By Anil Merani: Rajat Dalal, the fitness influencer and second runner-up of Bigg Boss 18, which concluded on January 19, 2025, continues to stir controversy by focusing on his grievances with the show’s outcome, particularly targeting winner Karan Veer Mehra and runner-up Vivian Dsena. Despite the Colors TV reality show being “done and dusted,” Dalal’s persistent remarks—most notably during appearances on Elvish Yadav’s podcast and Insider With Faisu—suggest an inability to move on. This raises the question: why can’t Dalal let go, and should he pivot to his career instead of fanning the flames of rivalry to stay relevant?
Why Rajat Dalal Can’t Forget Bigg Boss 18
Dalal’s fixation appears driven by personal disappointment, fan expectations, and a desire to maintain public attention. Finishing third despite a massive 3 million Instagram following and support from influencers like Elvish Yadav left Dalal and his fans shocked, as evidenced by social media outcry labelling the results “fixed”. His comments on Elvish’s podcast, where he mocked Karan Veer Mehra’s win as “software-supported” and questioned the voting process, reflect a belief that he was unfairly denied victory. These remarks and derogatory jabs at Vivian Dsena’s career and Eisha Singh’s domestic role indicate unresolved resentment. Dalal’s history of controversies, from reckless driving to assault allegations, suggests a thriving pattern on conflict, which Bigg Boss amplified. He keeps the spotlight on himself by reigniting feuds, leveraging the show’s massive platform to stay relevant in a competitive influencer landscape.
Moreover, Dalal’s aggressive persona, praised for its wit during the show, resonates with a segment of his audience who see him as a “reality check” for polished celebrities like Vivian and Karan. His threats against Karan, including a veiled warning to avoid dragging family into conflicts, and his fans’ trolling of Karan’s supporters like Ashita Dhawan, show a calculated effort to sustain the Bigg Boss narrative. This aligns with the influencer economy, where controversy drives engagement, keeping Dalal’s name trending on platforms like X, where fans debated his eviction and Karan’s win.
Should Dalal Focus on His Career Instead?
Dalal’s focus on Bigg Boss drama risks overshadowing his potential to build a sustainable career. However, a shift in focus could bring significant benefits. As a powerlifter with 12 international medals and an estimated net worth of ₹16.8 crore, he has a strong foundation in fitness influencing. His dream of opening accessible gyms, as reported by Outlook, offers a positive path to capitalize on his 2 million Instagram followers and 263K YouTube subscribers. Shifting to fitness content, motivational speaking, or even acting—given Bigg Boss’s history of launching entertainment careers—could solidify his brand. His brief stint in the Entertainers Cricket League shows versatility, though his controversial choice to snub MS Dhoni drew criticism.
However, continuing to fuel rivalries with Vivian and Karan may backfire. His derogatory remarks, like age-shaming Karan or mocking Vivian’s Hollywood prospects, have upset fans and drawn media scrutiny, potentially alienating brands wary of his legal troubles. The influencer market’s 5–10% rate drop post-India’s Got Latent controversy illustrates the financial risks of public backlash. Moreover, his podcast comments questioning Bigg Boss’s integrity could strain ties with Colors TV, limiting future reality TV opportunities. Posts on X reflect growing fatigue, with some calling Dalal a “clown” for his threats, suggesting his antics may lose traction. This could lead to a significant decline in his career prospects and financial standing.
Relevance or Redemption?
Dalal’s fixation on Bigg Boss is a double-edged sword. While it keeps him in headlines, it reinforces a toxic image that could hinder long-term growth. Vivian and Karan, by contrast, have moved on—Karan focusing on fitness and friendships, Vivian leveraging his fanbase for projects—showing a path Dalal could emulate. Redirecting his energy to fitness, philanthropy, or even a public apology for his remarks could rebuild credibility. As he stated in a 2024 video, “I am done with controversies, fights, and abuses. I am moving forward,” a pivot to positivity could align with this intent. Otherwise, his quest for relevance through conflict may trap him in a cycle of diminishing returns, overshadowing his potential as a fitness icon.