New Delhi: The immensely popular reality TV series, Bigg Boss, has found itself at the center of a whirlwind of controversy this season due to an unexpected addition to its housemates. The show introduced a donkey named Gadhraj as its 19th contestant, an action that was branded as a unique social experiment by its producers. However, this decision quickly turned into a storm of ethical debates, as the reasoning behind Gadhraj’s participation was shrouded in mystery, igniting widespread backlash from animal rights icons.
Within days of Gadhraj’s introduction into the Bigg Boss house, animal rights organizations, namely, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and People for Animals (PFA), took a stand against this move. These organizations were not only outspoken in their criticism but challenged the moral fiber behind using an animal for mere entertainment purposes. They condemned the conditions under which Gadhraj was kept, pointing out that his environment was potentially distressing and not conducive to an animal’s well-being.
In an emphatic Instagram post, PFA expressed their deep-seated concerns, stating, “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.” The post quickly went viral, garnering extensive support from the public, leading to an outpour of outrage and amplified calls for Gadhraj’s immediate release from the clutches of the show.
Amidst the escalating pressure, the charismatic host of Bigg Boss, Salman Khan, took to the show’s Sunday episode to announce that Gadhraj would indeed be the first contestant to face eviction. Gadhraj’s entry into the show was initially conceived by contestant Gunaratna, who saw the light-hearted appeal of incorporating a donkey into the mix.
. However, the light-hearted concept quickly transitioned into a symbol of ethical dissent.
Following the eviction announcement, PETA took to their own Instagram channel to confirm the news. The organization celebrated the win for animal rights enthusiasts with a post that read, “‘Bigg Boss’ Releases Donkey Max After Hearing From PETA India, Others.” This statement underscored the significant impact of public advocacy and animal rights activism on mainstream media, ultimately influencing the producers’ decisions.
In a parallel reaction, Colors TV, the channel responsible for broadcasting Bigg Boss, posted their own response on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, “The audience and Bigg Boss house will miss Gadhraj.” This acknowledgment highlighted the controversial wave that Gadhraj’s presence had stirred within the audience and the remaining housemates alike.
Gadhraj’s eviction marks a pivotal moment in the current season of Bigg Boss, spotlighting the influence of ethical considerations and societal values in entertainment. The eviction also assures the safety of the remaining contestants for the week, as the show’s format ensures that no additional evictions would take place during this period, allowing the house members and the production team alike to recalibrate their strategies and adjust to the new normal minus the four-legged friend.
As the dust begins to settle on this unusual chapter of Bigg Boss, dialogues around the humane treatment of animals continue to resonate within social and traditional media platforms. This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with producing entertainment content, highlighting the necessity for sensitivity and awareness regarding all forms of life involved.
The season’s narrative will undoubtedly continue to unfold with fresh twists and turns, but the memory of Gadhraj’s brief yet impactful stint on Bigg Boss will linger as a testament to the power of ethical advocacy and the collective voice of the public driving change in entertainment industries worldwide.
