In 2006, when the first season of Big Boss premiered on Television, Channel 4, the producer of its original version was grappling with a controversy that had been created inside the rarefied precincts of the show. It began when a “low-key” actress Jade goody called Indian actress Shilpa Shetty Paki. The row led to the eviction of Jade goody from the house following a public vote that overwhelmingly voted for her to leave.

While 16 years later in 2022 similar controversy has erupted in Big Boss 16, but seemingly with lesser consequences and public outrage. Archana Gautam, a contestant on the show was subjected to casteist remarks by Vikas Manaktal, a fellow contestant who reportedly called Gautam“ Neech Jaati ke log (people of low caste) and that he would clean the table as she has touched it.

Taking cognizance of the issue SC/ST commission issued a notice to Mumbai CP, Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd, Endemol India Pvt Ltd andhas said in astatement that Archana Gautam was called “Neech jaati ke log" This is an offence punishable under SC/ST Act, and the Commission has decided to investigate the matter in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India (sic).

The officials of the colours tv channel declined to comment on the issue until the episode was aired.

It needs to be seen will this episode of racism elicits the same public outrage as was witnessed during the racism row of 2006 in the show Big Brothers or will be pushed under the carpet as it happens with other cases of caste atrocities.