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Surviving in the Bigg Boss house for 15 weeks is no mean feat. Arduous tasks, tough competition and an environment of animosity make this win a triumphant survival story of sorts. Television star Shilpa Shinde was crowned the winner of Bigg Boss Season 11 on Sunday night, after beating Puneesh Sharma, Vikas Gupta, and Hina Khan.
She admits in one of her interviews to a newspaper that her decision to participate in the show was largely driven by her desire to change her perception as someone, who is arrogant and throws tantrums. After being hailed as the most real, caring and entertaining contestant, she bagged the coveted trophy. The title of the ‘kitchen queen’ was also conferred upon her by the housemates.
But Who Is Shilpa Shinde?
Thanks to the role of Angoori Bhabhi in the famous TV show Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, Shinde rose to prominence and became quite the household name. Her catchphrase, "Sahi Pakde Hain" was soon on everyone’s lips, thanks to her acting prowess. But all this would soon change.
Shilpa Shinde made her television debut in 1999. As Manju, she came into the spotlight for playing a negative role in the soap opera Bhabhi. Next came roles in shows like Kabhi Aaye Na Judaai, Sanjeevani, Amrapali, and Miss India that strengthened her position in the television industry.
In January 2004, Shinde played the parallel lead in DD National's popular show Meher - Kahani Haq Aur Haqeeqat Ki. She was later seen in the Star Plus show Hatim. Shilpa even played a role in Zee TV's Rabba Ishq Na Hove till 2006. Furthermore, she was seen in Betiyaan Apni Yaa Paraaya Dhan as Veera, Hari Mirchi Lal Mirchi, and Waaris.
Shilpa Shinde was also known for essaying the role of Koyal in sitcom Chidiya Ghar. She quit the show in March 2013 due to personal reasons and was replaced by Shubhangi Atre. Atre had to exit when Shinde decided to return in June 2014, but in September, Shinde left the show again. She was permanently replaced by actor Aditi Sajwan.
“I was promised a lot of things and told that the character will have an interesting graph. However, the producer has failed to keep his promise. Since I wasn’t too happy with my track, I decided to quit the show.”Shilpa Shinde
Why Did She Quit Her Most Popular Sitcom?
The 40-year old actor, however, is best known for the popular sitcom Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai!. She is known to have ungracefully quit the show after a fight with the producers; one of them was her fellow Bigg Boss contestant - Vikas Gupta. The reason for this, Shilpa alleged, was that the makers ‘mentally tortured' her. Apparently, the makers of the show wanted her to sign an exclusivity contract. She even won an Indian Telly Award for her comical performance as Angoori bhabhi.
“I never signed that contract. In fact, I came on board after Rashmi Desai left the part abruptly. I helped them when they needed. Today, they are spreading rumours that I threw tantrums on the set. That is sheer mental torture . . . Even if I am demanding a certain pay, it is because of my position. When I was sick, they asked me to come to work. You cannot treat me badly. I am very sad. I don’t think I will go back to do the show again.”Shilpa Shinde, on her departure from Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai!
This allegation prompted the production house to send a legal notice accusing her of breach of contact.
Shinde also reportedly filed a complaint of sexual harassment against producer Sanjay Kohli. She allegedly faced trouble in getting new shows because of her outspoken temperament.
“It is tough for an actress to raise her voice on sexual harassment because the chances are they will question your character, they will ruin your career and they will defeat you in the power game. So one has to be very strong to fight against these white collar mafias.”Shilpa Shinde to national daily.
Shilpa Shinde has also performed an item number, Maro Line in Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi starring Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal.
She may not be the first woman to win Bigg Boss but Shilpa Shinde made history by being the most talked about contestant of the season on Twitter.
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