Just when you thought reality TV had become boring and predictable, 2024 turned out to be a surprise.
While music and dance reality shows stick to their regular scripts, the likes of Splitsvilla and Bigg Boss churned out headlines that were hard to miss.
Kashish Kapoor’s split
Splitsvilla X5’s Kashish Kapoor created quite a stir after she picked Rs 10 lakh over sticking with her partner Digvijay Rathee. This led to Rathee’s automatic eviction from the show.
Though the incident happened in August, the audience hasn’t been able to move past Kapoor’s decision. Under her every Instagram post, there are comments hinting at the move.
Recently, the duo entered Bigg Boss 18, and the Splitsvilla fall-out continues.
When Salman Khan introduces Kapoor and Rathee as wildcards, he asks if the two know each other, Kapoor confidently replies, “I am the main character.”
Also read: Angry CAs, Deepika’s flings & Sharmin Segal. OTT controversies that stole the show in 2024
Asim Riaz’s outburst
The major showdown between the host, filmmaker Rohit Shetty, and contestant Asim Riaz in Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 became a massive talking point in the entertainment world.
It all began after Riaz failed to complete a task, and he blamed the makers for setting up “impossible” challenges. Shetty then showed him the video proof that the task was very much doable.
The Bigg Boss 13 runner-up said the show is getting TRP because of him.
Shetty lost his cool. A video of their altercation went viral on the internet.
“Kal bhi tune bahut bakwas ki. Sunn, meri baat sunn le, varna main utha ke yahi patak dunga. (You misbehaved yesterday as well. Listen to me or else I’ll pick and throw you). Do not misbehave with me,” Shetty said.
In the end, Riaz walked out of the show.
Salman Khan confronts Ashneer Grover
In November, a clip from Bigg Boss 17 showing a confrontation between Salman Khan and ex-Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover went viral. Khan is seen questioning Grover about his comments on the actor. All the while, the businessman cowers, unable to get a word edgewise.
The controversy began in 2022 when the ex-Shark Tank India judge said he extensively bargained with Khan to endorse BharatPe, the fintech company Grover co-founded.
Grover, while addressing students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) on 29 April 2022, alleged Khan was overpaid for the deal and claimed his involvement didn’t significantly boost the app’s growth. Grover said that he contacted Khan’s team, who sought Rs 7.5 crore. After negotiations, the deal was fixed at Rs 4.5 crore. Grover also added that Khan’s manager told him, “bhindi kharredne aaye ho kya (have you come here to buy ladyfingers?)”
After the Bigg Boss interaction, Grover posted a debrief of sorts on X, with clarifications on the interaction. Grover said that he is sure that ‘the particular episode got great TRP.’
Armaan Malik’s slap fiasco
One of the most talked-about moments of Anil Kapoor-hosted Bigg Boss OTT 3 involved YouTuber Armaan Malik, who entered the house with his two wives, Payal and Kritika Malik.
Social media influencer Vishal Pandey in a conversation with Lovekesh Kataria said he found Kritika attractive–“Bhabhi sundar lagti hai (Bhabhi looks beautiful).” The situation escalated when Payal confronted Vishal, exposing his comments to the housemates.
This triggered a heated argument between the two men, culminating in Armaan slapping Pandey. The incident sparked massive backlash, with many criticising the show for not evicting Armaan for the violent act.
Also read: The fashion faux pas of 2024. This list definitely has Salman Khan’s pants
Kusha Kapila-Samay Raina clash
The controversy between Samay Raina and Kusha Kapila stemmed from a roast on the Pretty Good Roast Show hosted by Ashish Solanki.
During the roast, Raina made jokes about Kapila’s divorce, which she later described as “dehumanising and unkind.”
While the remarks were partially muted in the episode, the damage had been done.
A few weeks later, in multiple interviews, Kusha expressed that the comments crossed the boundaries of acceptable humour. She also blocked Raina on Instagram.
India’s Got Latent
Samay Raina and controversies are practically a package deal. While India’s Got Latent won over audiences with its sharp humour and bold format, the backlash wasn’t far behind—thanks to some questionable acts by participants.
In one episode, comedian Banti Banerjee targeted Deepika Padukone with an insensitive remark: “Deepika recently became a mother; now she’ll finally understand what depression is.”
While the judges laughed, social media wasn’t having it. The comment drew widespread criticism for its tone-deafness.
Things took another bizarre turn when Priyanka Haldar, a guest on the show, walked in wearing a red bodycon dress. Mid-act, her friend whipped out scissors and transformed it into a cut-out ensemble. The conversation took an awkward turn when Haldar revealed she’s married with a 15-year-old son.
The audience and online viewers were quick to raise eyebrows. Questions about the act’s authenticity and appropriateness flooded in, with many labelling it as a desperate ploy for shock value.
While India’s Got Latent thrives on pushing boundaries, it’s clear that not every risk pays off, leaving viewers divided on whether it’s edgy humour or simply crossing the line.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)