OK, I know I am a week too late to create this post, but I wanted to share how baffled, almost taken aback I was by the behavior of the four housemates who started their careers in the early 2000s, namely Shamita, Rakesh, Neha, and Karan.
When Shamita met Neha for the first time, post Neha’s entry into the house, she asked her if her name was “Neha BHASSEEN,” in a very timid, unsure tone of voice. I was like, WTF! How do you not know the lady who created history once upon a time! Neha was one of the five original members of the all-girl band VIVA! VIVA created history of sorts during 2002 by being one of the most successful ventures of Channel V. Also, of the four, Neha is the most accomplished star. She is still going strong in her career and has some really memorable songs to her credit. I don’t get what’s she’s doing in this losers’ coop in the first place.
Then, when Rakesh and Karan were asked if they knew each other, they acted like they knew each other on a superficial level - “inki movie tab aayi thi aur unki movie tab aayi thi types.” Both Tum Bin and Paagalpan were released in 2001. Agreed that back in the day Bollywood’s dynamics were not the same as they are today where everyone knows each other and parties and fools around, but the mere fact that these two individuals would not know each other that well despite starting their careers together and during a time when competition was low was kinda astonishing to me. Priyanshu, Himanshu, Rakesh, Karan, Abhishek, Hrithik, Arjun, Shamita, Amisha, Bipasha, Kareena all started their careers at the same time - 2000-2001. While some went on to become superstars, the others were left behind.
So, were these people isolated within the film fraternity or something? Or were they a part of the cancel culture of sorts? I kinda expected them to see each and express happiness on the show… but nope! None of them seemed interested in each other despite being from the same era. I found it truly very strange.