Mumbai, August 16, 2023: The electrifying second season of Bigg Boss OTT concluded on Independence Day, with Elvish Yadav, a renowned YouTuber and wild card entrant, emerging as the winner. Hosted by the charismatic Salman Khan, the reality series was initially slated for a six-week run on JioCinema but was extended by two weeks due to its overwhelming popularity.
The grand finale of the show spotlighted actor-director Pooja Bhatt, one of the final five contestants, bidding adieu to the house. In an exclusive conversation with News18, Pooja unveiled her plans post-show. She expressed her eagerness to reunite with her four feline companions, who provide her with solace and inspiration. Amidst the bustling atmosphere of Bigg Boss, Pooja longed for solitude, cherishing her personal space. A visit to her farmhouse to reconnect with villagers and celebrate with her dedicated staff members who managed her home during her absence was also on her agenda.
The show’s unique format involves isolating contestants from the external world. Some viewers noticed Pooja Bhatt with a mobile phone on occasion, which raised questions. Pooja addressed this speculation, firmly denying the presence of a phone within the Bigg Boss house. With more than 200 cameras surveilling contestants, she emphasized the impossibility of concealing anything. The experience led her to realize the importance of a digital detox, recognizing the value of a life less consumed by social media.
Pooja’s father, esteemed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, made an appearance on the show earlier in the month and engaged with the participants. However, an interaction between Mahesh Bhatt and Manisha Rani sparked discomfort among viewers, leading to criticism of the director’s conduct.
Pooja Bhatt responded to these incidents with a philosophical perspective. She acknowledged diverse viewpoints and suggested that if some found Mahesh Bhatt’s actions inappropriate, it reflected more on their mindset than his behavior. She refrained from elaborate explanations, stating that Manisha Rani expressed interest in interacting with Mahesh Bhatt herself. Pooja also acknowledged her limited interaction due to the sequence of events.
Pooja Bhatt’s journey on Bigg Boss was undoubtedly transformative. Stripped of the usual trappings of glamour, she embraced her authentic self throughout her stay. The experience exposed her to a life devoid of emotional, physical, and mental embellishments, including the absence of television, phones, and a restricted diet. At 51, she demonstrated that age is just a number, enduring the entire season within the house. Pooja enthusiastically recommended her peers to embark on the Bigg Boss journey. She emerged from the experience with her dignity intact and her heart full of happiness, having formed deep connections with fellow contestants – a triumph she cherished above all.
