Rakhi Sawant is happy and satisfied with the way her journey culminated on Bigg Boss 14. 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 left the game show with prize money of Rs 14 lakh.
The OG Bigg Boss champion spoke to indianexpress.com about her decision to retire in the final, her experience, and how the support of host Salman Khan helped her survive the match.
Excerpts from the conversation …
How does it feel to be touted as Bigg Boss’ ‘real entertainment queen’?
I am so glad I made the decision to come back to the show. I really cannot express my gratitude for the way people have loved me. I don’t regret my trip, especially my marriage. All this time I’ve been mommy about it, and when you’re on a show like Bigg Boss and no one believes what you’re saying, you tend to collapse. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share about my life on the platform. The show gave me so much love that while I’m here I feel my soul is still in the house.
You were part of the first season, and now this season. How different were the two trips for you?
There were many differences. When we did season one, we had no idea about cameras or what kind of content works. Low profile people like Rahul Roy won the season. Now there has been a natural upgrade and participants have seen the value of entertainment. You have to fight, compete in tasks and make sure they get enough votes from the public to keep them safe. One must be a pack and not sit in a corner hoping to win. I am a born entertainer and I did exactly what I do in real life. And I am so glad people loved me and let me reach this far.
Considering you had so much love, why did you leave the show at the last minute and grab the money bag?
It was only a matter of hours, and in the end only one had to win. If I lost, I would have nothing. At least I have a huge sum of money with me now. I don’t currently have a bank balance and I needed the money for my mom’s medical needs. I have spent all my savings on her operations over the years and needed financial support. I have no regrets because at that point all I could think about was the growing bills that I will soon have to pay.
You were the only participant who didn’t have a social media team or PR while in the house.
It all happened so fast that 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 am happy that even without a PR machine I managed to win the love of the public.
Some of the viewers feel that you talked about your marriage and even made Julie just for content.
I talked about my marriage during the low moments in the house. As for Julie, Rahul Mahajan spoke badly of my profession and how cheap my fans were. I was really upset and didn’t know how to express myself. In fact, I was lonely and had no one to talk to. When I got back from my shower that day, Julie was inside me. You may 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 boundaries with Abhinav Shukla when you pulled his shorts.
I don’t think there is any limit when it comes to love. I just wanted to have some good moments with him. Nor have I crossed any borders. I know my limits. I was tasked with being near him, and in a reflex moment I pulled the strings, but his shorts didn’t fall off. So why would you make a shade and cry about it?
Besides the love of the public, you also had the support of Salman Khan. What do you have to say about it?
He is a rockstar and a legend in true self. He has been really supportive to me, and I don’t think I could have survived the game without him. When Jasmin hit me on the nose, I was in great pain and wanted to leave, but he gave me strength. Salman and the public’s love helped me bear all the pain.
What were the best and worst moments for you in Bigg Boss 14?
The worst part was when Jasmin attacked me with the duck’s head. And I think every second I spent inside was the best for me. I can still clearly visualize every moment. Bigg Boss is in my blood now, in my DNA, and whenever the show needs me I’ll come running back.
Besides Rakhi and Rubina, the other Bigg Boss 14 finalists included Rahul Vaidya, Aly Goni and Nikki Tamboli.