Stylist Riddhima Sharma has spoken exclusively about her ongoing dispute with Bigg Boss 19 contestant Tanya Mittal, which erupted after Sharma’s social media post highlighting unpaid dues and unreturned outfits went viral.
Sharma revealed that the situation took her by surprise and led to widespread online trolling. “It was very difficult for me as I have never been into such a situation, especially with someone on national television. When you work with celebrities, you don’t expect situations like this, but I guess I needed a reality check, and I got one,” she shared.
According to Sharma, her initial association with Tanya Mittal was positive, with her styling work receiving praise on the show. The issue began when she was asked to join the Bigg Boss 19 finale at her own expense, a cost she could not manage. She also highlighted her efforts in sourcing outfits, including the blue lehenga worn by Tanya the day after the finale.
The dispute escalated when Sharma requested the return of previous outfits and clearing of pending dues before sourcing additional outfits for an ad shoot. “When Tanya picked two more sarees for an ad shoot, I asked her team to clear my dues and return the old outfits, as the brands wanted them back. Those brands were constantly calling me, so I had to insist,” Sharma explained.
She added that her distress worsened due to comments made publicly by Tanya Mittal. “When someone asked her about her styling, Tanya said, ‘Mujhe nahi pata tailor hai ya stylist hain?’ I also asked her manager for clarification, but got no answer. Even though Amrutesh, her brother, has been supportive, there was only so much he could do.”
Currently, Sharma is in contact with Tanya Mittal’s team. “I have been paid ₹50,000, but payment for three looks and 20 outfits are still pending. They promised to sort this soon. I am hopeful it will be resolved so I can move forward. For now, I want to focus on my other projects with actors like Sanjeeda Sheikh and Manara Chopra, along with music videos. I want to move on and avoid further involvement with Tanya’s team,” she added.
This controversy sheds light on the challenges faced by celebrity stylists working in high-profile reality shows, highlighting issues around professional credit, payment, and accountability in the entertainment industry.
