Not Scripted: Mohanlal Reveals Reality Behind Bigg Boss

At JioHotstar’s South Unbound event in Chennai last night, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal spoke from the heart, beginning with a moment that clearly moved him. Referring to Tollywood actor Akkineni Nagarjuna who, along with Kollywood actor, Vijay Sethupathi felicitated him on the dais, he said, “I am so overwhelmed because I had the chance of acting with his father, Akkineni Nageshwar Rao. And he was very kind to me,” he said, recalling their film ‘Gandeevam’. He smiled as he remembered shooting a song sequence in Copenhagen, adding simply, “Best friend.” His gratitude extended to the team on stage. “Thank you so much, Nagarjuna and Vijay.”

From there, Mohanlal turned to the show that has become an integral part of his identity—Bigg Boss. “I take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who is working with this wonderful project called Bigg Boss. I have completed my seven seasons,” he said, reflecting on his long journey.

For him, the magic of the show lies in its honesty. “Why Bigg Boss is such a big hit is because it is not drama. It is a beautiful show of positiveness,” he said. While acknowledging “difference of opinion” and “criticism,” Mohanlal emphasised that the heart of Bigg Boss lies elsewhere. “The show carries a lot of entertainment. A lot of human emotions. A lot of discipline. A lot of things to gather from that show.”

He sees the show as a platform as one that uplifts and unites. “You can inspire. You can entertain. You can bring people together. So it is a beautiful show.” Even though he initially hesitated to join, the experience changed him. “I was a little hesitant to be a part of that show first. But later, it is like an addiction. It is a part of you now,” he says.

The legendary actor also revealed the show’s future. “I think they have signed for another three more years.”

Mohanlal celebrated Bigg Boss for what it offers participants and viewers alike. “It is a beautiful platform for the people who have got that kind of talent and enhance their abilities,” he said. And for the audience, he added, “It is an escape. They are compelled to watch the show for 100 days. It has got some kind of magic.” Criticism, he said, is part of the journey. “We can’t progress without criticism.”

Mohanlal spoke proudly of the transformation the show brings. “Most of the contestants who are coming out of the Bigg Boss show are becoming star once they step out.” He acknowledged the ecosystem that makes it possible. “Thanks Jio Hotstar for helping all the budding artists, directors, or producers who have got that content.”

As a representative of Kerala, he expressed quiet pride. “Entity-wise, we are from a small state, Kerala. But so happy to hear that we are doing extremely well in content-wise.”

Mohanlal also spoke as an artist who learns from everything he does. “I am a performer, an entertainer. I can also get to learn a lot of things from the show.” He described the show as ‘a mind game,’ one that demands sincerity. “It is not to condescend, it’s not that easy.”

He dismissed assumptions about scripting. “They will call it a scripted show but it’s nothing. I know the inner secrets and it is very difficult.”

Many people tell him they want to join Bigg Boss, but he always reminds them of the truth. “It’s not that easy. It’s like life. You have to show all your emotions. No matter how much you control, one day you have to show.” To him, the show is exactly that: “a reflection of your mind.”

And even after seven seasons, Mohanlal believes the format can grow further. “It’s a great show. It can be refined a lot. If we have ourselves in it, it can be refined a lot.”