Thanks to contestants who are either TV actors or ‘once appeared on screen’ babes trying to find ground in Bollywood, the controversy quotient of Bigg Boss season 8 is at an all-time low. Before heading for a jittery ride, some of them chatted with Divya Kaushik
We all know how Bigg Boss has emerged to be a favourite platform for actors and wannabes trying to revive their flagging careers. So with each new season of the reality show we are prepared to let in the contestants (who mostly have controversy as their only claim to fame) in our living rooms. And this season is no different. While presence of contestants like Sonali Raut was highly anticipated, it is a surprise that there are actors like Praneet Bhat, who we are sure had no dearth of roles after his successful stint in Mahabharat, and Sukirti Kandpal, a known face on the small screen who has proved her acting potential in diverse roles.
We chatted with a few contestants of Bigg Boss 8 to find out what they are hoping from their participation in the reality show.
Praneet Bhat
Claim to fame: He played Shakuni in Siddharth Kumar Tiwary’s Mahabharat.
Why Bigg BossIJ I have been acting for a long time now and as an actor I only get to play a certain character. I feel the reality show will give me an option to entertain the audience at a different level. Now since most of the TV watching audience identify me as Shakuni, I will get an opportunity to present my real self to them. I was getting many roles but I wanted to try out something different and I knew that Bigg Boss will be an exciting journey. The reality show for me is an opportunity to entertain masses and make new fans. Of course, Salman Khan’s presence makes the show all the more special to me. I know it will be challenging to perform different tasks and deal with different situations but that will be all fun. Also, I have in mind that there will be no one attending to you, like it happens on the sets, nothing is scripted, so I will have to be prepared for anything and everything. Also, I would like to mention that as a contestant I will definitely try to urge people to help people in Kashmir. I have fond memories of my growing up days in the Valley, I will surely talk about it in the house.
Strengths and weaknesses: I think my biggest strength is patience. Every actor goes through so much hard work that patience is one of the virtues they develop in the process. My patience will definitely help me during the course of the show. The only difficulty that I will face will be regarding food. I am a big foodie and I know I will have to compromise on that front.
long-term gain: I didn’t plan to be in Bigg Boss house, it was an opportunity that I latched on to. It will be a platform which will be give me a chance to try out something different and be what I am in front of the audience.
Sukirti Kandpal
Claim to fame: She was seen as Dr Riddhima in Dill Mill Gaye and Simran in Kaisa Ya Ishq Hai…
Why Bigg BossIJ I finished a shooting schedule for my last show in May and was looking for something good. The production house, Endemol, came up with an offer before I could choose any other role. I discussed this with family and friends and everyone thought it can be a good opportunity for an actor, so I said yes. I didn’t give the offer much thought, I said yes because I thought it will be a different experience. To be always living with cameras spying on you is difficult but the challenge is to face them. I have been a big fan of the show and have watched all the seasons so far, so let’s see what’s in store for me.
Strengths and weaknesses: I am a very strong person. I am transparent and I cannot be double-faced. I think that will help me bond better with other contestants. Negatives or weaknesses depend on situations. I don’t know what will come my way and how I will react.
long-term gain: I don’t know what will happen inside and how will it help me. We have had both bad and good examples from the Bigg Boss, my fate will depend on my experience.
Sonali Raut
Claim to fame: lead role in The Xpose (It was said that she had a spat with her so-stars).
Why Bigg BossIJ I have hardly begun my career in Bollywood and I think this show will be an opportunity to get more visibility. I need the audience to know more about me through this show. The other reason for being here is to meet Salman Khan. I am his huge fan. The only thing I am apprehensive about is that I will be hounded by cameras 24/7.
Strengths and weaknesses: I have come to enjoy here and I will go with the flow. I don’t have any pre-conceived notions and I think that will work to my advantage. Making all kind of adjustments and making myself used to living in a restricted space with meager means will be a challenge.
long-term gain: I hope this opportunity will get me fame and popularity that people in showbiz needs. It is ultimately this popularity and visibility that helps you sustain in the industry.
Natasha Stankovic
Claim to fame: An item number in Satyagrah.
Why Bigg BossIJ I have been a ballerina for 17 years. I have always loved dancing and therefore after modelling for a long time I settled in Mumbai to make a career in Bollywood. I hope that the show will allow me to meet more people from the industry. I am also looking forward to learn Hindi, which is very important for my career in Bollywood. I am thrilled to have this experience of living in a house with strangers — without phone, friends and family.
Strengths and weaknesses: I am a friendly person and I think I will make many friends. The biggest weakness is that I don’t know Hindi and I am not sure how others in the house will react to this.
long-term gain: I will get to meet new people from the industry and that will help me understand the working style here.