Mumbai: The flamboyant and often controversial world of reality television is set to be rocked once again as veteran journalist and author Shobhaa De has been confirmed as a contestant for the upcoming season of ‘Bigg Boss OTT 3’. The much-anticipated season is slated to premiere with great fanfare this Friday.
Sources revealed to IANS that Shobhaa De, often dubbed the “Jackie Collins of India” for her candid and unflinching portrayal of socialites and intimate relationships in her literary works, will be one of the contestants in the highly popular reality show. This season will be hosted by none other than Bollywood icon Anil Kapoor, marking his first stint as the show’s anchor.
In addition to De, audiences can look forward to seeing a myriad of other notable personalities. One of the prominent names joining the cast is Bollywood actor Ranvir Shorey. Shorey, who has been a staple in Indian cinema, was last seen in the high-octane film “Tiger 3,” where he starred alongside heavyweights such as Salman Khan, Emraan Hashmi, and Katrina Kaif.
The show’s ensemble doesn’t stop there. Accompanying De and Shorey is the seasoned actress Sonam Khan, who has charmed the industry for decades. Also making waves is the internet sensation Chandrika Dixit, famously known as the “vada pav girl.” Additionally, Cheshta Bhagat and Nikhil Mehta, former participants from the reality show “Temptation Island,” will bring their flair to the Bigg Boss house. Joining them are television favorite Sana Sultan and digital content creator Vishal Pandey, adding more diversity and intrigue to the list of contestants.
It’s worth noting that rumors are abuzz about other participants potentially gracing the show’s house. Reports suggest that actress Sana Maqbul and journalist Deepak Chaurasia might also be making their presence felt, adding to the dramatic and unpredictable nature of this reality series.
‘Bigg Boss OTT’ acts as an online spin-off of the traditional television format ‘Bigg Boss.’ The original show, a cornerstone of Indian reality TV, first lit up screens in August 2021 under the able hosting of filmmaker Karan Johar. Its astonishing success prompted the creation of this digital counterpart.
. The enthusiasm surrounding ‘Bigg Boss OTT’ was palpable when its second season, hosted by the charismatic Salman Khan, was aired in 2023. Now, with Anil Kapoor taking the reins, expectations are sky-high.
Adding further intrigue is the strategic selection of contestants from different creative spheres. Shobhaa De’s entry into the Bigg Boss house particularly stands out due to her illustrious career as a journalist and author. Often at the epicenter of intellectual debates and controversies, her presence is anticipated to introduce a new dimension of fiery discussions and candid revelations within the show.
Ranvir Shorey’s participation also heralds a new chapter for the show. Known for his versatility and candid personality, Shorey has had a longstanding association with thought-provoking cinema. His grounded nature juxtaposed with the chaotic environment of the Bigg Boss house is expected to create interesting content for viewers.
Sonam Khan brings a touch of classic Bollywood glamour. With a career spanning years and multiple successful roles, Khan’s presence will not only attract her longstanding fan base but may also introduce younger viewers to the golden era of Bollywood.
Viral sensation Chandrika Dixit, known for her endearing expressions and massive online following due to her “vada pav girl” moniker, represents the millennial and Gen Z viewers. Her journey on Bigg Boss OTT 3 could serve as a case study on the influence of digital stars in conventional entertainment mediums.
Cheshta Bhagat and Nikhil Mehta, acquainted to reality TV’s dynamic atmospheres from “Temptation Island,” will likely bring their tactical gameplay and strategies to the table, making alliances, and possibly, drama.
Sana Sultan, known for her television roles, brings in the soap opera audience, while Vishal Pandey’s myriad social media followers tune into his digital content expect vlogs, challenges, and a peek behind the curtain into the lives of influencers in the Bigg Boss setting.
The roster of such diverse talents guarantees a season filled with unpredictable twists, intense confrontations, and heartwarming moments. As Bigg Boss OTT 3 gears up for its grand premiere, the Indian audience is once again at the brink of television’s ultimate guilty pleasure.
Reality TV enthusiasts can mark their calendars for this Friday’s premiere, where a medley of seasoned celebrities and vibrant newcomers will step into the house, ready to entertain, strategize, and confront the myriad challenges that Bigg Boss is infamous for.
