Bhojpuri actor Monalisa, currently seen on the reality show The 50, has spoken candidly about her brief and emotional journey on the series.
The actor entered the show alongside her husband, Vikrant Singh Rajpoot, but was recently eliminated. In a new interview, she revealed that she felt sidelined and treated differently because of her association with the Bhojpuri film industry.
‘I Felt Like a Second-Class Contestant’
Speaking to Screen, Monalisa shared that she had initially been excited about participating in the show and building new friendships.
She expected to connect with at least a few contestants, even if not all 50. However, once inside the house, she realised that many participants already had pre-existing bonds and rivalries.
According to her, this dynamic made it difficult for her to integrate into established groups. She described her journey as shorter than expected and emotionally challenging.
On Belonging to the Bhojpuri Industry
Monalisa stated that despite working in over 200 Bhojpuri films and spending the last several years building a career in television, she still felt judged for her regional cinema background.
She expressed confusion over being sidelined despite her experience and contribution to the industry. The actor suggested that pre-formed alliances among contestants from television and other reality shows limited her and Vikrant’s opportunities to prove themselves.
She also mentioned that Vikrant eventually received a chance to participate actively in the game, but only after resistance from contestants such as Rajat Dalal and Adnan Sheikh.
A Career Beyond Regional Cinema
Monalisa began her career as a prominent Bhojpuri film star, appearing in over 125 films, before gaining nationwide recognition through Bigg Boss 10.
She later became a household name with her role in Nazar. In 2017, she married Vikrant Singh Rajpoot on national television during her stint on Bigg Boss.
Debate Around Regional Bias
Her remarks have reignited conversations about whether actors from regional industries face subtle bias on mainstream Hindi reality shows.
While the show continues, Monalisa’s statements have prompted discussions about inclusivity and equal opportunity within competitive entertainment formats.
