07 September,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Priyanka Chopra, Mary Kom (Pic/X)
Mary Kom, best known for her achievements inside the boxing ring, is now set to face a very different kind of challenge as she spends the next 105 days inside the Bigg Boss house. And before she began her journey, she received a special message from her friend and actor Priyanka Chopra.
A video message from Priyanka was then played, in which she said, "I am wishing you all the very best. You are going inside the Bigg Boss house, and I know this first-hand, how strong, resilient and determined you are."
She further added, "A small 'chaitawani (warning)' for the rest of the housemates, Mary ke saamne agar bane rehna hai, toh lambi race ke liye taiyaar ho jaaiye. Inka knockout na bahut bhaari padta hai. Mary, bas aap jaisi hain waise rahiye, khule dil se kheliye (If you want to hold your own against Mary, be prepared for the long haul. Her knockout punches can be quite devastating. Mary, just be yourself and play the game with an open heart)." She concluded, "I am so looking forward to your journey. Bahut saara pyaar, I am always rooting for you."
Apart from this, Mary was also seen indulging in a fun banter with Salman Khan, stating how she has been a fan of him since Maine Pyar Kiya. Her sons came to support her and bid an emotional adieu.
Priyanka and Mary have remained close since they worked together on Mary Kom. The film, directed by Omung Kumar, was released in 2014 and was backed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It won the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award at the 62nd National Film Awards.
For Mary, the Bigg Boss house marks a new chapter away from the boxing ring. With Priyanka's "knockout" warning already out, it remains to be seen how the champion handles the challenges inside the house.
Bigg Boss 20 premiered on September 6 and is hosted by Salman Khan. The show is available on JioHotstar at 9 pm and airs on Colors at 10:30 pm. The season's contestants include Mary Kom, Aasif Khan, Kanika Mann, ScoutOp (Tanmay Singh), Amrapali Dubey, Mahhi Vij, Yung DSA, Qazi Touqeer, Arishfa Khan, Rohed Khan, Isha Rikhi, Gullu (Kushal Tanwar), among others.
