"This is me exposing myself & putting myself out there" - Ridhima Pandit on 'Bigg Boss OTT'

Bigg Boss OTT launched today and it is no secret that the excitement surrounding the show just like earlier was immense. This time, not only is the OTT version, a first but the mix of contestants that are roped in are also rather interesting. While many are relatively popular faces, one of the most popular ones arguably in the mix has to be that of actor Ridhima Pandit.

Having made her debut with Bahu Hamari Rajni_Kant several years ago, and now doing a few other shows old, Pandit is all set to embark on this new journey which is a challenge. India Forums had an exclusive conversation with her and got to know about how she is all set to take on the show among several other things.

You are till in your early days of your career. What made you choose Bigg Boss OTT now?

Honestly, it was like 'now or never.' I decided to take this challenge head on. I have been a fan of this ever since but I would always say that it is a great show to watch. I would derive my voyeuristic pleasure watching it but not actually participate because the show takes a lot out of you. And back then, my mother's health demanded all my attention. But with her leaving us in April, I had switch my focus and take up a huge challenge. I wouldn't call it distraction (mother's passing away) because with such a loss there can never be a distraction per se. But yes, I took it up now and I was also missing my audiences. And finally, the reach Bigg Boss has is immense. So, I thought to myself, why not! and took it on.

The actual Bigg Boss 15 is going to start later, then why Bigg Boss OTT?

I just didn't want to wait anymore to work. I wanted to just start working and being a part of this show has been a dream since day one. Hence, here we are.

The tagline says 'itna crazy hai ki TV pe ban ho jayega' and as we know it is on OTT, what do you think is that level of craziness that the show will cross to as opposed to being on television?

Honestly, I really didn't know. When I saw this promo myself, I was like aisa kya hi honevala hai (laughs). But I am excited about it and now I have signed on the deal so ready to take it on.

The show has its history. Fights and several other things which elevate to different levels. So, are you specifically concerned about that? Do you have an image concern?

The thing is, I don't indulge in dirt as much as possible. The mantra I want to live by is summed up in a saying that goes around 'when you wrestle with a pig, the pig is going to enjoy it but you are gonna get dirty'. This was told to me by my father and I am going to follow that. Going into the show is not going to change my basic values and principles. Of course, I am a temperamental person. I have also gotten angry in my life and have thrown things. Nobody is a saint and nobody should pretend to be as well. It only has to be pertaining that situation though. Deal with that and move on. I am really going to be myself. I have also been asked what is my strategy and just to sound cool I can say, 'good players don't reveal their strategies' (laughs) but I really don't have any strategy. I am just going to be myself.

Would you like to continue to the television version as well? There is still conjecture about that but would you like to continue to the television version?

There is zero clarity for us as well. Right now, I am going into the show with the idea of only doing my best for the OTT version. If at all the audiences like me and they help me move to the OTT version, I will be very happy. But really, as of now, I have no idea.

If that happens though, it is also quite scary. Because that would mean me staying away from my family for over five months probably. And I am a person who has lived in a very protected way and I have been nice to people and surrounded by nice people. So, this is me exposing myself and putting myself in the fire saying, let's battle it out. There is this part of me I am excited but deep down I am scared indeed.

The show has a crazy set of surprises for everyone. Even the best lost their temperament and become something they are not. Is that a prevalent fear for you are you will take it on as it is?

Not really. I really don't know what can trigger me. Of course, it is not like the smallest things trigger me but I guess that is all about the situation and how will I respond to it. I hope it is all good.

What do you want to tell your fans? Your parting message to them.

I first just want to thank all my fans for the support they have given me so far. But I will be needing it a lot more and the most in this journey. I am all heart just like all my fans are. Don't indulge in any kind of hatred when I am inside and keep supporting me.

ALSO READ: https://www.indiaforums.com/article/ridhima-pandit-pens-a-note-for-her-mother-who-passed-away-recently_175392