Oct 03, 2026 9:00pm IST
‘Bigg Boss 20’: Isha Rikhi on Qazi Touqeer and Gullu As Potential Finalists and Scrutiny Around Separation From Badshah (Exclusive)
Isha Rikhi’s journey on “Bigg Boss 20” was short-lived, as she became the second contestant to be evicted after Rohed Khan. The actor, however, has no regrets, saying the reality show gave her a new perspective on her emotions and mental well-being. In a conversation with Variety India, Rikhi speaks about the public scrutiny surrounding her separation from Badshah, her experience on the show and why she sees potential finalists in Qazi Touqeer and Gullu.
No regrets
Rikhi reveals she had anticipated her elimination. “After I got evicted, I kept thinking about what could have gone wrong. Later, I stopped overthinking and indulged in my favorite dessert, tiramisu (laughs). Our team was very disappointed after we lost the ration task twice. In hindsight, I should have fought harder during the tasks. I saw how much effort the others were putting into the game.”
The actor says she is still figuring out what comes next, adding, “The show was overall a great experience. It made me understand myself a lot better. ‘Bigg Boss 20’ helped me heal mentally.”
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Future finalists of ‘Bigg Boss 20’
Rikhi says she has watched a few episodes since her elimination and feels Qazi Touqeer has a great future on the show. She adds, “He is an actor, singer and performer. He has also caught the audience’s attention. Now that I am out of the show, I understand why people are liking his game. I was also quite impressed by Gullu’s efforts, especially when he was the captain.”
Tough decision
Rikhi and rapper Badshah announced their separation before she entered the reality show. The actor says it was a difficult period for her. “It is very difficult to make a comeback when you are coming out of a challenging phase in your personal life. You need to work on your mental health while also focusing on your career. In the outside world, it is easy to distract your mind. However, on a show like ‘Bigg Boss 20,’ you choose a few people you feel comfortable around. Suddenly, something happens and your past trauma is revisited. So, while you feel you are out of your bad phase, you realize that you are still suffering.”
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Spotlight on celebrity divorces
Sharing her thoughts on why, following a celebrity couple’s separation, the women end up facing vile attacks online, Rikhi says, “I believe the scrutiny is the same whether it is a male or female celeb. Yes, the female celebs seem to get more blame. It is not fair.”
Rikhi minces no words in calling out Mahhi Vij for her comments on the show. She says, “As a woman, you are expected to understand what another woman goes through. Setting a narrative on national television is insensitive. I am very disappointed with her.”
Back to work
About life after “Bigg Boss,” Rikhi says she is keen to work across mediums. “I worked in a Punjabi film in 2024. There was a gap post the pandemic as I wanted to settle down, but that did not happen. Later, I had signed some projects, but I had to opt out due to health issues. Now, I want to take up good work,” she concludes.
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