Theatrics, sex and catfights — Bigg Boss is bidding adieu to the stuff that had you hooked to it. The most controversial reality show on television has undergone a makeover in its new season, with “no negativity” and so, no masala. The makers say that the upcoming sixth outing of the celebrity show infamous for its backbiting and fights, would be absolutely ‘clean’ instead of feeding the voyeuristic side of viewers.
“Over the years, the Bigg Boss house has witnessed tons of excitement and drama with fights, arguments, hook-ups and break-ups. It has created headlines and become the topic of dinner-table conversations. However, the sixth season will focus on the lighter side of life,” says Manisha Sharma, weekend programming head of Colors.
The change has not gone down well with trade experts, ex contestants and fans, who feel this only spells ‘boring’. “What’s Bigg Boss without controversies and fights? Maybe they’re toning it down to conform to the large conservative market, but in the process, they’ll lose there distinctive feature. And, when that happens, you can only expect doom,” says filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. Pooja Misrra, season 5 contestant, feels the same.
“Controversy is an inherent part of the show. It won’t survive in its new form.” Season one contestant Bobby Darling cites an example from the past: “Bigg boss 4 was a big bore which is why they roped in Dolly Bindra. Then all the fights and gaali galauch got them the TRPs.”
Fans are disappointed. “It’s the crazy catfights and cursing that get it the viewership. Big Brother, too, has it. So why the goody-goody move?” says Jug Sharma, 26. Raman Sah, 19, says, “There goes … it’s off my list now!”
Ad guru Prahlad Kakkar, however, is all for clean. “It’s a welcome change,” he says.
Drama queens: Contestants Pooja Misrra, Veena Malik and Dolly Bindra’s antics have made the show a hit
International drama
The international inspiration for Bigg Boss, Big Brother, too, has created many controversies. During her time on Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, actor Shilpa Shetty was the target of racism and bullying by co-contestants, mainly Jade Goody (top). In January 2012, a contestant in the Brazilian version of Big Brother alleged rape while she was asleep.
With inputs from Navdeep Kaur Marwah
