'I am not getting paid for Bigg Boss 5"- Swami Agnivesh

News channels broke one of the most sensational piece of news yesterday after Swami Agnivesh decided to be a part of perhaps the most controversial show on Indian Television, Bigg Boss Season 5, on Colors. the saffron clad social activist enters the house today and in an interaction with the media he described about his motives and expectations.

Excerpts from the chat...

Do you think your image will get affected by doing such a show?
Actually I was not aware about what the show was all about and my friends have scared me enough by telling me about the things that happen in the house. After watching several episodes I did not feel anything wrong in the show. I thought this is one medium through which I can really pass on my message to the people out there. I realized that the Indian youth should also be given the message that they should bring out the difference in society and not just think about their personal issues. Hence I am going with optimism in me.  I do not think my image will be affected in any way and I have thought about this as well. Several people have told me that the inmates fight very badly and I have also seen in some of the episodes. Frankly speaking, I did not feel that bad because I have seen people fighting in Parliament and Assembly where they throw chairs at each other. I do not feel that its shameful when the inmates fight. These are my sons and daughters who are fighting with each other but at the same time are staying together.

Normally controversial people are selected in the show. Do you think that you have also become one amongst them?
I have always been controversial all my life because I have always raised issues for lost causes. It started since the year 1968 when I started the March from Haryana to Red Fort Delhi.  We were put in a jail when we tried to ban alcohol in the country. Controversies have been there and I try to use these as opportunities to bring about change. Unless and until we do not upturn the society, we cannot bring in any change.

People like Monica Bedi, Shakti Kapoor who have had allegations against them have been part of the show. Don't you think that there is some mismatch on what you are saying and what it actually is?
When people are seeing something I will be saying the same thing that I have been saying for the past 45 years that we have to voice against harassment and injustice.

This is a show wherein there are limits to how much you can eat, drink etc. So how are you going to adjust with it?
Actually I have made it clear to these people that I am a pure vegetarian and do not even eat egg. I would also try to make them understand the importance of being a vegetarian. I also practice yoga and meditation everyday and would also help them with it if they want.  I am not taking any grudges against my kids inside the house.

Recently you were in an issue that was related to Anna Hazare. So will you use this as a platform to reveal something about him that people do not know?
 I will not initiate any talk about him but I will tell them to ask if they have any doubts and if they do, I will definitely answer their queries.

It was also in news that Arvind Kejriwal might join the show. What if he enters when you are there?
He will be most welcomed in the show. People have the notion that he and I are enemies and do not get along well. On the contrary we will talk well as friends in the show.

You said that you are going as a guest. So how long will you be there in the house?
I will be there for some time now. But the duration is not fixed. 

How much were you offered?
They did not pay me anything.

Reporter and Author: Saranya Valsarajan