Bigg Boss the Indian reality TV phenomenon, is famous for its high drama, intense rivalry, and candid moments that hold millions of viewers’ attention every season. Bigg Boss 19, hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, has been no exception—packed with heated debates and controversies that spark conversations nationwide.
The latest firestorm centers around singer-composer Amaal Mallik and Shehbaz Badesha, following serious allegations of disrespect towards the show, its makers, and fellow contestants. This episode not only shook the Bigg Boss house but also ignited fierce discussions on social media and among entertainment journalists about fairness, favoritism, and the ethical codes of reality television.
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Weekend Ka Vaar
During the popular ‘Weekend Ka Vaar’ episode, Salman Khan, renowned for his forthright hosting style, confronted Amaal Mallik. The Bollywood icon accused Amaal of disrespecting the Bigg Boss platform and its hosts, and for frequently backbiting about strong contestants instead of addressing conflicts openly. This wasn’t just a passing rebuke—Salman highlighted specific examples, including Amaal’s critical remarks after the captaincy task, and his tendency to speak negatively behind contestants’ backs, particularly about Gaurav Khanna.
Salman’s sharp comments included, “Amaal, you never argue with strong contestants on their face and always back-bite about them,” directly challenging Amaal’s approach. To further clarify his point, Salman brought other housemates into the conversation: Gaurav called Amaal a ‘hypocrite,’ while Pranit More remarked, “He treats people as friends on the face but keeps talking about them behind their backs.”
Amaal, visibly irritated, attempted to defend himself, leading to an escalating argument with Pranit and Gaurav. However, Salman stepped in firmly, reminding Amaal of his previous disrespectful behavior not just towards fellow contestants, but also towards the Bigg Boss show and its producers during the past week.
Salman stated, “Joh hungama aap dono ne kiya tha ki Bigg Boss unfair hain, agar main yahan hota, main mukhya dwaar khulwa deta aur option bhi nahi deta,” making it clear that he considered last week’s actions by Amaal and Shehbaz as violations of the show’s standards and ethos.
Shehbaz Badesha under Scrutiny
In the same episode, Salman Khan turned attention to Shehbaz Badesha, accusing him of being excessively loyal—or as Salman bluntly termed—a ‘chamcha’ (sycophant) to Amaal Mallik. He argued that Shehbaz had lost his individuality since entering the house, becoming possessive and consistently supporting Amaal regardless of context. Salman’s claim highlighted Shehbaz’s apparent transformation from an independent contestant into a sidekick whose actions and opinions seemed dictated by Amaal’s position in the game.
This led to further debate within the house. Some contestants agreed with Salman’s assessment, while Shehbaz attempted to justify his loyalty as genuine friendship. The tension between maintaining friendships and securing one’s own game has always been a core plot of Bigg Boss, and this incident put loyalty and authenticity under the spotlight.
Amaal Mallik’s Controversies
Amaal Mallik’s journey on Bigg Boss 19 has been turbulent, marked by repeated conflicts. In prior episodes, he was seen engaging in verbal spats with contestants such as Abhishek Bajaj, Farnaz Ali, and Malti Chahar. In one case, Amaal used strong language and accused the show of bias when things didn’t go in his favor, further fueling the perception of his discontent and adversarial approach.
Multiple housemates and internet viewers noted that Amaal rarely confronts top players directly, instead choosing to air grievances privately or behind their backs. This pattern earned him criticism for playing a “two-faced” game, contributing both to internal strife and divided viewer opinions.
Salman Khan’s Role in the Controversy
A recurring theme in Bigg Boss history is the host’s perceived bias. Over the years, Salman Khan has faced criticism for allegedly favoring certain contestants while coming down hard on others. This season, social media erupted with claims of selective reprimanding—Salman was accused of taking a soft approach with Amaal Mallik, even after he made negative remarks and engaged in heated arguments.
In the controversial episode, fans noticed that Salman focused on Amaal’s backbiting, but did not thoroughly address other contestants’ missteps. Viewers compared this to prior seasons, referencing similar incidents where Salman was seen defending Tejasswi Prakash in Bigg Boss 15 and Sidharth Shukla in Bigg Boss 13, often leading to accusations that the show undermines the principle of equal competition.
Despite these claims, sources close to the show argue that much harsher reprimands were given off-camera, but selective editing shapes public perception. This has led to calls for improved transparency in reality television to restore audience trust.
Public Reaction: Social Media and Celebrity Comments
The episode immediately trended on social media, with hashtags like #BiggBoss19, #AmaalMallikControversy, and #SalmanKhanBias dominating Twitter and Instagram. Fans dove deep into replays, analyzing each moment to argue either in favor or against Salman’s handling of the matter.
Several former contestants weighed in, stressing the need for fair treatment of all housemates regardless of celebrity status. Entertainment journalists and bloggers debated whether Amaal’s behavior was a strategic “game move” or genuine disrespect, while Salman’s strict stance was praised and critiqued in equal measure.
Some viewers sympathized with Shehbaz, arguing that strong alliances are inevitable in competitive reality TV, while others felt Salman’s ‘chamcha’ comment hit at a deeper truth about modern group dynamics.
Impact on House Dynamics
The incident profoundly affected house relationships. Contestants divided into camps—some standing up for Amaal, others for Pranit, Gaurav, or Shehbaz. Arguments over loyalty, honesty, and strategy became daily fare. Strong players felt emboldened to confront hypocrisy, while several quieter members struggled with the pressure of group politics.
As Bigg Boss oozes drama, such controversies boost television ratings and expand the show’s cultural footprint. The fallout from this episode reshaped alliances and laid the groundwork for future confrontations.
Respect, Fair Play, and Reality TV Limits
What does this incident say about Indian reality TV ethics? The answer is complex. On one hand, reality shows thrive on emotional volatility and conflict; on the other, there is an unwritten code about respect towards the platform and fellow contestants.
Amaal’s apparent disrespect, back-biting, and show criticism crossed a red line in Salman’s eyes—and, arguably, among many viewers. However, contestants are pressured to create drama, and lines between strategy and genuine emotion blur over time.
Showrunners have a responsibility to maintain fairness and balance editing to accurately reflect events. Story-driven manipulation, perceived favoritism, and overemphasis on drama threaten the authenticity of reality television and can erode audience faith.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Bigg Boss is no stranger to controversy. Each season faces its own “major incident”—from verbal abuse to physical altercations, accusations of bias, walkouts, and emotional breakdowns.
This season’s drama echoes disputes from prior years, reinforcing the cyclical nature of reality TV. Whenever a star gets called out (or protected) by Salman Khan, debates reignite about whether fame overshadows merit, and if there is a level playing field for all.
Journalists point to Amaal’s episode as a case study in power dynamics, celebrity privilege, and the emotional risks contestants face. Crews and editors must decide: do they air the unvarnished truth, or shape the drama for entertainment?
Psychological Impact on Contestants
Incidents like these can take a heavy toll on mental health. Public humiliation, accusations on national TV, and group isolation can be deeply stressful. Social psychologists argue that contestants, especially those targeted for their loyalty or honesty, risk long-term anxiety, stress, and damaged reputations.
The show’s makers provide counseling, but the effectiveness is debated. Some former Bigg Boss contestants have spoken candidly about post-show trauma and the pressure to maintain their image after leaving the house.
Lessons and Takeaways
Several lessons arise from this controversy:
- The importance of direct confrontation over passive criticism
- The ethical responsibility towards platform and colleagues
- Risks of host favoritism and selective narrative building
- The impact of group loyalty versus authentic gameplay
- The necessity for transparent rules and mental health support
Bigg Boss, in reflecting the drama of life, offers viewers lessons in self-awareness, strategy, and navigating complex relationships.
The Bigg Boss 19 saga involving Salman Khan, Amaal Mallik, and Shehbaz Badesha is more than just a fleeting controversy—it highlights essential questions about fairness, respect, power, and the boundaries of reality TV.
As media coverage continues and social media debates rage on, viewers are left to decide: Is the house a microcosm of real life or a battle for scripted drama? Will contestants learn from their mistakes, or will the pattern continue season after season?
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on those who dare to back-bite, confront, and play the game. And as always, Bigg Boss fans wait eagerly for the next twist in this larger-than-life drama.
