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Bigg Boss is India’s number one reality show, and one of the most globally recognized Indian television shows. While the show may be airing on OTT in recent years, it remains strongly linked to its television roots with an equal presence and emphasis on its television channel. While the television medium has proven its power on numerous occasions, it seems some still hold the belief that television is “less” than films.
In the early weeks of Bigg Boss 19, contestant Farrhana Bhatt made a statement to Ashnoor Kaur in a time counting task, where she said, “You only do TV serials, I do movies.” While Ashnoor gave her a reply, the matter was taken lightly and not addressed. Now again, Farrhana has made such a statement in the latest episode of Bigg Boss 19.
When Gaurav Khanna asked about her wearing the snake shaped jewellery which producer Ekta Kapoor had given, Mridul Tiwari added that Farrhana could be in Naagin 8. Gaurav, recalling Farrhana’s mindset about television, commented that she does not want to work on TV. Farrhana agreed and said, ‘If I do TV, my theatre training will go to waste.’ Gaurav Khanna gave a witty reply about whether she thinks theatre artists do not do TV, and Kunickaa Sadanand also told Farrhana about the positive influence of television.
While Farrhana added that she feels TV is too hectic, her original mindset sparked a conversation about such stereotypical and regressive views about television. Given her history on the topic, and mindset about films being “better,” it was upsetting for viewers, with some voicing their opinions on social media.
There have also been past seasons where such comments were made, and it has not been dealt with on the Weekend Ka Vaar episodes.
When will it be clear that no medium is superior to another? It is also a fact that many of the country’s top artists with a theatre background are doing television across languages, and even film stars admitted to being keen on doing television fiction if time permits. So why does this mindset still linger on Bigg Boss which in case contestants didn’t get the memo… is a television show!
It is about time this gets called out, and individuals are made to understand the equal importance of every medium, and that no medium is “bigger” or “better” than another.
This article is written by a writer at, and exclusive to Urban Asian. Any re-use or re-purposing is not permitted.
