Rajul Hegde in Mumbai
Aseem Trivedi is the latest housemate to be evicted from the TV reality show Bigg Boss.
He was evicted a day after suspected activists of the Republican Party of India (RPI) pelted stones at the Mumbai office of Colors, the channel that airs the programme, demanding his elimination.
Trivedi is a cartoonist by profession and a social activist by passion. He was at the centre of a major controversy before he entered the Bigg Boss house, and was accused by the police of sedition in his cartoons, an absurd charge that was later withdrawn.
On the show, he opened up and shared his thoughts about how our country lacks peace and harmony mainly due to the backward thinking of people.
'Why call me in the house when you don't have the courage to showcase my view?'
Trivedi participated in all the household chores, activities and tasks with much passion and sincerity.
Does he think that his eviction was due to political pressure? "I don't know whether that was the reason behind my eviction. I can only say that I was nominated (for expulsion) by others just because I was close to someone. It doesn't matter; my job on the show was over. And it is time for me to resume my work outside," he said. "This incident has only shown that freedom of speech is in danger."
He went on the show to "spread awareness about certain issues", but didn't quite fulfil that purpose.
"We had various debates on issues such as corruption and women's rights inside, but nothing was shown on air. Why call me in the house when you don't have the courage to showcase my view?
"I think I just wasted my time inside. Sometimes you just have to work, even if you do not know the result."
'Sapna's comments on Salman were edited'
He was calm in the house and didn't get into petty fights. "It's difficult when you are away from your family, why worsen the condition by fighting with others?" he says.
Trivedi hit it off with hair stylist Sapna Bhavnani. The two would often be seen sharing their opinions and views regarding the social issues that women and men in the country are facing.
He defends Sapna: "People can't digest the fact that this lady speaks the truth and sticks by her principles. She even took on host Salman Khan when she felt wronged. I was shocked to know that none of those things were telecast. Even Sapna's comments on Salman were edited."
Sapna called Trivedi 'Bhaiya' and the two were quite fond of each other. When either of them was upset, the other would be the first to be the consoler.
'It was not Raksha Bandhan time else people would have seen Sapna tying a rakhi on me'
So, was Sapna's affection more than sisterly?
"When I was inside the house, it was not Raksha Bandhan time else people would have seen her tying a rakhi on me (grins). Sidhuji (Navjot Singh Sidhu) said it looked like a mother is taking care of her child."
Trivedi reverts to the subject more close to his heart.
"Just before I went onto Bigg Boss, I wanted to start a school to teach the various tools of activism and empower common people. I intend to carry that idea forward. A lot of work is to be done. This is only the beginning," says Trivedi about his future plans.
He says he found "two-three" celebrities in the Bigg Boss house who are willing to work with him. "If known faces agree to join my campaign, the common people will also be motivated."
Would he go back to the house if given a chance? "Dhoka kia hai channel walo ne mere saath (the channel has betrayed me). I went and wasted my time," he replies.
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