With gratitude and confidence, actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Chum Darang opened up about her transformative journey on Bigg Boss 18, her evolving bond with Karanveer Mehra, her emotional struggles in the house and moreWith gratitude and confidence, actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Chum Darang opened up about her transformative journey on Bigg Boss 18, her evolving bond with Karanveer Mehra, her emotional struggles in the house and more
Tejal Sinha
Chum Darang’s journey from the quiet corners of the entertainment industry to the bright lights of Bigg Boss 18 has been nothing short of a revelation. Known for her quiet strength and raw authenticity, Chum Darang made an unforgettable mark on the show, captivating audiences with her fierce authenticity and undeniable presence. Born in Arunachal Pradesh, she wasn’t just another contestant—Chum’s journey was one of transformation, where vulnerability met strength and where every moment in the house revealed a side of her fans couldn’t get enough of. From forming lasting bonds to standing up against criticism, she quickly became a fan favourite, leaving a legacy that extended far beyond the Bigg Boss house and into the hearts of viewers everywhere.
While we can just not adore her posts and reels of ‘ChumVeer’, we had an equally fun chat The Pioneer with her. So, let’s take you through our exclusive chat with her.
Reflecting on her Bigg Boss Journey, she describes it as nothing short of fantastic. “It was more than I could ever imagine,” she says, her voice filled with gratitude. For someone who describes herself as an introvert, this journey was not just about being a part of a reality show, but also about personal growth. “I’m someone who takes time to open up. But during the course of the show, I’ve tried to come out of my shell and become more outspoken. That’s been a great change for me.”
Before she could make a mark of herself in the entertainment industry, She was crowned Miss AAPSU in 2010 and later represented India at Miss Earth India 2016 and Miss Asia World 2017. Later, she made a remarkable performance with her roles, in films like Badhaai Do and Gangubai Kathiawadi, though relatively brief, has also helped her gain recognition. But it was after her Bigg Boss appearance that the love and recognition from fans reached new heights. “Doing Bigg Boss was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she reflects. “It gave me visibility and recognition that I never imagined. I’m really grateful for the love that has come my way.”
Despite her initial reluctance to join the show, fearing judgment from the public, she is now thankful for taking that leap. “I was nervous at first, but everything turned out fine and I’ve gained so much from this experience,” she adds.
Throughout her time in the house, she formed strong bonds, particularly with fellow contestant Karan. There was a lot of talk among fans about the chemistry between the two, with several speculating about a deeper connection. In fact, even post the show, their videos can make us go ‘awwww’. Chum also shared a video in which Karan Veer Mehra could be heard confessing his love to her. He said, “Roses are red, violets are blue, I don’t care about anybody but I love you.” Chum was seen blushing and showing a thumbs-up sign after Karan’s confession. In fact, Chum had also captioned her post stating, “Valentine’s Day it was. Thank you, you.”Chum, however, sets the record straight: “The bond I share with Karan is real. It’s not just for the show. What we share is true and it will last beyond Bigg Boss. People will talk, but we know the truth,” she says confidently.
Chum also shared a candid moment when she opened up about the emotionally challenging moments in the house. The task with Vivian, which led to an emotional breakdown, was particularly tough for her. “It was one of the worst moments for me in the house. Both Shrutika and I went through panic attacks, and we cried a lot. It was very tough emotionally,” she recalls, her voice growing somber. She appreciates the support she had from close friends like Karan and Shilpa, which helped her cope with the difficult time.
Going ahead, she also spoke out about the recent incident where Elvish Yadav made derogatory and racist remarks about her during a podcast. She stated that disrespecting someone’s identity and name is no fun. In a post that she had shared, she went on to emphasise that there is a line between humour and hate, and such behavior must not be tolerated. She also extended her support to the Northeastern community, standing firm against racism.
“I stand with everyone who has faced racism. We all deserve respect, dignity and equality,” she shared with strength. Her response was met with an outpouring of support from her fans, who appreciated her courage in standing up for herself and for others who face discrimination.
Another controversy that Chum faced during her time on the show involved accusations that she played the “woman card” during some of the tasks. She is quick to dismiss these claims with a laugh. “I find it funny when people say that,” Chum says, shaking her head. “I’m not the type of person to play any card. I was just being myself, and I think everyone knows that. People can say what they want, but I’ve lived those moments, and I know the truth.”
Her emotional vulnerability was evident during her conversations with Vivian, who expressed regret after a task involving the two of them. In the aftermath of the task, Vivian organised a surprise party for Bigg Boss contestants, yet Chum was not invited. Some fans speculated about the reasons for her absence, but Chum clarifies, “It was a surprise party for Vivian and it was organized at the last minute. I spoke to Nouran after that, and we cleared things up. Everything is good now.”
As for what the future holds, Chum has a lot to look forward to. She shares that she was working on a project before entering the Bigg Boss house and is now eager to resume filming. She hints at more exciting things ahead, although she’s keeping some details under wraps for now. “There’s a lot to come,” she teases. “I’m excited about what’s next.”
Her journey from the Bigg Boss house to her growing fanbase has been a testament to her resilience, strength, and unwavering authenticity. Despite facing personal challenges, online criticism and even racism, she has proven time and time again that she will not be defined by negativity. For her, it’s about embracing who she is, celebrating the relationships that matter, and, most importantly, standing up for what’s right. “We all deserve respect and equality,” she concludes with a smile, “and that’s what I’ll always fight for.”
As Chum embarks on new projects, her fans are eagerly waiting to see more of the multi-faceted actress, who continues to inspire with her powerful voice and her fearless approach to life.
