)
Rakhi Sawant's video interview to ETimes TV last week made it amply clear that Rakhi and Ritesh had all but parted ways. Today, she officially announced on her Instagram that they have separated as a couple. We at ETimes TV caught up with Ms Sawant over the telephone, about an hour ago.
Excerpts from the conversation that transpired:
It was evident from your interview with us that you'll were about to part ways...
Well, I still love Ritesh. I have loved him truly. I shall wait for him about a year if he wants to come back. I just took my car and drove off for a long drive. Back home, I am now constantly eating. I am feeling very depressed.
Today is Monday. When exactly did you call it off?
It happened yesterday at about 3 pm. But I didn't call it off. It was his decision. He was with me on Friday, throughout. We woke up on Sunday very normally. Suddenly, he started packing his bags and said that he wants to separate from me as his legal issues (Read: with his wife) have become too much. God knows who he's spoken to during those morning hours that led him to take this step.
You'll were planning a baby this year?
Yes, we had decided to have a child in 2022. Lekin abhi kaise?
Have you tried calling him after that?
Yes, I did. But he didn't take my calls. Even my mother tried to explain and request him while he was leaving. She was crying and telling him that this is not the right way to lead a life. As I said, I truly loved him. I kept our marriage intact despite the fact that he hardly stayed with me ever since he came into my life.
Did the show 'Bigg Boss' (Season 15) ruin your relationship with Ritesh?
On one hand, I am happy that he got in. This made people understand that a certain Ritesh whom I was saying I had married, exists. On the other hand, a lot of things about him came out in the open.
But you knew before entering 'Bigg Boss 15' that he was married and even has a child...
Yes, but I didn't know his wife's strong stance until I came out of 'Bigg Boss 15' and read her interviews. Honestly, I don't know who has harassed whom - did she harass him or did he harass her?
We heard that he was keen to enter 'Bigg Boss 15' for publicity because he wants to turn producer...
Haan, woh bahut kuch banna chahte hain. And...
And?
Before leaving, he said that our marriage was not legal.
Lekin galti toh uski thi na. He married you despite knowing that he already has a wife. It was he who knew from the word 'Go' that his marriage with you is illegal. Strange, isn't it?
Strange, indeed. But now if he divorces his first wife and comes back to me, he needs to buy a house and a car of his own. And, I have categorically told him that.
Valentine's Day has virtually proved to be a Break-Up Day for you...
Yes, and that really hurts.
Anybody from the industry has called you in support?
Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Mahima Chaudhary, Kashmera Shah, Pratik Sehajpal have come forward with motivational messages. I am seeing so many lovey-dovey messages on social media. I am trying to avoid taking the phone in hand. Mujhse bardasht nahi ho raha.
Does the Riteish chapter in your life reduce your faith in love and man?
No, it doesn't. And, certainly not my faith in God.
Did you feel after 'Bigg Boss 15' that he will leave you?
Hmmm... yes. I felt he was staying in my house only to be at the Grand Finale. 'Bigg Boss' ke contract mein hain that 'you have to pay Rs 2 crore if you don't attend the Grand Finale'. Besides, he was not touching me or kissing me in front of the media. Only I was kissing him. He is a shy person, lekin un baton se zarror jyaada lagne laga tha.
Raqesh Bapat's smile and dimple melt my heart-Shamita Shetty
8:07 AM
Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; February 16, 2022)
Post their Bigg Boss 15 stint, Raqesh Bapat and Shamita Shetty have become one of the most-talkedabout couples in showbiz. In an exclusive chat, the actor-couple, who recently celebrated their first Valentine’s Day together, spoke about finding love. Excerpts from a chat:
Did you enter the Bigg Boss OTT house expecting to find love?
Shamita: To be honest, when we entered the house, we didn’t expect to find someone. We were not even looking to get into any relationship. But as we got to know each other, we understood that we wanted to explore something solid outside the house, too. Once we came out, we realised that we
really wanted to take this forward, and got to know each other better.
Raqesh: She came across as a beautiful soul. That is when I knew that this was something I would really like to explore. Probably, she is someone I wanted to be with as a partner and as a friend.
What does being in a relationship mean to you?
Shamita: Raqesh is a great guy. He is someone who has a very good understanding of life. He is easy to be with, which is definitely an important factor for me. So far, we are going good, and I would want to leave it at that right now.
Raqesh: For me, she is not Shamita Shetty; she is an individual. I feel a sense of substance in her and she is someone who is very clear about her thoughts. She is a loyalist and she will stand by you, no matter what.
What quality do you both share in common?
Shamita: Apart from being grounded, Raqesh is someone who I can talk to about anything. He is a very good listener and we don’t find that in a lot of men. I feel comfortable enough to share anything with him. It is a very good quality to have and it makes me feel secure.
Raqesh: She said it correctly that we can talk to each other about anything. She is a great friend to me. We are not a mushy couple, but we communicate to make our foundation strong. I can talk to her without any filter.
Being together also means you get to know of the other person’s annoying side...
Shamita: I react faster than Raqesh and it bothers me sometimes. He has his own way of handling things. So, I think that is where we have a little bit of conflict, but I feel with time it will be okay. He still has to know me a lot. We are two different people but rarely, on a few basic points, do we clash. I have got into a relationship after a very long time, so I am not used to having a person around.
Raqesh: Shamita likes to keep things in order. By mistake, if I put my wet feet on the bathroom mat, even if I cannot see a mark, she can see it! I have to really be on guard. I have been living alone for quite some time and I am messy. But yes, with time, it will be fine.
If there’s one thing that you have to say you love about the other, what would it be?
Shamita: His smile and dimple melt my heart.
Raqesh: She is beautiful inside-out. Her eyes are so expressive that without saying anything, she says a lot.
When I entered Bigg Boss, I was clear that I wouldn’t date anyone on national television-Tejasswi Prakash
8:35 AM
Unnati Joshi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 14, 2022)
It isn’t uncommon for a couple to strike up a romance on Bigg Boss, but not every relationship survives when the cameras turn off. However, Bigg Boss 15 sweethearts Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash are proof that a showmance can continue even after the show. The two are in love and can’t stop gushing about each other. “When I entered Bigg Boss, I was clear that I wouldn’t date anyone on national television. I always found Karan cute and nice, but I never went ahead with that feeling. One thing led to the other, and here I am head over heels, madly in love with this guy. I know he is the one,” Tejasswi says.
Karan adds, “I am in love with her, too. She is a smart and strong-headed woman, yet extremely vulnerable. We have gone through the most difficult situations together on the show and always had each other’s back. Now, we are stronger than ever.”
The couple is yearning to spend some quality time with each other. “Show ke baad, Tejasswi started shooting for Naagin. She hardly gets four hours of sleep every day. It’s tough for her. So, I try to manage my time according to her schedule and do everything possible to be with her. I pick her up from the set as we hardly get alone time.”
Tejasswi says, “Karan keeps everything aside for me. He takes care of me like a baby. I love how he comes to pick me up from the set, drops me home on time and makes sure that I get everything I love. I am lucky to have him as my boyfriend.”
In an earlier interview with us, Karan had said that right after her big win, Tejasswi went to his house at 5:30 am. When we ask Tejasswi about it, she says, “Oh my god! It was so awkward! After the finale, I was waiting for him on the set, but he had gone home. I wanted to meet him, so I left for his house in my grand finale outfit. Imagine, at 5:30 am. And guess what, his father opened the door (laughs!), it was very awkward. But he welcomed me very warmly. Then when Karan came out, he was shocked to see me there. He was also extremely happy that I won the show. His parents were happy, too. I have met very sweet.”
Talking about his first meeting with Tejasswi’s parents, Karan shares, “I first met them on the finale night. There, I spoke to them for 10 minutes. Uncle was sitting on my left, and aunty was on my right (laughs!), so there was a bit of nervousness. It was also a little awkward because I was constantly thinking that they saw us fighting on TV. But they said that they also saw us falling back on each other. And they told me that they think we are compatible. As far as my parents are concerned, they said, ‘Aisi hi ladki chahiye, yeh tujhko seedha rakhegi' (laughs!).”
Today, the couple is celebrating their first Valentine's Day together. Even though it’s going to be a working day for Tejasswi, Karan is all set to make it special for her. He shares, “It’s our first Valentine’s Day, so it will be special. I know she doesn’t like elaborate plans as she is very simple. So, I have to plan everything keeping all of that in mind. I might go to her set, it’s like my second home now. I am going to ask them to let her go a bit early (laughs!). Also, I have worked with the production house for 13 years, they are like my family. I can getthings arranged on the set, too.”
Tejasswi adds, “I wanted to do something special for him, but I have been occupied with my shoot. I asked him if I should take a day off, but he understands that my show (Naagin 6) has just started, and it’s not professional to do that. So, I will be working today. Maine sab Karan par chhor diya hai (laughs!).”
I want to get married, have babies and also do a lot of work-Shamita Shetty
8:16 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; February 4, 2022)
Shamita Shetty feels that her recent stint on Bigg Boss has helped her step out of her sister, Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s shadow. The actress, who found love during the OTT version of the show, is now looking for interesting acting offers. In a candid chat, she spoke about her journey on the reality show, her feud with co-contestant Tejasswi Prakash and wedding plans. Excerpts:
Inside the Bigg Boss 15 house recently, you expressed the desire to get married this year. the cards?
This is just my way of manifesting something that I want. During the pandemic, I realised that it was time to find a companion as it was getting very lonely for me. So yes, I want to get married, have babies and also do a lot of work. I want the universe to make all these things happen for me. On my birthday (February 2), Raqesh planned a surprise for me. After a long time, I celebrated my birthday with my companion. I am happy and grateful to be out of the Bigg Boss house after nearly six months, and I am excited about my journey from here on.
In the finale, your eviction seemed to come as a shock to you. Were you expecting to lift the trophy?
I will be lying if I say that I wasn’t disappointed with my eviction. I really couldn’t understand it, and I expected to be in the top two. But when I got out of the house and heard people cheering for me, it was overwhelming. The kind of love that I am receiving from people outside the house now, I think that is my victory. There is no point in winning the trophy and having people question it.
How do you look back at the age-shaming incident involving Tejasswi Prakash, who called you aunty?
When you stand for women’s empowerment, you have to be careful about what you say and how you say it to another woman. When that comment was made (aunty uss pe chadh gayi), I was playing a certain character, and I was a woman performing a task. I have given my 100 per cent to every task I performed. I don’t know what Tejasswi was trying to say or imply, but given the situation, it was wrong. Her true colours would come out in the tasks. I always saw the worst in her every time she was pushed into a difficult situation or wasn’t given what she expected. Yes, I am my nephew and niece’s aunt, but in what context was I called an aunt on national television? She was unapologetic about it, and even after she had apologised, she was trying to justify it. It shows her upbringing and not mine. Anyway, I have forgiven her for saying it.
During the show, you were heard saying that you want to step out of your sister’s shadow. Have you been able to achieve that?
Absolutely! As I said, my victory is something else. I have managed to do what I wanted to by going inside the house. I have received more than I expected. I have surprised myself.
Besides films, you acted in a web show before you signed this reality show. Do you think this stint will help you get better acting offers?
I hope it does. This is something I want, but there is no point running after something if that is not in my destiny. I enjoy acting and would love to do web series. I hope somebody out there believes in me enough to come to me with something nice. In fact, if a good TV show comes my way, especially a finite series, I would love to give it a shot.
Agar Tejasswi Prakash Shamita Shetty ko age-shame kar rahi hai, then she would have called me uncle, too-Karan Kundrra
8:10 AM
Karan Kundrra on not making it to the top two and finding love on Bigg Boss 15
Unnati Joshi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 3, 2022)
One of the strongest players of Bigg Boss 15, Karan Kundrra made maximum headlines during his stay in the house. The actor, who finished third on the reality show, was often praised by the viewers for his master gameplay aka Karanneeti.
Reflecting on his game, he tells us, “I wanted to win the show. I was shocked to know that I wasn’t in the top 2. I wanted to be on the stage with Tejasswi (Prakash; BB 15 winner). Even Salman bhai was shocked. He told me, ‘Karan, I think half the country is in shock right now’. Yes, I was a little low initially and lost faith in myself, but I promised my fans that I will bounce back soon. Maine apne har show mein kaha hai that it’s about the journey, not the destination, and I think I had a fantastic journey. I met the most amazing girl on the planet in Bigg Boss, made great friends like Umar (Riaz) and came out with so much love from my fans. I am overwhelmed right now. ”
‘TEJASSWI & I ARE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER’
Karan found love inside the Bigg Boss house. His showmance with Tejasswi Prakash started shortly after the duo entered the house. Talking about how their relationship blossomed on the show, he shares, “To be honest, I don’t know how we fell for each other. In fact, we were discussing this last night, and Tejasswi had no idea, too. Initially, I thought yeh ladki pagal hai, but she is cute, and I was fond of her. I would often find myself staring at her. Then I told myself that I am not here for this, I have to play the game and started ignoring her. She thought I was giving her attitude, and she stopped talking to me. Pata nahi kya chal raha tha, both of us were fighting this feeling (laughs!).”
Karan says, “But everything happened naturally. I told her that I wasn’t ignoring her, I am just a shy person. I confessed my feelings for her on the show, and I am glad I did that.”
He adds, “Tejasswi didn’t have my address or phone number, but as soon as she came out of the house, instead of enjoying her win at home with family, she asked the production people to drop her at my house. Main soo gaya tha, she landed at my house at 5.30 in the morning. It was cute. I am so used to spending all my time with her that now when she is not with me, I start missing her. We are both going bonkers (laughs).”
While many think Tejasswi affected Karan’s game negatively, he thinks otherwise. “I lived the Bigg Boss journey the way I wanted to. If I fell in love, why would it be Tejasswi’s fault? Why are people blaming her for this? She made me stronger, gave me the strength to survive till the end in that madhouse. If she wasn’t there, main give up kar ke nikal gaya hota. She didn’t ruin my game, she was my strength there. I am happy about her victory, and I am proud of her. Tejasswi and I may not be perfect, but I guess we are perfect for each other,” Karan says.
‘THROUGHOUT THE GAME, SHAMITA AND I HAD A LOT OF RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER’
The Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum actor shared a good friendship with Shamita Shetty, but the two grew apart as Tejasswi and Shamita weren’t on talking terms. He says, “Throughout the game, Shamita and I had a lot of respect for each other. We were never the best of friends, but we weren’t enemies either. So our bond will stay the same. Ek jo respect hai Shamita ke liye woh kabhi nahi jayegi. But Tejasswi meri girlfriend hai, main uss ke against bhi nahi jaaunga. If she is wrong somewhere, main usko samajhaunga, but I won’t go against her. I will stand by her.”
Karan rubbed a lot of people the wrong way when he age-shamed Shamita initially. Then again, when he didn’t stand up for her when Tejasswi age-shamed her. He clarifies, “When Neha (Bhasin) entered the show, she told me about the aunty comment. But I couldn’t recall saying it, despite that I went to Shamita and apologized. She accepted my apology, and we were both fine after that. As far as Tejasswi’s comment is concerned, I was the one who asked her to apologize. And she apologized after that. Also, I don’t think Tejasswi wanted to age-shame her, she just casually said, ‘uss par bhi chad gayi aunty’. Shamita mujhse teen saal badi hai, agar Tejasswi usko age-shame kar rahi hai, then she would have called me uncle, too. I don’t think she meant it the way it was perceived.”
‘I AM VERY PROUD OF PRATIK’S JOURNEY’
During the show, Karan had several major blowups with his Love School shishya Pratik Sehajpal. But he says that he is “super proud” of Pratik. “Pratik and I have done two shows together, and he was one of my favourite contestants. We couldn’t bond well on the show because we are both alphas, and we wanted to do our own thing. But whenever we needed each other, we were there. Deep down, I knew that he will never backstab me. Woh kuch galat karta tha toh I would get affected because he was like my younger brother. And when I saw him standing next to Teja, I was super proud. I am very proud of his game and his journey,” he shares.
I didn’t call Shamita Shetty aunty. She doesn’t even look like an aunty. She is so hot-Tejasswi Prakash
8:07 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 2, 2022)
Bigg Boss 15 winner, Tejasswi Prakash, has been drawing mixed reactions over her victory. Several celebrities expressed shock over her lifting the BB trophy and not Pratik Sehajpal. However, instead of focusing on what naysayers have to say, Tejasswi wants to revel in the victory. In a chat, the actress takes us through her journey on the show, her volatile equation with Shamita Shetty and the love of her life, Karan Kundrra. Excerpts:
Being locked up inside the Bigg Boss house for almost four months isn’t easy. After those gruelling months, how does it feel to have emerged the winner?
When I saw the video of my journey on the show, I realised that there were a lot of times when people were strategizing against me. Till the end and even when I was on stage, nobody in the studio wanted me to win. However, Ganpati bappa and my followers had other plans. I will always believe that jiske saath koi nahi hota uske saath khuda hota hai.
Many people felt that Pratik was more deserving to win this season. In fact, many celebs tweeted in his favour. How did you react to that?
I believe that I should trust the format of the show and desh ki janta ka pyaar that I am receiving. It doesn’t look fake to me. It is evident that I got more votes. Those doubting this season’s result should cry foul over the previous seasons’ results, too. Also, why should I expect anyone to appreciate my victory? My family and I should be happy that I won and my fans should be happy that their hard work paid off. Why should my haters be happy that I won? My haters will obviously be sad about my victory. They have the right to be sad. Not everyone is going to love me and I’m fine with that. I am not an ice cream…I am human.
Many even felt that you were made the winner as you also bagged the show Naagin on the same channel…
No offence to anyone, but I think I was offered Naagin because I was doing a good job on BB. I would have been offered Naagin even if I hadn’t won BB. Meri jeet meri jeet hai, mujhe Naagin mila hai isliye mujhe jitaaya nahi hai. That’s not how it works. Nothing can take away from my win on BB. Why it is so difficult for people to believe that there is a person who can bag a show like Naagin and can also be a brilliant player? People saw me as a strong contender inside the house from the beginning.
After the grand finale, Karan Kundrra took to Twitter and wrote that he had lost faith in a lot of things but hopefully, not in himself. So, what was he referring to?
I wanted the final moment of lifting the trophy to be between Karan and me. It would have been the best moment. So, it (Karan coming third) was a shock because he had a beautiful journey on the show. Not that Pratik didn’t play well. Karan was always sure that if it was between him and me, I was going to win. So, he is obviously very happy that trophy finally ghar hi aayi. Having said that, it is Karan Kundrra and he is a lot more than just that last moment we missed out on.
Your equation with housemate Shamita Shetty was often a topic of discussion outside the house. However, there was quite an uproar both inside and outside the house after you age-shamed her saying, 'Lo aunty chadh gayi us pe bhi'...
I didn’t call her aunty... it was more like slang. Why would I do that to another woman? She doesn’t even look like an aunty. She is so hot. I don’t know about the boys, but I checked her out. I would take tips from her on diet and workout regime. I have had a beautiful journey inside the house and people were never able to find anything against me. I made one slight mistake in the last week and people want to keep highlighting it. I did apologize to Shamita multiple times. I don’t know what else is expected from me. A lot of shaming was done by people on the OTT version of the reality show. But I don’t wish to bring that up or talk about it. I want to talk about how good a fight I gave on the show while everybody else is busy finding flaws in me. I should be busy finding good things in myself.
You were also slammed for being insecure and overly possessive about Karan. Are you actually that possessive about him?
I am very possessive and I am proud of it. In fact, Karan and I are shamelessly possessive. I am sure that Karan will agree. We don’t have an issue with it nor should anybody else.
While love was blossoming between Karan and you inside the house, many people called it fake, especially after rumours of you dating Krish Khedekar came up. Karan, too, was said to be in a relationship with his web series co-actor Yogita Bihani...
Oh God, Krish is not my boyfriend and neither is Yogita Karan’s girlfriend. She is a very sweet girl. Krish and I are family friends and have known each other since childhood.
Time and again on the show, Karan mentioned that he would settle down by March this year. So, is marriage on cards for the two of you?
It’s not his plan. A pandit told him something. I don’t know what the scene is, but I always took it as a joke. We have just come out of the house, and there is so much to talk about.
Bigg Boss 15 housemates wanted me to fail, but the country wanted me to win-Tejasswi Prakash
8:23 AM
Bigg Boss 15 winner Tejasswi Prakash on winning the reality show, why it is a genuine triumph and what the future holds, starting with Naagin
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; February 1, 2022)
Pratik Sehajpal may have won the hearts of millions as a contender to the Bigg Boss 15 trophy, but Tejasswi Prakash walked away with the gong, leaving many speechless. But the actor has no misgivings about her win. I am a big fan of my journey [in the house],” says the actor, who strongly believes that despite being the least liked in the house, it is her housemates that “made me believe I am a winner”.
Her faith was reinstilled when celebrity guests Farah Khan, Gautam Gulati, Mahesh Manjrekar and Ravi Kishan appreciated her on the show. “Some Weekend Ka Vaar episodes were all about Karan [Kundrra] and me. It had also become evident that the housemates were scared of me when they planned things [against me] or tried to take me out [of the game]. Until the time of the announcement, everybody was hoping I don’t win, but luckily the country wanted me to win. I am glad I had fans outside the house, who loved me more. And if you are going to doubt this year’s decision, then you should doubt every year’s decision. If people’s votes decide the winner every year, then why doubt my win? I believe my victory is genuine,” says Prakash.
She didn’t just walk away with the prize, but also found a love interest in fellow contestant-actor Kundrra. Agreeing that relationships formed in the house hardly stand the test of time after the contestants step out, she says, “I am going to be super busy with Naagin. [The relationship] is going to be a struggle, but we are going to figure it out.”
Prakash shot for the promo of Naagin a day before the reality show concluded. “Who wouldn’t want to work with Ekta Kapoor? After winning the trophy, what else could I ask for? Everything has happened so fast, that [the news] hasn’t sunk in yet,” she adds.
There will be a day when Tejasswi Prakash will be 40, and someone who’s 27 will call her aunty-Kashmera Shah
8:28 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; January 31, 2022)
The reality show, Bigg Boss, has often witnessed age-shaming with a younger contestant passing comments on an older participant’s age. This time Tejasswi Prakash called Shamita Shetty aunty. During a task, Shamita was asked to give Karan Kundrra a massage and while doing that, Tejasswi pulled Shamita forcefully to stop her. She later commented, “Aunty uspe bhi chad gayi.” She has drawn a lot of flak for this comment.
Kashmera Shah, an ex-contestant and an avid watcher of Bigg Boss, is also furious with Tejasswi for this. She says, “I had been supporting Tejasswi, but after this comment, I stopped. I don’t understand why youngsters these days age-shame people. They should respect them because they have the experience and have worked longer. Like in this case, Shamita is an actress who has worked hard to reach where she has today.”
She further adds, “I feel these girls who are 25 or 27 need to understand that they, too, will reach our age. Today, Shamita is 40 and Tejasswi is 27. But there will be a day when Tejasswi will be 40, and someone who’s 27 will call her aunty. She needs to understand that.”
Kashmera, too, faced age-shaming last season when contestant Nikki Tamboli said, “Apni umar ka lihaaz karo.”
Talking about that incident, Kashmera says, “The day Nikki age-shamed me, I felt there was too much darkness within her. Someone as young as her, who’s trying to make a space in the industry, should know how difficult it is for a woman to make a name for herself. I have done that and there are many actresses who are going strong at the age of 40 and 50. We are working and will keep working till we are 70 or 80. But these youngsters need to understand that and respect our work. At her age, I had already made my name and people still remember me for it. When she commented on my age, I cried because I was shaken up. A woman age-shaming another woman is really heart-breaking for me.”
In Bigg Boss, over the years, age-shaming has become rampant. Sidharth Shukla, Eijaz Khan, Sonali Phogat and Shefali Jariwala were among the other contestants who were also age-shamed on the show.
Shamita Shetty is much better without me in the Bigg Boss house-Raqesh Bapat
8:05 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; January 26, 2022)
Shamita Shetty recently on Bigg Boss 15 said that she wanted to get married this year. Before entering the house, Shamita and Raqesh Bapat made their relationship official. The two had met on Bigg Boss OTT, which took place last year. Raqesh, too, entered BB15 as a wild card, but had to opt out due to health reasons.
In a recent candid chat with us, he spoke about his equation with Shamita. When we asked him about her statement on marriage, he said, “Whatever decision is taken, it will be taken by both of us and with a clear mind. It is important that we spend time together because I agree with her that we haven’t got much time to spend together to gauge things. So, let’s hope for the best.”
Some time ago, Rakhi Sawant and Salman Khan were seen pulling Shamita’s leg and teasing her with Karan Kundrra. To that, Shamita had said, “Don’t do this, even Raqesh may not like this.”
When asked about this, Raqesh said “I laugh when such things happen. When two people are secure in a relationship, these things don’t matter. I understand that house and the way things happen there, so I take it as a joke. Such things don’t bother me.”
Raqesh is proud of Shamita for how she has conducted herself inside the Bigg Boss house. “I have always said that Shamita is a woman of substance. She is very transparent. After a long time, I have met someone who is so clear about things. She’s doing very well in the Bigg Boss house. She’s real. We both like to stay real, which is why we got along during Bigg Boss OTT. I understand that it gets difficult inside sometimes for her, and I wish I could’ve been there with her. But on her own too, she’s very good and I am very proud of her for the way she’s handling things. For me, she is the winner.”
Does he feel that his presence in the show could have further boosted Shamita’s chances of becoming a winner? “I think she is much better without me in the house. Otherwise, it would have been about ShaRa (Shamita and Raqesh), but here she is showing her individuality. So without me, too, she is strong enough to fight her battles. I am definitely there for her in spirit.”
Mika Singh and I know way too much about each other to date-Akanksha Puri
8:26 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; January 8, 2022)
Akanksha Puri, who rose to fame with her character Parvati in the show Vighnaharta Ganesha, recently entered Bigg Boss Season 15 for a few days. Speculations about her entry have been rife ever since the actress first appeared on the reality show in season 13, when she was dating actor Paras Chhabra. “I finally went inside the Bigg Boss though for just a few days,” shared an excited Akanksha.
Akanksha also made news recently of being in a relationship with singer Mika Singh. Clearing the air, however, she said, “Mika ke saath toh meri engagement aur shaadi bhi kara di hai logon ne (laughs). I know him for more than a decade now. Mika and I know way too much about each other to date. Kabhi kabhi kisi ko bahot zyada jaanna bhi achha nahi hota. Mika is not someone whom I will get married to though we can play cupid for each other. Also, I don’t think Mika will get married now. I am not stuck up that I will not date anyone, I will if I get a good person.”
The truth behind Rakhi Sawant’s ‘marriage’ to Ritesh Singh revealed
8:06 AM
Ritesh Singh, who was recently evicted from Bigg Boss 15, speaks about his relationship status with Rakhi Sawant and domestic violence allegations levelled by his wife Snigdha Priya
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 22, 2021)
In the ongoing season of Bigg Boss, the one contestant who has been in the eye of the storm since the time he entered the Bigg Boss house is Rakhi Sawant’s husband, Ritesh Singh, aka Ritesh Kumar. From day one, people wondered whether he is really her husband and an NRI, as he claims to be. A picture of him with his wife, Snigdha Priya, and son that went viral recently further fuelled speculations.
In an interview with BT, Snigdha claimed that Ritesh was still married to her and was surprised to see him enter the show as Rakhi’s husband. She had also said that she had filed a case of domestic violence against him in April 2017. Now, Ritesh has been evicted from the reality show. In a chat with us, he fielded questions about his behaviour with Rakhi, accusations levelled by his wife Snigdha and more...
Your rude behaviour towards Rakhi in the house came under criticism. Do you think that is one of the reasons why people didn’t vote for you and you were eliminated?
I am upset with my eviction, as I had expected to last longer on the show given the way I was playing. But I guess people didn’t appreciate how I behaved with Rakhi and didn’t vote for me. They misunderstood my intentions. My behaviour towards Rakhi was a part of my game plan. I wanted housemates to believe that I was playing an individual game and not in alliance with Rakhi. The house is divided into two groups. One group would support Rakhi, while the other was on my side. Plan tha ki shuru mein Rakhi ko alag rakhna aur eventually usko support karna. I admit that I should have informed Rakhi about it.
Your wife, Snigdha Priya, has said that you are still married to her and so your claims of being married to Rakhi can’t be true?
Yes, it’s true that I am not divorced yet. People who think that I am morally wrong need to listen to my side of the story, too. I have been tight-lipped because I was not in a state to talk about my personal life. I was also quiet for the sake of my child. As far as Rakhi is concerned, we have not had a formal wedding or a court marriage. Humne ishwar ko sakshi maan kar apne relationship ko aagey badhaaya hai.
Snigdha also filed a case of domestic violence against you. What do you have to say about it?
Her accusation of domestic violence is false. In fact, she had left me for another man during our marriage. I had registered a complaint as I didn’t know her whereabouts, and eventually, I asked her for a divorce. She projected me as a violent man who would hit her every day. If I am so bad, why hasn’t she agreed to divorce me? Why did she suddenly show up and start talking about me when I was inside the BB house? The intention was to defame and trouble me. Also, how does it concern her whether I am an NRI or do a menial job? If her claims were true, would Rakhi live with me? I have always said that I am from Bihar and currently living in Belgium. Snigdha Priya’s sole intention has been to get money out of me. I have ample proof to counter all her claims and substantiate mine.
Given the status quo, where does your relationship with Rakhi stand?
Mera mann ka rishta definitely Rakhi ke saath hai. Rakhi mujhe pati maanti hai aur main usko patni manta hoon. Once I get a divorce, I will marry Rakhi. She supported me when my personal life was in a mess. Uss time par ya toh main paagal ho jaata ya alcoholic.
When and how did you meet Rakhi?
I connected with Rakhi on WhatsApp regarding an event I was organising for my company in early 2019. She proposed to me eventually, but I avoided her as I was apprehensive about getting into a relationship with her, given her controversial image. We finally met in July at a hotel in Mumbai and I fell in love with her. Humne bhagwan ko saakshi maan kar July 28, 2019, mein shaadi kari. I would call this relationship a divine intervention.
I dream of winning Grammy Awards and not Bigg Boss trophies-Neha Bhasin
8:02 AM
Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; December 3, 2021)
Singer Neha Bhasin is one of the contestants who recently got evicted from Bigg Boss 15. While her journey was a short one, she says she accomplished everything that she wanted to. She says, “I made an impact and that’s what matters to me. People say I brought back emotions in the house.”
During her stint on Bigg Boss OTT a few months ago, Neha was brutally trolled on social media platforms for her growing closeness to Pratik Sehajpal, given that she was married. But this time in BB15 she is happy that people finally understood her. “I got a lot of positive feedback this time and people felt my eviction was unfair. The audience saw the real me,” she says.
Neha says a show like Bigg Boss is for survivors and not for someone like her. “Honestly, I dream of winning Grammy awards and not Bigg Boss trophies! I think it is a beautiful platform, but my dream will always be a Grammy award. BB needs a lot of survival instincts and I have led my life as a conqueror. I have always conquered things that I have believed in. While Bigg Boss OTT was more for cute people like me, the 15th season is where the real game is happening,” laughs Neha.
But she loves herself more after being a part of the show. She says, “I love myself a lot more. I have realised my worth and also the fact that I am a very loyal person. For me, friendships play an important role in my life. I have also realised that I have inspired many people by my honesty.”
After doing two BB shows in a year, Neha is done being a participant now. She says, “With all due respect, I do not want to go back anymore. I want to make music now. I would love to judge a reality show, be it a singing show or dance. Once I get back on stage or a studio, my life will be back to normal again. But if the makers of Bigg Boss want me as a guest and I am available, I won’t mind that,” says Neha.
I’m not looking for love but if it happens automatically, I will go with the flow-Rashami Desai
7:43 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; November 23, 2021)
Rashami Desai’s personal life was much in focus during Bigg Boss 13, two years ago. She has entered the house again as a wild card contestant in Bigg Boss Season 15. Before entering the house, the actress had a quick chat with us on her game plan, how tough it is to enter a show mid-way and if she is open to finding love. Excerpts:
How prepared are you to enter as a contestant again in the Bigg Boss house?
During my season (Bigg Boss 13), we used to fight a lot, just like the present lot of contestants, but we weren’t disrespectful towards each other the way these contestants are. We would mostly fight during tasks, and task ke baad bhi agar hamari fights hoti thi toh there would be proper reasons for it. I sometimes feel that the current contestants take out too many personal grudges on the show.
How different will you be this time around in the house?
Everyone has been asking me this. I am going in hoping to win. It is rare that a wild card entry has won the show, but I hope it happens. I don’t know how the audience is going to accept me in the middle of the show. Let’s see.
Do you have any favourite contestants inside the house?
I have been very close to Tejasswi Prakash; we have been friends outside the house. But when you are inside, that too as a contestant, the situation becomes different. I also like the way Shamita Shetty communicates with people inside the house. I like Neha Bhasin, too. But jab aap season ke beech mein enter karte ho toh some people tend to demean you. Neha ne usko bahut achhe se handle kiya hai.
Are you open to finding love inside the house, or are you twice bitten and forever shy?
I am not saying I am not open to finding love. However, that comfort with someone is very difficult to find because of my experiences in life. Jab jab jo jo hona hoga tab tab so so hoga. Jab aap kisi cheez ke liye na karte ho toh kudrat aap ke saath khelti hai, so it is better ki woh karo jo kudrat karwaye. I am not looking for love, but if it happens automatically, I will go with the flow.
Neha Bhasin hits out at age-shaming in Bigg Boss
8:12 AM
How does it matter if a person is 20 or 40, asks the singer
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 13, 2021)
Neha Bhasin, who was recently seen in Bigg Boss OTT (BB OTT), has been following Bigg Boss 15 (BB 15). She even put up a post on social media recently supporting Shamita Shetty and Pratik Sehajpal, her BB OTT co-contestants. Neha said, “I see the show in bits and pieces, and sometimes my fan pages tag me on some things. I am in touch with Shamita’s mother, too. I keep myself updated on what's happening in Bigg Boss 15.”
Referring to the age-shaming that seems to be rampant on the show, the singer said, “Firstly, we are told that we are all equal in the show. So, it shouldn’t matter whether a person is 20 or 40. But people’s ages are regularly brought up. I feel that age shaming happens more to women than men. I saw Shamita getting age shamed on BB OTT. People would call her chachi and say that she was old enough to be their mother. In BB 15, she was called aunty by Karan Kundrra. There are others who say such things as well.”
Neha added, “I don’t appreciate such ageshaming comments, which is why I addressed the issue on my social media handle. Even when I had come out of the BB OTT house, I was called aunty, daadi, buddhi, tharki, etc. Why would anyone use such words to age shame me? When we were kids, we would address our elders as uncle and aunty out of respect.”
So, what did she think of Pratik’s game on the show? “Everyone told me that Pratik mellowed down in BB OTT because of me, so I guess audiences should enjoy watching him being aggressive on BB 15. I suppose people want to see him that way. Having said that, I also feel that he is getting bullied on the show currently. BB OTT contestants were sent as troublemakers (sankat) for the new contestants living in a jungle set-up. So, he’s just doing his job. But one against 13 people is a little unfair. I do feel bad for him, but in BB, one has to play on the front foot, especially when everyone is against them,” she said.
For those unversed, Shamita and Pratik had a tiff on BB 15 given their different ways of handling situations. Neha, who is a friend to both, said, “Even in BB OTT, they didn’t get along at the beginning. Later, when I was Pratik’s connection, they started talking. I was the common link, which is why they were somehow cordial to each other. I don’t think they ever got along then as well, and their differences now don’t surprise me at all. I also feel that the new contestants are playing Shamita and she hasn’t realised that yet.”
-------------------
CONTESTANTS WHO WERE AGE-SHAMED IN BIGG BOSS HOUSE
SIDHARTH SHUKLA
Winner of Bigg Boss 13, late Sidharth Shukla may have been the most popular contestant, but even he was age-shamed. Mahira Sharma, after a fight with Sidharth, called him ‘buddha’. She received serious backlash for her comment.
EIJAZ KHAN
In season 14, Eijaz was age-shamed. On one occasion, during a task, Rahul Vaidya commented on his age saying, “Bhaago mat, umar ke liye achcha nahi hai (Don't run, it’s not good for your age).”
SONALI PHOGAT
Bigg Boss 14 contestant Sonali Phogat, who was also age-shamed on the show, later in an interview, said, “I don’t understand this. If I have aged, does that mean I can’t work in the industry?”
KASHMERA SHAH
Kashmera, who was a guest on Bigg Boss 13, got into arguments with co-contestant Nikki Tamboli for various reasons. Later, during one of the nominations, Nikki took Kashmera’s name and said that she did not reply to the latter’s comments as she respects her because of her age. Kashmera didn’t like the fact that Nikki made a comment about her age while nominating her and also broke down into tears after the incident.
SHEFALI JARIWALA
Paras Chhabra and Shefali Jariwala did not get along in the Bigg Boss 13 house. The former age-shamed her by calling her a cougar, after which Shefali’s husband Parag Tyagi slammed Paras on social media and Gauahar Khan, too, supported him.
My mom and I are huge fans of Bigg Boss, and wouldn’t miss it even for a day-Karan Johar
8:38 AM
Karan Johar, an ardent fan of 'Bigg Boss', turns host for reality show’s OTT property while Salman Khan fronts TV gig
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 24, 2021)
Over the years, 'Bigg Boss' has become wildly popular as much for the controversies it has spawned as for its superstar host Salman Khan. Now, as the reality show looks to spread its wings in digital entertainment, there has been an interesting addition to the proceedings. Filmmaker Karan Johar will turn host for Bigg Boss OTT that will premiere on Voot Select on August 8. Khan’s fans have no reason to be disappointed as he’ll continue to host the television series that will air six weeks later.
A source reveals that the OTT property has been designed as a precursor of sorts. "Once the contestants enter the Bigg Boss house, they will be put through rigorous tasks, daily chores and eliminations. In the six-week runtime, Karan — along with the audience — will choose the best of the lot, who will proceed further to the television show where they will be joined by Khan and other wild card entries," explains the source.
Johar’s razor-sharp wit and cheeky humour will be a contrast to Khan’s scathing remarks, dreaded by the housemates. The filmmaker says that in hosting the show, he will realise mother Hiroo Johar’s long-standing dream. "My mom and I are huge fans of the show, and wouldn’t miss it even for a day. I have enjoyed hosting shows, and now with Bigg Boss OTT, [the drama] will surely be over-the-top. I hope I can make Weekend Ka Vaar an enjoyable affair in my own style, and up the entertainment quotient."
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