Tanya Mittal, the second runner-up of Bigg Boss 19, has publicly reflected on her intense journey in the reality show, addressing the constant criticism and the “fake” tag that followed her throughout the season.
The Challenge of Constant Scrutiny
Mittal acknowledged the difficulty of the experience, stating that while opinions varied, she couldn’t be ignored:
“People may have different opinions about me, but they couldn’t ignore me. Like the other contestants, the show was challenging for me from the very beginning and there were moments that were mentally exhausting,” Tanya said.
Defending Lifestyle and ‘Fake’ Allegations
Throughout her time in the Bigg Boss house, Tanya was repeatedly criticized for being “fake.” She tackled this head-on, defending her background and personal choices:
- Financial Independence: “I’ve always been straightforward about who I am. I come from a family where I’ve grown up with certain habits and comforts, and I don’t see why that should be questioned. If I choose to spend on myself or maintain a particular lifestyle, it’s because I can. I work for it. That doesn’t make me pretentious. If a 30-year-old is able to take care of her needs, desires, what’s the issue with that,” she explained.
- Questioning Gender Norms: She criticized the scrutiny that follows women who make “unconventional” choices, citing the debate over her personal security. “For example, people questioned why I spoke about having bodyguards. I don’t think such things should be restricted to men or celebrities. If someone can afford security, it’s their choice, simply a personal preference.”
A Proud and Grounded Journey
Despite the controversy surrounding her actions inside the house, Tanya insists that her core values and upbringing remain untouched:
“People tend to forget that what they see on a reality show is not the complete person. I’ve grown up in a very cultured, grounded household, and I’m proud of that. Whatever anyone saw inside the house was situational. It doesn’t define my upbringing or values,” she affirmed.
Summing up her experience, Tanya is firm in her decision to remain authentic: “I know I can be too much for some people, but I have always lived on my own terms. I don’t believe in fitting into expectations just to appear acceptable.”