New Delhi: In an unprecedented turn of events, the latest season of the popular reality TV show, Bigg Boss, has generated waves of controversy due to the inclusion of a non-human contestant in its lineup. The newest and least expected member of the Bigg Boss house, a donkey named Gadhraj, was introduced to the audience as the show’s 19th contestant. His addition was marketed by producers as an innovative social experiment designed to engage viewers and add an unexpected twist to the usual proceedings of the show. However, this unconventional move did not sit well with everyone, sparking significant backlash from various quarters, particularly animal rights groups.
The arrival of Gadhraj in the Bigg Boss house quickly drew the ire of prominent animal welfare organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and People for Animals (PFA). These organizations swiftly condemned the show’s decision, raising ethical concerns about the exploitation of an animal for entertainment purposes. They criticized the conditions under which the donkey was kept, arguing that the environment was neither suitable nor humane for an animal of his nature.
The controversy escalated when PFA took to Instagram to make a public plea for the donkey’s removal. Their post read, “A donkey is being kept in distressing conditions on the show; tied and locked 24×7 on a tiled floor for mere ‘entertainment’. Join us in urging Bigg Boss to remove, release, and rehabilitate the donkey safely to a sanctuary.” This message resonated with the public, resulting in widespread outrage and a fervent call for the immediate eviction of Gadhraj from the TV show.
The pressure on the show’s management increased steadily in the days following PFA’s post. Responding to the public outcry and the mounting pressure from advocates, the show’s host, Salman Khan, announced Gadhraj’s eviction during the Sunday episode. This announcement marked Gadhraj as the first contestant to be evicted in this season, an unusual event that was a direct response to the advocacy against his inclusion.
. Gadhraj originally joined the Bigg Boss house as a companion to one of the contestants, Gunaratna, who introduced him to the show in what was initially intended to be a comedic and light-hearted twist.
Following Gadhraj’s eviction, PETA celebrated the decision on social media, reinforcing the significance of public vigilance and advocacy in influencing television programming. In another Instagram post from PETA, the organization expressed its satisfaction, stating, “‘Bigg Boss’ Releases Donkey Max After Hearing From PETA India, Others.” This post underscored the successful impact that coordinated advocacy efforts can have, not only on show producers but also in altering public perceptions about animal treatment in entertainment.
Acknowledging the tumult caused by Gadhraj’s short-lived presence on the show, Colors TV chose to express a farewell message on X, formerly known as Twitter. They wrote, “The audience and Bigg Boss house will miss Gadhraj,” recognizing both the controversy and the unexpected appeal that Gadhraj might have instilled.
With Gadhraj’s eviction, the current lineup of contestants feels relieved of the ongoing scrutiny, ensuring a return to the regular proceedings of the game for at least the next week. In fact, the eviction has brought renewed attention to the ethical boundaries and responsibilities that entertainment producers must grapple with when crafting engaging content.
This particular incident raises broader questions about the depiction and use of animals in media and entertainment. The eviction of Gadhraj from Bigg Boss highlights a crucial discourse on animal rights and ethical treatment—a debate that continues to unfold as viewers and activists become more aware of the implications of involving animals in entertainment.
Inside the Bigg Boss house, things may have returned to normalcy following the release of Gadhraj. Yet, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving conversation on animal rights, ethical entertainment, and the power of collective activism in shaping societal values. While it remains to be seen how producers will address these concerns in future programming, the footprint of this incident marks a pivotal point in the dialogue surrounding reality television and animal welfare policies.
