Rakhi Sawant is happy and satisfied with the way her journey on Bigg Boss 14 turned out. The Pardesiya girl was probably the only contestant this season who made an effort to entertain the audience. While Rubina Dilaik was announced as the winner, Rakhi Sawant walked out of the match show with a prize money of 14 million Rakh.
The OG Bigg Boss champion spoke to indianexpress.com about her decision to quit the final, her experience and how Salman Khan’s presenter helped her survive the match.
Excerpts from the conversation …
How does it feel to be considered the ‘real entertainment queen’ of Bigg Boss?
I’m so glad I made the decision to return to the show. I really can not express my gratitude for the way people loved me. I’m not sorry about my journey, especially not about my marriage. While I’m already a mom about it, and if you’re in a show like Bigg Boss, and no one believes what you’re saying, you tend to break down. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to open up my life on the platform. The show has given me so much love that while I am here, I feel like my soul is still in the house.
You were part of the first season, and now this one. How different were both trips for you?
There were many differences. When we did the first season, we had no idea what cameras or what kind of content was working. People who had a low profile like Rahul Roy won the season. Now there was a natural upgrade, and participants realized the value of entertainment. One has to fight, compete in tasks and ensure that they get enough hearing voices to keep them safe. One has to be a pack and not sit in a corner to win. I am a born entertainer and have done exactly what I do in real life. And I’m so glad people loved me and made me go so far.
Since you had so much love, what made you step out of the show at the last minute and pick the money bag?
It was only a matter of a few hours, and in the end only one had to win. If I had lost, I would have left nothing. At least I now have a large sum of money with me. I currently have no bank balance, and I needed the money for my mother’s medical needs. I have spent all my savings on her surgeries for the past few years and needed financial support. I’m not sorry, because at that moment I could think of the growing bills I would soon have to pay.
You were the only contestant who had no social media team or PR when he was in the house.
It all happened so fast that I got no time. I gave my phone to my maid, and she does not know how to use social media. I did not even get time to buy makeup and clothes. I am glad that, even without a PR machinery, I was able to succeed in winning the public’s love.
Some viewers feel that you talked about your marriage and even created July just for content.
I talked about my marriage during the low moments in the house. As for Julie, Rahul Mahajan spoke ill of my profession and how cheap my fans were. I was really upset and did not know how to express myself. I was even lonely and had no one to talk to. When I came back the day of my shower, Julie was in me. You could 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 regions with Abhinav Shukla while pulling his shorts.
I think there is no line when it comes to love. I just wanted to have some good moments with him. I also did not cross any lines. I know my limits. I was given the task of being around him, and in a moment of reflection I did pull the strings, but his shorts did not fall off. So why make a tint and cry over it.
Aside from the public’s love, you also had Salman Khan’s support throughout. What do you have to say about it?
He is a rock star and a legend in true self. He really supported me a lot, and I do not think I would have been able to survive the match without him. When Jasmin hit me on my nose, I was in a lot of pain and wanted to leave, but he gave me strength. Salman and the love of the audience helped me endure all the pain.
What were the best and worst moments for you in Bigg Boss 14?
The worst was when Jasmin attacked me with the duck head. And I think every second I spend inside was the best for me. I can still clearly visualize every moment. Bigg Boss is in my blood, now in my DNA, and when the program needs me, I’ll run back.
Apart from Rakhi and Rubina, the other finalists of Bigg Boss 14 were Rahul Vaidya, Aly Goni and Nikki Tamboli.