I know many will joke about this article. Some may tell me I am overstretching my liking of the show BIGG BOSS 18, which had a finale on the 19th Jan evening- where my favourite Karan Veer Mehra won the trophy.
Many would dismiss a reality show like Bigg Boss 18 as frivolous, overdramatic, and manufactured for TRPs. They may be right in many ways, and I do respect their choice and POV. However, beyond the fights, tears, and dramatic tasks lies an unscripted narrative that mirrors our daily lives—relationships, reputations, emotions, and personal branding. If you look at Bigg Boss not as just entertainment but as a sociological experiment, it becomes a goldmine of surprisingly relevant life lessons. It struck me while taking a few sessions on Brand-I (Personal Branding) with young students at the Manipal University campus in Bengaluru.
Here are a few snippets of how Bigg Boss 18 is an unconventional classroom for personal branding and navigating the chaos of always in flux- human emotions.
More you could read in my other articles. Hit miss and blip– 2012, Gamble with change– 2013, BiggBoss double bluff– 2015, Bigg Boss opens the house to India– 2016, Will Bigg Boss call me for audition– 2016, Will AAM ADAMI be biggest loser– 2016, A successful AAM ADAMI experiment– 2017, View of Fanatic Loyalist– 2011, The Deadly Social Game- 2017, Should Bigg Bss be banned – 2019, Reality shows must rethink engagement– 2020, Do you have a secret to share– 2020, Not the bgg boss I like– 2021, Khela Hobe- on the right track– 2022, BIGG BOSS needs a reality check – 2023, BiggBoss invest in relationships-2023, HR- what about a Bigg Bss offsite– 2023, Wait and watch BiggBoss– 2024, Why you must watch biggboss– 2024,
Personal Branding is about Consistency.
From the moment contestants step into the house, they’re not just playing a game—they’re crafting a brand. Whether it’s the loud-mouthed troublemaker, the peacemaker, or the silent observer, every action (and inaction) shapes how the audience perceives them.
In real life, much like in the Bigg Boss house, we’re always curating our personal brands. Our social media posts, the way we interact with colleagues, and even how we react to conflict contribute to how people see us.
The key takeaway? Consistency is crucial. The contestants who stick to their core personality often resonate more with viewers. Flip-floppers, on the other hand, tend to lose credibility.
Equations are Fluid.
How life is contextual and full of duality amplified by polarity is something fully on stage at Bigg Boss 18? One moment, two contestants are best friends, laughing and strategizing together. The next, they’re at each other’s throats. Relationships in Bigg Boss change with circumstances—alliances are formed, tested, and sometimes destroyed.
A reflection of real life. Workplace camaraderie can shift when competition arises. Friendships evolve with time and situations. Bigg Boss 18 and other seasons of the reality show teach us the importance of adaptability and the art of navigating shifting equations while staying true to one’s values.
I love this learning. As it tells you, life must be lived by Krishna, act and live in the present.
Masks Will Eventually Fall.
In the beginning, most contestants wear metaphorical masks to project a particular image—cool, confident, righteous, or agreeable.
But the relentless pressure of the Bigg Boss 18 house ensured that these masks eventually cracked. Their true and raw, unfiltered selves emerge under stress and scrutiny.
Similarly, in life, we can put up facades, but the truth reveals itself in challenging times. Authenticity, then, becomes a valuable asset. People gravitate toward those who are genuine, both inside the Bigg Boss 18 house and in the real world.
Actions, Inaction, and Reactions Matter.
In Bigg Boss, every decision is magnified. Even the people who watch the 24 streams are not fully aware of what is happening. People who watch the daily 90-odd minutes of Bigg Boss 18 saw selected clips- which the editorial team complied for the TRP.
And there one could see, how a single action—or inaction—can completely shift the game. The contestant who chooses to sit out during a task might avoid a confrontation but risks being labelled as “lazy” or “selfish.” Conversely, the one who jumps into the fray might win applause or backlash, depending on the outcome.
Life is no different. What we choose to do—or not do—has ripple effects. A decision to stand up for a colleague can strengthen bonds while staying silent in a moment of crisis might erode trust. The show is a reminder to evaluate how our actions and reactions shape not just our image but also our relationships.
The Kaleidoscope of Human Emotions.
From joy to despair, rage to reconciliation, Bigg Boss 18 was an unfiltered display of human emotions. Contestants cried, laughed, lashed out, and then reconciled, sometimes all in an hour or so or a day or two. This emotional rollercoaster is not just entertaining—it’s deeply relatable.
Life, too, is a constant negotiation of emotions. Learning how to manage them, respond to others’ feelings, and find balance is a skill the show inadvertently teaches. Observing contestants’ mistakes—like letting anger override reason—can help us reflect on our emotional intelligence.
Net Net- Why it Matters.
While it’s easy to criticize Bigg Boss for its theatrics, the truth is, that the show reflects us- mirrors the reality of relationships and societal expectations. It holds a mirror to our instincts, insecurities, ambitions, and flaws.
The contestants may be locked in a house, but the dynamics at play—conflict, camaraderie, strategy, and vulnerability—are no different from those we face in our daily lives.
At its core, Bigg Boss 18 was less about the game and more about the players. It’s a microcosm of life, where personal branding, relationships, and emotions are constantly in flux. Whether you love it or loathe it, the show offers invaluable lessons in human behaviour, self-awareness, and the art of living.
So, the next time you tune into Bigg Boss, try looking beyond the drama. You might just walk away with insights that are as real as the show claims to be. And if you cannot wait- the channel has every season available on OTT.
ADDON.
Every year just like many other viewers we too have our favourites. The fun in watching is to have some skin in the game- someone you root for and watch them and their competition- be happy when they do well and discuss when they seem to navigate outside your comfort zone. And this time, though there was a scare of Rajat Dalal or Vivian taking the lead we are happy that we had five finalists drop out as per our prediction. Thank you Colours, Jio, Salman and the contestants mainly Karan, Chum, Vivian, Rajat and Eisha for the entertainment and presenting a master class in personal branding.
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