The location of Bigg Boss’ house is a mystery. Reality is, it is in Lonavala, in a narrow lane of a busy market place. This lane leads to a defunct factory which is protected by private security, a few loyal stray dogs and a dedicated in-house crew. A workforce consisting of dedicated personnel, 82 cameras, an innovative architect come together to bring the happenings of the Bigg Boss’ house to our living rooms.
Season 8 of Bigg Boss nears the finale despite having an extended time. Just before the show ended, we get a first-hand experience of watching inmates do their duties.
While the contestants live and work to complete their assigned tasks, ever wondered what would it be like to be there next to them? Spooky is the word. Imagine watching Gautam Gulati over his head as he lies down on his bed.
Tossing a tattered ball to play catch he is immersed in thoughts. As he plays the tattered soft ball he dozes off. He slips into a slumber on his bed with his shoes on and we discuss amongst us about the bruise on his right knuckle. These bruises are the outcome of him punching against a metal door to release his frustration. All of which was on air in the earlier episodes.
Gautam’s skin also reflects a lot of radiance and he always manages to look fresh. His secret: A special medicated skin radiance improving crème which we found tossed on the headside of his bed.
The Bigg Boss house isn’t just a set. It is a fully functional home done up to suit the needs of the show. And in order to avoid repetition of the look, the house is redecorated every season.
Behind the scenes of Bigg Boss house is serious business where 11 editors work on different monitors to keep a close look at the 82 cameras placed in the house. The line –‘nothing can be hidden from the Bigg Boss’ is true, except that cameras don’t follow contestants to the bathrooms. Shifting from window to window we observe the rest of the contestants. Dimpy was resting in a corner amongst a pile of clothes, while Preetam chatted with her. Karishma was seen bringing clothes from the clothes line. The house was silent post lunch. Just then a siren sounds. Cock-a-doodle-doo, loud and clear and in a loop.
Gautam wakes up from his slumber and assures the cameras that he’s awake. Preetam calls out and says, haan bhai jaag ke hain . In the bedroom the floor is mostly strewn with tissue papers. Because it is up to the inmates to see how the house is maintained.
The inmates of the house have no control over anything in the house, except themselves. A set of master keys, switches and bolts, manage their day-to-day living. Being physically present in the house makes one aware of what the inmates go through and why they react the way they do.
So, now the big question is does Salman really visit the house?
Reality is, Salman has a weekend house on the sets which has two kennels for his dogs. The studio apartment has a small dining area with photos of Salman with his pets as the wallpaper. Rest of the living room has wallpapers of Salman’s recent best movies. During the time when he isn’t shooting, Salman jogs within the huge compound or plays cricket with the support staff.
( The writer was on the sets of Bigg Boss on the invitation of Endemol India )
