Still Hungry to Get Back in the Ring: Mary Kom After Bigg Boss Journey

Olympic boxer and six-time world champion MC Mary Kom was evicted from Bigg Boss 20 on October 24, 2026, after a seven-week stint in the house. After her Bigg Boss journey, the legendary Indian boxer opens up about Priyanka Chopra's support, her experience on the reality show, her family, plans to return to professional boxing, and her mission to nurture young boxing talent in India, in an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle.

How would you describe your journey and experience in Bigg Boss?

It was a completely different experience for me. For the last 20 years, boxing has been a major part of my life. It is because of boxing that I have achieved so much, including name, fame, and recognition. Bigg Boss gave me an opportunity to experience something beyond sports. I enjoyed the journey and had a lot of fun. Of course, there were difficult moments and challenges, but overall, it was a good experience. I learned a lot from it.

You recently received a shout-out from Priyanka Chopra, who portrayed you in your biopic. What was your reaction?

I was really happy, of course. It feels wonderful when someone supports and motivates you. Priyanka knows me very well and has known about my journey in boxing for almost 20 years. I truly appreciate her support, and I am happy that she continues to talk about and encourage me.

You had previously mentioned that Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan were among your favourites, and now you got the opportunity to meet him on Bigg Boss. What do you appreciate most about him?

I had met Salman Khan even before Bigg Boss, during sports-related events. We all know he is a big star, and so many people love and admire him. Everyone has a different mindset and their own opinions, and I believe we should respect that rather than judge people. For me, meeting Salman was a happy experience. He appreciated me when I performed well, and even when things did not go as expected, he encouraged and motivated me. Those moments are special memories for me.

You spent so many years in the boxing ring. What made you finally decide to participate in a reality show like Bigg Boss?

I had known about Bigg Boss for many years, but I never really had the time to participate or even follow the show properly. I was always busy with boxing, training, and preparing for major competitions. Whenever I had free time, it was usually just for a few minutes. Gradually, I became more interested in experiencing the show myself. Bigg Boss is one of the biggest reality shows in India and is also known internationally, so I wanted to see what the experience would be like as a contestant.Bigg Boss brings together people from very different backgrounds and personalities.

How difficult was it for you to adapt to that environment? Were there moments you found uncomfortable? 

It was definitely difficult for me. The contestants came from different fields, and this was my first experience in such an environment. I am not someone who is used to drama, so adapting to the atmosphere inside the house was a big task. In boxing, I am used to discipline, hard work, and facing challenges in the ring. But living with different people in a reality show is a completely different experience. Initially, I found it difficult, but gradually I started adapting and became more comfortable. I simply wanted to be myself and enjoy the experience.

You entered Bigg Boss without a strategy. Do you think that helped you stay true to yourself?

Yes, I did not enter the house with any particular strategy, nor did I have any strategy. Whatever happened, happened naturally. I wanted to be myself rather than plan every move. I genuinely enjoyed the experience, and that was important to me.

How does it feel to leave the Bigg Boss house and head back home to your family?

Yes, I am very happy to go home and meet my children. I have missed them a lot. My son Prince called me recently, and it was a very emotional moment for me. We could not stay in touch properly while I was away. Usually, we speak over the phone, but this time, we had been apart for more than a month. He was emotional and started crying because he missed me. The first thing I want to do when I reach home is hug him and spend time with my children. As a mother, those moments mean everything to me. I feel very fortunate to have such a strong emotional connection with my family.

You once said you would box until your body could no longer support you. Do you still feel that same passion today?

Yes, absolutely. I am still passionate about boxing, and I am still hungry to compete. If there is a good platform and an opportunity for me to participate, I will definitely consider it. I have retired from amateur boxing because of the age limit, but now I am planning to explore professional boxing. I still have the desire to get back into the ring and see what I can achieve.

You have also established a boxing academy in Manipur. Could you tell us more about this initiative for the young athletes?

I established the Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation in Manipur, where we have developed the necessary facilities and infrastructure to train aspiring boxers. We have received support from the state government, which provided land, as well as assistance through central government schemes. We have also received support from corporate organisations, private companies, and NGOs. However, running an institution like this requires substantial funding, so we still need more financial support. My aim is not limited to helping young athletes from Manipur. I want to contribute to boxing development across the country and allow talented youngsters to pursue the sport.

Is there enough support for aspiring boxers in India?

There is certainly more that can be done. Running a boxing institution requires proper infrastructure, resources, and continuous financial support. We need more people and organisations to come forward and support young athletes. I will continue doing my best to secure more funding and improve the facilities. My goal is to help young boxers develop their talent and represent India at the highest level.

Would you consider acting on the big screen? Any action stars whom you particularly admire in Hollywood and Bollywood?

Yes, definitely. If I get a good opportunity, I would love to act again. I would particularly enjoy doing an action role that suits my personality. If someone approaches me with an interesting character and a good project, I would be happy to consider it. There are many actors who have done wonderful action roles. I like Jet Li, and I also admire Angelina Jolie; in Bollywood, I love Akshay Kumar.

Finally, what advice would you give to people who are planning to participate in Bigg Boss?

It depends on the production house and the opportunities they offer, so that decision is not in my hands. But my advice to anyone who gets the opportunity would be not to let it go without considering it. Every experience teaches you something. If you get the chance to participate, take it as an opportunity to learn, challenge yourself, and discover something new about yourself.