Rakhi Sawant is happy and satisfied with how his journey in Bigg Boss 14 culminated. The Pardesiya girl was probably the only competitor this season to strive to entertain the public. While Rubina Dilaik was announced as the winner, Rakhi Sawant left the game show with a Rs 14 lakh prize.
Champion OG Bigg Boss spoke to indianexpress.com about her decision to quit in the end, 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 singled out as Bigg Boss’ ‘true entertainment queen’?
I am very happy to have made the decision to return to the show. I really can’t express my gratitude for the way people love me. I don’t regret my journey, especially talking about my marriage. All this time, I was quiet about it, and when you’re on a show like Bigg Boss and nobody believes what you say, you tend to fall apart. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to talk 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. How different were the two trips for you?
There were many differences. When we did the first season, we had no idea about 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 competitors have realized the value of entertainment. You have to fight, compete on tasks and make sure they have enough audience votes to keep them safe. You have to be a package and not sit in a corner waiting to win. I am a born artist and I did exactly what I do in real life. And I’m so happy that people loved me and made me go so far.
Given that you had so much love, what made you leave the show at the last moment, taking the bag of money?
It was only a matter of hours, and in the end, only one had to win. If I had lost, I would not be left with nothing. At least, I have a large sum of money with me now. I have no bank balance at the moment and needed the money for my mother’s medical needs. I spent all my savings in recent years on your surgeries and needed financial support. I don’t regret it, because at that moment all I could think about was the growing bills that I need to pay soon.
You were the only competitor who didn’t have a social media or public relations team while you were indoors.
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 public relations machine, I managed to win the love of the public.
Some viewers think you talked about your wedding and even created Julie just for content.
I talked about my marriage during the difficult times while I was at home. As for Julie, Rahul Mahajan spoke ill of my profession and how cheap my fans were. I was very upset and didn’t know how to express myself. I was even alone and had no one to talk to. When I came back from my 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 on his shorts.
I don’t think there is a limit when it comes to love. I just wanted to have some good times with him. Besides, I didn’t cross any lines. I know my limits. I was given the task of being close to him and, in a moment of reflex, I pulled the strings, but his shorts did not fall. So, why do a hue and cry about it.
In addition to the audience’s love, you also had the support of Salman Khan all the time. What do you have to say about this?
He is a rockstar and a legend in his true self. He really supported me a lot and I don’t think I could have survived the game without him. When Jasmin hit me on the nose, I was in immense pain and wanted to leave, but he gave me strength. Salman and the love of the audience helped me to 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 that every second I spent inside was the best for me. I can still visualize each moment clearly. Bigg Boss is in my blood, in my DNA right now, and whenever the series needs me, I will be back running.
In addition to Rakhi and Rubina, the other finalists for Bigg Boss 14 included Rahul Vaidya, Aly Goni and Nikki Tamboli.