Rakhi Sawant is happy and satisfied with the way she culminated her trip to Bigg Boss 14. The Pardesiya girl was probably the only contestant this season who tried to entertain the audience. While Rubina Dilaik was announced as the winner, Rakhi Sawant left the program with 14 lakhs of money.
OG champion Bigg Boss spoke to indianexpress.com about her decision to leave the final, her experience and how the support of host Salman Khan helped her survive the game.
Excerpts from the conversation …
How does it feel to be portrayed as Bigg Boss ’“ true queen of entertainment ”?
I am so happy that I made the decision to return to the program. I really can’t express my gratitude for the way people have loved me. I don’t regret my trip, especially to open up about my marriage. All this time, I’ve been a mom about it, and when you participate in a show like Bigg Boss, and no one believes what you’re saying, you tend to break up. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to open up about my life on the platform. The show gave me so much love that while I’m here, I feel like my soul is still at home.
You were part of the first season, and now this one. How different were the two trips for you?
There were many differences. When we did the first season, we had no idea what cameras or what kind of content works. People who kept a low profile like Rahul Roy won the season. Now, there has been a natural update and contestants have realized the value of entertainment. You have to fight, compete in tasks, and make sure they get enough audience votes to keep them safe. One has to be a pack and not sit in a corner hoping to win. I’m a born animator and I did exactly what I do in real life. And I’m so glad people love me and have made me reach so far.
Given that you had so much love, what made you leave the show at the last minute, picking up the bag of money?
Only a few hours passed and in the end he only had to win one. If I had lost, I would be left with nothing. At the very least, I have a huge amount of money now. At this time I have no bank balance and needed the money for my mother’s medical needs. I have spent all my savings over the last few years on their surgeries and needed financial support. I have no regrets, as at that time all I could think about was the growing bills I have to pay soon.
You were the only contestant who didn’t have any social media or public relations team in the house.
It all happened so fast I didn’t have time. I gave my phone to my maid and she has no idea how to use social media. I didn’t even have time to buy makeup and clothes. I’m glad that even without a public relations machinery, I managed to win the love of the public.
A viewer section thinks you talked about your marriage and even created Julie just for the content.
I talked about my marriage during the low moments at home. As for Julie, Rahul Mahajan spoke ill of my profession and how cheap my fans were. I was really upset and didn’t know how to express myself. He was even alone and had no one to talk to. When I got back from the shower that day, Julie was inside me. You can call it fake content or entertainment, but Julie helped me survive the game. She is my strong alter ego.
You were also accused of crossing your lines with Abhinav Shukla when you pulled the strings.
I don’t think there is any line when it comes to love. I just wanted to have a good time with him. Also, I didn’t cross any lines. I know my limits. I was given the task of being around him and, in a reflexive moment, I pulled on the ropes, but his shorts didn’t fall off. So why make a nuance and cry about it?
Aside from public love, he also had the support of Salman Khan. What do you say?
He is a rock star and a legend in himself. He really supported me a lot and I don’t think I would have managed to survive the game without him. When Jasmin hit me in the nose, I was in immense pain and wanted to leave, but it gave me strength. Salman and the love of the audience helped me endure all the pain.
What have been the best and worst moments for you in Bigg Boss 14?
The worst was when Jasmin attacked me with the duck’s head. And I think every second that passed inside was the best for me. I can still visualize every moment clearly. Bigg Boss is now in my blood, in my DNA, and whenever the show needs me, I’ll be back running.
Aside from Rakhi and Rubina, the other Bigg Boss 14 finalists included Rahul Vaidya, Aly Goni and Nikki Tamboli.