Bigg Boss 18 has just started, and drama is already taking center stage. On Day 1, Shehzada Dhami found himself in hot water after making a controversial comment towards actress Chum Darang. The incident took place during a casual conversation at the dining table but quickly escalated into a heated argument, sparking reactions both inside and outside the Bigg Boss house.
The Incident: A Joke Gone Too Far?
While eating together at the dining table, Shehzada Dhami tasted some chutney and mentioned that it was too spicy. Chum Darang, sitting nearby, asked whether he found the chutney too spicy. Shehzada then replied with a comment that offended Chum. He hinted that the chutney might be from her “side,” which was perceived as a racial remark. Chum immediately responded, reminding him that she is from India, and expressed her disappointment with his words.
Although Shehzada did not explicitly use any racial slurs, his comment insinuated that Chum’s ethnicity had something to do with the food’s origin. Given that a Chinese Schezwan chutney brand sponsors Bigg Boss, the context became clear, and viewers, as well as housemates, interpreted Shehzada’s comment as an inappropriate reference to Chum’s background.
Shehzada Refuses to Apologize
Despite the obvious discomfort caused to Chum, Shehzada refused to acknowledge his mistake. Instead of apologizing, he accused Chum of overreacting and even claimed that she was playing the “racist card.” According to Shehzada, his comment was meant as a harmless joke, and there was no need for Chum to take offense.
The situation intensified when Shehzada accused Chum of verbally abusing him in response to the remark. He argued that if Chum felt hurt by his words, she should have told him instead of using offensive language. However, many viewers and housemates believe that Shehzada should have taken responsibility for his statement, especially given the sensitive nature of racial issues.
Not the First Time Shehzada Crossed the Line
This wasn’t Shehzada’s first controversial remark regarding Chum Darang. In the premiere episode of Bigg Boss 18, Shehzada had made fun of Chum’s name while speaking to fellow contestants Avinash Mishra and Tejinder Bagga. Additionally, he had commented on her skin tone, saying he liked the skin of people “from here,” an uncomfortable reference that Chum had chosen to ignore at the time.
Chum, known for her roles in movies like Badhaai Ho, tried to keep calm, but the repeated remarks eventually pushed her to confront Shehzada. Unfortunately, her attempts to address the issue led to further tension, with Shehzada remaining defensive and refusing to apologize.
Housemates Divided Over the Incident
The altercation between Chum and Shehzada left the house divided. While contestants like Naira Banerjee, Alice Kaushal, and Esha Singh sided with Shehzada, claiming that his comment was merely a joke, Karanvir Mehra took a stand for Chum. He pointed out that Chum’s anger likely stemmed from having faced similar remarks in the past.
Karanvir further added that it is crucial to recognize how casual jokes can often perpetuate stereotypes, even if they are not intended to hurt anyone. Chum, who has previously spoken about facing racism, felt that Shehzada’s comment was a reminder of the discrimination she has encountered throughout her life.
The Bigger Picture
This incident sheds light on the importance of sensitivity in a diverse environment like Bigg Boss. While jokes and banter are common in reality shows, contestants need to be mindful of how their words can impact others, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like race and ethnicity. As the show progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Shehzada’s attitude changes and whether the housemates continue to navigate these complex social dynamics.
