The much-awaited premiere of Bigg Boss Season 18, themed “Time Ka Taandav,” was aired on October 6 and instantly made headlines, not just for its grand launch but also for an unexpected appearance by spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya, known to many as “Pookie Baba.” His presence, particularly after his previous criticism of reality TV and Bigg Boss, drew a wave of reactions on social media, triggering a meme fest and a barrage of questions from netizens.
Aniruddhacharya’s Surprising Entry on Bigg Boss 18
Aniruddhacharya’s cameo on the popular reality show was seen as a contradictory move by many, given his earlier disapproval of the series, which he condemned for promoting unnecessary drama and the use of abusive language. During the premiere, he presented host Salman Khan with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing peace and spirituality. However, his presence did not sit well with the audience, who took to social media platforms to voice their opinions, leading to a trending topic and a meme fest.
One of the most shared comments online was a sarcastic remark highlighting the perceived irony: “Duniya ko Maya Moh se Door karte karte, Baba ji khud Maya Main Doob Gaye,” poking fun at how a spiritual figure who advises staying away from materialistic entanglements chose to appear on one of the most controversial and sensationalized TV shows. Another user commented, “But ye to bol raha tha ye hamare Sanskar me nahi hai,” pointing out how his participation seemed to contradict his earlier statements.
Social Media Backlash
The memes and comments reflect a sense of disillusionment from many of Aniruddhacharya’s followers. His past remarks about Bigg Boss being “pathetic” and promoting a toxic culture were quoted by numerous users who were bewildered to see him on the show’s first day itself. “Pehle din hi pohach gaye!” one user joked, adding a hashtag that questioned the credibility of his values.
The reactions were not limited to just comments; several users shared edited clips and memes of his appearance, some portraying it as a “fall from grace.” One meme had an image of him entering the Bigg Boss house with the caption, “Pehle din he ghar ke chakravyuh me fans gaye,” while another showed his picture alongside controversial former contestants with the caption, “Spirituality se Bigg Boss ka safar - ye kaisa transformation hai, Baba ji?”
Aniruddhacharya’s Team Responds to the Criticism
In response to the online backlash, Aniruddhacharya’s team issued a clarification. They emphasized that his appearance on the show was strictly as a guest and not as a contestant. His brief role was intended to spread his spiritual message to a wider audience rather than to become part of the ongoing dynamics within the Bigg Boss house.
Aniruddhacharya’s Interaction with Salman Khan
On stage, Aniruddhacharya took the opportunity to engage in a lighthearted conversation with Salman Khan. In a segment that stood out, he humorously asked Salman about his much-discussed marriage plans. When asked, “Aap kab karenge shaadi?” Salman laughed it off, stating that he was content being single. Aniruddhacharya playfully persisted, suggesting that he could help Salman find a suitable match. To this, Salman jokingly responded, “Humko bhagodi chahiye,” implying his preference for someone elusive.
Mixed Reactions and Memes
The interaction was seen as a comedic relief by some, but others viewed it as further proof of Aniruddhacharya’s willingness to engage in light-hearted banter, contrasting sharply with his spiritual persona. The memes that followed ranged from lighthearted jabs to harsh criticism, many questioning whether the spiritual leader’s values had been compromised for TRP (Television Rating Point).
Aniruddhacharya’s Past Stance on Bigg Boss
The criticism largely stems from his previous stance on Bigg Boss and reality shows in general. He had publicly criticized such shows for promoting negativity and had even turned down offers to participate. This backstory played a major role in fueling the backlash, as his surprise appearance was seen as hypocritical.
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