Let’s call Bigg Boss what it is: a misogynist television show. In a repetitive, disgusting motif, the reality show tends to put women who are harassed or made uncomfortable on trial themselves—and not their harassers.
In its latest season, a victim was literally placed inside a makeshift jail while she was asked to explain her actions to the host, Salman Khan.
The actor who (allegedly) mentally and physically harassed his ex-girlfriend several years ago, sits in judgement of other women.
Khan is the last person to pick up any semblance of intellect, awareness or sensitivity, so his advice like “just brush it aside and laugh” seem to be regularly doled out to women who complain about an unwelcome touch or word.
In a recent episode, Khan’s usual sexist diatribe was cut short and challenged by young contestant Tejasswi Prakash, who was left aghast when he questioned the victim about why she didn’t raise an alarm right when her discomfort began. Though she tried to explain to everyone that there is no correct time to complain nor should one’s timing be held against one, her sensitive and thoughtful remarks fell on deaf ears.
Khan concluded his rant with trademark harasser-friendly remarks which he has learnt to caveat with “This doesn’t mean I am supporting what he did!”
The late actor Siddharth Shukla, a contestant on season 13, was a well-known misogynist who abused and physically threatened women, even injuring a female contestant in one episode. His language was filthy and he often made sexually-charged innuendoes, much to the discomfort of other contestants. Instead of a rebuke from the makers of the show, Shukla went on to win the show.
Even as #MeToo revelations about the film industry and discussions around sexual misconduct, Endemol Shine and Colors TV, the makers and host of the show, have done precious little to change their overall attitude towards women.
There must be a limit to how many times irony can really die — perhaps we might draw the line at Salman Khan pretending to be a feminist.
