By Anil Merani: Nikki Tamboli’s bold critique of Bigg Boss, in which she accuses the show of promoting vulgarity and random casting, has ignited a heated debate following a May 2025 interview with Bollywood Bubble. Although she rose to fame through the show, her comments add a layer of complexity to the discussion. She described Bigg Boss as “bahut kharab” (very bad), arguing that it has sacrificed authenticity for the sake of attracting “just anyone” for cheap publicity and higher ratings. Tamboli vehemently opposes “vulgarity and cheapness.” However, her critique is not without contradictions, as programs like Bigg Boss 14 and Bigg Boss Marathi 5 were instrumental in shaping her public image, propelling her to stardom and opening doors to opportunities such as Celebrity MasterChef and film roles.
There is a striking contradiction in Tamboli’s criticism of Bigg Boss. The show, known for its drama, controversies, and bold personalities, is the same platform that catapulted her to fame. Her journey, marked by polarizing moments—from her outspoken antics to her romantic storyline with Arbaz Patel—kept her in the headlines. To now decry the show’s direction as inauthentic or vulgar seems inconsistent, given that she exploited the show’s sensationalism to establish her space in the industry.
However, her critique does have merit. The show’s evolution has drawn criticism for prioritizing spectacle over substance, often casting social media influencers or controversial figures to boost ratings. Tamboli’s desire for “acche log” (good people) with talent resonates with many fans who believe that the show’s original charm—strategic gameplay and diverse personalities—has been diluted. She is not the first to call out Bigg Boss; viewers have been expressing similar sentiments since 2020, with #BoycottBB14 trending as many slammed the show for its vulgarity. Therefore, her critique reflects the opinions of a significant portion of the show’s audience.
Still, her stance risks being perceived as ungrateful or selective, as she fails to acknowledge how the show’s format, flaws included, amplified her career. Without Bigg Boss, her transition from regional cinema to a national reality TV star might not have occurred. This situation illustrates a classic case of biting the hand that fed her, even if her concerns about the show’s trajectory resonate with some viewers. The tension here lies in the fact that her fame and her critique are two sides of the same coin—both deeply connected to the chaotic ecosystem of Bigg Boss.