Mumbai, India—The newest season of the much-talked-about reality show “Bigg Boss 18,” hosted by Salman Khan, has barely begun, yet the mixtures of drama and confrontation have already reached a boiling point. In what is being dubbed as an intense start to the season, contestants Shehzada Dhami and Chum Darang have found themselves at the center of an escalating debate about ethnicity and identity that has grabbed viewers’ attention.
Day one seemed normal at first, but tensions skyrocketed when Shehzada Dhami made a comment questioning the Indian roots of fellow contestant Chum Darang. Chum, who originates from Arunachal Pradesh and has gained recognition for her role in the film “Badhaai Do,” didn’t take the allegation lightly. In a series of heated exchanges, Chum vociferously defended her identity as an Indian citizen. But Shehzada, standing firm on his controversial remark, matched her intensity by arguing back vocally, ensuring that this disagreement has become one of the most talked-about moments in recent “Bigg Boss” history.
Before entering the “Bigg Boss 18” house, Chum had candidly spoken to IANS regarding her intentions for participating in the show. She expressed that “Bigg Boss,” given its massive viewership, was an excellent platform to offer viewers an insight into her life and the underrepresented state of Arunachal Pradesh. The actress aimed to spark curiosity among the audience about her culture, her life’s story, and the picturesque region in the east with the earliest sunrise in the country. This misunderstanding brought to light the very issues Chum hoped to address—ignorance or misguided views about people from northeastern India.
Alongside this fiery controversy, the house is teeming with various intriguing personalities who bring their own drama and dynamics to the mix. Notably, Rajat Dalal, a fitness influencer, is making his presence felt intensely. His aggressive demeanor and penchant for stirring up controversies have already begun to give him a reputation as this season’s resident troublemaker.
. With political figure Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga also in the mix, the brewing tensions between him and Rajat are causing quite a stir and setting up potential storylines that ground themselves in real-world political tensions.
Amidst all these unfolding dramas, a constant source of light entertainment comes in the form of Gadhraj, who, contrary to what many might expect in the intense atmosphere of “Bigg Boss,” has emerged as an unexpected star of the show. Contestant Shrutika Arjun, known for her exuberant personality, spends much of her time doting on Gadhraj. Her main concerns appear to be his well-being and his somewhat erratic sleep schedule. To this end, she’s been attempting, often humorously, to toilet-train the four-legged charmer, adding a layer of quirky humor to the show’s otherwise tense ambiance.
But despite moments of levity, the show seems to be setting the stage for more confrontational plots. Shehzada’s remarks have not only cast a shadow over his interactions with Chum but have also provoked a broader conversation involving cultural identity and how people from India’s northeastern region are perceived across the country. The clash has raised questions among viewers about respect and acceptance of all regional identities within India.
Adding to the unique setting of the show is the undeniable star power of Salman Khan, whose presence as the host brings an additional level of gravitas to the events inside the house. His reactions and potential interventions in conflicts such as the one between Chum and Shehzada may very well decide how the rest of the season unfolds.
As “Bigg Boss 18” barely takes off, it’s clear that the dynamics of the house are going to provide a mix of moral dilemmas, cultural conversations, and a good dose of humorous bonding over unpredictable pets. Viewers can expect this season to challenge perspectives while delivering consistent entertainment. As the days go by and new episodes air, audiences worldwide remain glued to their screens, awaiting each new twist in what promises to be another unforgettable season of “Bigg Boss.”
