07 September,2026 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti Sampat
Isha Rikhi (Picture via Special arrangement)
Actress Isha Rikhi is all set to enter the Bigg Boss 20 house, days after her divorce from rapper Badshah was announced. While the development has naturally put the spotlight on her personal life, Rikhi says her decision to participate in the reality show is rooted in her own choice and not in the opinions or expectations of others.
In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, the actress opened up about her decision to enter the controversial reality show, her apprehensions, her approach to the game and why she believes her experiences have made her stronger.
Rikhi revealed that she was initially unsure about participating in Bigg Boss. "First time it was no, but then later on it changed to yes and then maybe it came to yes. And I think I have made a good decision," she said. For the actress, entering the house is not about proving herself to anyone. She believes having clarity about her own intentions will help her navigate the intense environment. "I don't actually take the pressure of others. I just want my intention to be clear that if I am doing something or I am doing this show, then why am I doing it," she said. Rikhi added, "If it is clear, then I think I will just play how I am, not how people want me to. So there is no pressure."
Given the scrutiny that celebrities face, particularly women, the actress is aware that trolling and criticism are inevitable. However, she insists she isn't going to let it affect her. "It will happen and honestly speaking, it's been happening with everyone. And it's part of our industry and it's fine, but I don't care about it," she said.
Her family, meanwhile, has been supportive of her decision. Recalling her mother's reaction, Rikhi said, "My mom was like, think before you do it. And if you are doing it, then make sure you give your best. Come back with the trophy."
Inside the Bigg Boss house, viewers will also get to see a more personal side of Rikhi. While she enjoys dressing up, she doesn't intend to enter the house with an elaborate wardrobe. "I will dress up because I like to get dressed up, but it depends on my mood," she said. "I know that I will carry outfits that I know I will wear 100 per cent. No, not 7-8 suitcases."
Describing her style, she added, "I am more of a casual wear person. Maybe baggy jeans with a bodysuit or maybe a long dress, nice flowy one, a mix of everything."
If fashion is something she enjoys, cooking is certainly not her strength. Rikhi candidly admitted, "Cooking is not my cup of tea. I feel that I won't be able to cook. I don't know how to cook, I am a Maggi person."
She revealed that she can occasionally make aloo paratha and is willing to learn if the situation demands it. "I can make some things by watching YouTube. But there is nothing there. So I don't know how to cook. I can make Maggi in two minutes," she joked. At the same time, she insisted that she won't shy away from household responsibilities. "I am open to learn. I am not a lazy person. If I am given a task, I will do my duty well," she said.
Unlike several contestants who enter Bigg Boss with a carefully thought-out strategy, Rikhi says she has no game plan. "Honestly, I don't have any game plan. To be very honest, everybody asks me the same question," she said.
"I feel that I want to play how I am. I am not going to follow any rule book. If I have to do this, I will win. And if I do this, I will win. Everybody has their own opinion, but I want to play according to my gut feeling," she added.
For Rikhi, the show is also an opportunity to understand herself better. "I want to be who I am. In fact, if I can be a better person, which is very difficult. Maybe my worst will be revealed," she said, adding that her experiences have prepared her for the challenges ahead.
"But I think whatever I have experienced in life, throughout my journey, my career, I feel that I will come out stronger," she said.
While she is confident about facing the emotional rollercoaster of the house, Rikhi admits she is not completely fearless. "I have come to that stage where I know that you will cry, you will break, but again you have to stand up," she said. "So I am that person that even if something happens, I will come back. I won't give up. I don't give up easily on anything."
As she prepares to face the cameras round the clock, Rikhi acknowledges that certain situations inside the house do make her nervous. "Because this is what I signed up for," she said. "But I am scared a little bit about certain situations. I don't know how will I react, how I will be able to cope up with difficult situations."
Yet, she remains confident that her past experiences especially her divorce with Badshah have given her the resilience required for the Bigg Boss house. "Whatever I have seen in life, I feel that this won't be a big thing for me, which I won't be able to handle," she said.
Speaking about her childhood and background, Rikhi added, "Whatever I have handled, which is my background since my childhood, I feel that I don't think that anything can break me."
With that mindset, she promises viewers a contestant who will not easily bend under pressure. "We are going to see a very strong-headed, firm Isha inside the house," she said.
