‘My individuality is non-negotiable; I take pride staying true to myself’

With his unapologetic attitude, fearless honesty and a heart that beats to its own drum, Shehzada Dhami captured the hearts of millions during his stint on Bigg Boss. As a true original, he dared to be himself, even in the face of adversity, inspiring a generation with his courage and conviction. In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, Shehzada Dhami, who was evicted from India’s most controversial reality show, opened up about his journey, his unexpected eviction and his take on the dynamics of the house. Known for his straightforward nature, he didn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts.
When asked whether he anticipated his eviction, he  candidly admitted, “For me, eviction was surprising and completely unexpected. I genuinely feel I didn’t deserve to leave the house this soon. There were others who could have been evicted in my place and I believe the show would have been a better place had I stayed. The dynamics could have been very different if I had continued.” He formed strong bonds with some contestants while clashing with others, but he doesn’t believe personal dynamics led to his exit. “I don’t think anybody contributed to my eviction. No one is responsible for it except, perhaps, the makers of the show. Ultimately, it’s their decision who stays and who goes. I don’t even know the number of votes I actually received. All I know is that I didn’t expect this and I didn’t like it,” he said. Known for his honesty and speaking his mind, he was asked if this trait played a part in his early exit. His response was clear: “If my straightforward nature worked against me, why would I even be on the show? The format demands honesty and upfront conversations instead of backstabbing. If the makers or the audience don’t appreciate someone who speaks their heart and stays true to their nature, then what kind of person are they really looking for?”
When quizzed about a possible turning point that may have led to his eviction, he  said, “There wasn’t any specific moment or issue responsible for this. I was playing my game, expressing myself honestly and addressing issues head-on.”
Reflecting on his time in the house, he stood firm in his choices. “I have no regrets. I’ve always stood for what’s right and called out what’s wrong. That’s who I am and I won’t change myself—not for a show or for anything else. My individuality is non-negotiable and I take pride in staying true to myself,” he stated emphatically.
Now that he’s out of the house, who does he think has the strongest chance of winning? He refused to single anyone out: “I don’t think there’s a clear strongest contestant. The dynamics change every day, as do the relationships and the atmosphere. It’s hard to say who will ultimately come out on top.” While his journey on the show was cut short, his candid and unapologetic attitude is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans. For now, he’s focused on what lies ahead and remains proud of the honesty and integrity he displayed during his time in the house.
Known for his unfiltered honesty and straightforward approach, sharing insights into his strategy during his time on the reality show, how he managed the pressures of the house and the lessons he’s taking forward.
When asked about the pressure he faced, he revealed, “The only real pressure I experienced was the lack of sleep and food. It made me feel irritated at times, but that’s where self-control came in. I think I managed to handle myself well under these circumstances. Whenever there was an issue in the house, I always expressed my point of view clearly. There was never a moment where I said something just out of stress or pressure. I’m proud that I didn’t let those challenges get the better of me.”
On how life has changed after the show, he shared a valuable takeaway: “I’ve learned to be more vocal. Staying silent might be a good idea sometimes, but not always. Silence can hold you back and I’ve realised the importance of speaking up when needed. That’s something I’ll carry forward in my life.”
The conversation turned to the topic of alliances in the house, or as Shehzada described them, “gangs.” He firmly stated, “I don’t want to comment much on the gangs in the house. I’ve never been a part of any gang and I don’t like the idea of fighting in groups. I’ve always fought my battles single-handedly and that’s been my strategy from day one. I believe in standing on my own.” As for his plans post-eviction, he has left fans intrigued: “You’ll find out soon. Keep an eye out for my articles—they’ll reveal what’s coming next!” With his characteristic blend of confidence and mystery, Shehzada has set the stage for an exciting journey ahead. Whether it’s his newfound vocal clarity or his independent spirit, he’s ready to make his mark beyond the confines of the house