Shamita Shetty on how Bigg Boss triggered her anxiety: “I became a little aggressive”

Shamita Shetty said she needed therapy for about a year as she couldn’t comprehend things around her or react appropriately

Shamita Shetty’s journey in showbiz hasn’t been easy. The actress, who has seen several highs and lows in the industry, opened up about her participation in Bigg Boss (2021–22). She shared that she needed therapy for a year after the show as it triggered her anxiety, while also confessing that it did get her work and love from the audience.

Shamita Shetty, who started her career with Yash Chopra’s Mohabbatein, spoke about her experience in the Bigg Boss house. She was part of the reality show’s first season on OTT and later its 15th season on television. While she gained respect and admiration for her conduct on the show, the experience wasn’t as smooth for her.

In a chat with Pinkvilla, Shamita said she needed therapy for about a year as she couldn’t comprehend things around her or react appropriately. She called it a “volatile environment,” which led her to respond differently from how she normally would. The actress was in the house for about six months.

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“My reality and fiction were kind of getting merged, intertwined with each other, causing a lot of confusion in my head. I didn’t know how to be. And I think I was attacked so much in that house that even when I came out, I felt like I was constantly sitting with my armour on, waiting to defend myself,” she shared.

While her stay in the house was difficult, Shamita admitted that it changed the trajectory of her career. “Mentally and emotionally, it was very tough for me when I was in that house, and even after I came out of it. But I’ll still say this — the show did a lot for me in the external world, especially in terms of work.”

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Shamita, who has always been open about mental health, shared that the show triggered her anxiety and made her more aggressive. “I came out highly anxious. I was already suffering from anxiety, so it only made it worse for me. It’s not something I can easily explain as there are too many intricacies. I think I also became a little aggressive when I came out. And I think the house did that to me because I was constantly fighting,” she confessed.

Shamita also spoke about her relationship with Raqesh Bapat, who she met in Bigg Boss 15. She called it an “erased chapter,” adding that you are bound to seek support from those in the house when you are all alone.