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Tanishaa Mukerji opens up about her experiences on reality shows like Bigg Boss, saying they edit contestants at will, creating trauma and lasting self-image issues.
Tanishaa Mukerji says reality shows edit contestants for drama, calling them “traumatic.”
Reality shows are often marketed as unscripted entertainment, but actress Tanishaa Mukerji is now shedding light on their darker side. Known for her stints on Bigg Boss 7, Khatron Ke Khiladi 7 and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, Tanishaa admitted that such shows can leave participants emotionally drained and struggling with their public image.
‘Reality Shows Are Traumatic,’ Says Tanishaa
In a chat with Pinkvilla, Tanishaa explained that reality television can feel like “trauma bonding.” She said, “Reality shows are traumatic. Zindagi mai joh trauma experience nahi kiya hai, voh ek reality show mai mil jaayega aapko (The kind of trauma you’ve never experienced in life, you’ll find in a reality show).”
Despite acknowledging their damaging impact, the actress revealed her adventurous spirit drove her to participate. “I did it because I am a very adventurous spirit. Sometimes you need to think about consequences, but I believe life is about trying new things,” she said.
Tanishaa further revealed that the real challenge comes after the show ends. She explained that contestants are often typecast into characters created by the show’s edit, making it hard to break free. “Reality show jab aapko ek kirdaar bana deta hai toh fir aap uske liye typecast ho jaate ho. And more so kyuki log sochte hai aap vaise hi ho,” she explained.
Editing Shapes How Viewers See You
According to Tanishaa, the biggest misconception is that contestants can show their true selves. “You can’t be yourself because someone else edits and shows you. 24/7 they don’t show you, only what they want,” she said, pointing out how editing creates a distorted reality.
She also recalled how people often smirk when bringing up her Bigg Boss stint, but she remains unaffected. “They only saw what was shown on the show. Producers want you to invest in one character while turning another into a villain,” she noted.
The actress concluded that while she personally remains unfazed by work fluctuations, reality TV has lasting consequences for many others. Despite the challenges, she embraces her journey, adding that her experiences made her stronger and more self-aware.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
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September 09, 2025, 03:14 IST
