New Delhi: For years I have been smug about my non-addiction to TV's most popular reality TV show, 'Bigg Boss'. I have laughed at friends who watched the show with their mothers, grandmothers and grumbling dads, and I have scoffed at colony aunties who discussed it during their evening walks.
Disclaimer: I haven't been hiding under a rock all these years. Yes, my parents have raised me right. No, I'm not a hippie.
The posters, teasers and trailers for season 8 for 'Bigg Boss' intrigued me however. What's the plane? Who's flying it? What does Salman Khan DO on the show, exactly?
Two weeks ago, as a 'Bigg Boss' "nube", I jotted down a few things I had assumed/imagined/overheard about the show.
- Shilpa Shetty became famous (again) because of this show.
- No, wait. That was 'Big Brother'.
- God. So '1984'.
- A bunch of people are locked inside a big house.
- Celebs, has-beens, former beauty queens, etc.
- After a while, people start behaving weirdly because of the captivity.
- They start fighting, falling in love, plotting, planning, etc.
- Sort of like Stockholm Syndrome.
- Okay, not really.
- And the one who stays for the longest period of time, wins.
Present day:
It has been two weeks, I have watched every single episode of 'Bigg Boss 8', and I can honestly say that I have evolved. The Me of 14 days ago, is completely different from the person I have become now.
I have tracked my journey or personal growth in the 8 stages below:
Stage 1: Condescension or judgement
Hmm. What kind of people watch this show. Surely, the ones that are completely boring, and unhappy with their existence. Phff. Let's see.
Stage 2: First flicker of interest
Aah. So Salman Khan is like the friend, philosopher and guide for these bunch of inmates. He's cool, ya'll. Woah. Minissha Lamba looks so different now.
Stage 3: Familiarity
Why does Arya Babbar have to imagine that all the people are plotting against him? If Sonali Raut doesn't start making friends soon, she's gonna be in trouble. What is up with Gautam Gulati and Diandra Soares? I don't like Sukirti Kandpal much. What is up with Upen Patel's accent?
Stage 4: Actual interest
Okay, I need to know. WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN THE SECRET SOCIETY?!
Stage 5: Denial
*at work*
Must go home now. No, no hurry. I don't want to watch 'Bigg Boss' anyway.
*GASP!*
Stage 6: Convincing yourself that you're not "one of them"
*driving home from work*
I can just imagine my Mom finishing her work and gathering her vegetables to sit in front of the TV to watch 'Bigg Boss' now. Wonder what's brewing between Gautam Gulati and Sonali Raut? No, I don't care. I don't want to know. I don't want to see the show. I don't...OMG! it is almost 9 o'clock! I must...no, no hurry. Who am I kidding? *steps on the accelerator*
Stage 7: Accepting the fact that you're one of them. "They" are "us"
(Enters) "Mom, I've come home early to watch 'Bigg Boss' with you."
(Smiles) "I knew you would, my child. It is your destiny."
Stage 8: Resignation, realisation, addiction, anticipation
The world looks different now. Different, yet somehow the same. Colours have changed colours, and food has changed its flavour. Every night at 9 I go home, eager to switch on the TV. I can't wait to see what Salman Khan orders the inmates to do next. I think I am developing a slight crush on Gautam Gulati and Upen Patel. Last night, I found myself voting for my favourite contestant to stay in the house. I read all 'Bigg Boss' related news online, even the click-baits.
Yes, I have changed. And yet, sometimes I feel the presence of something bigger, more powerful than me. The other day when the tap in my bathroom ran dry, I looked at the ceiling and muttered, "What is this, Big Boss? Can't you do something?"
The water started gushing.
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