The idea that the Indian reality show Bigg Boss is “cursed” is a popular perception fueled by a series of tragic and untimely deaths, as well as significant personal and mental health challenges faced by former contestants.
While many consider these events to be coincidences, they have sparked a larger conversation about the show’s potential negative impacts.
Several former contestants have passed away at a relatively young age due to various reasons, including heart attacks and suicide.
Sidharth Shukla dies at 40, why are cardiac deaths becoming common at a young age?
High-profile cases, such as the deaths of Sidharth Shukla, Pratyusha Banerjee, Sonali Phogat, and Shefali Jariwala (who died in late June 2025), have led fans and some celebrities to speculate about a “Bigg Boss curse” or a jinx.
View this post on Instagram
Contestants often face immense stress, social isolation, and conflict within the house environment.
Some have publicly spoken about battling depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts, attributing these issues partly to their experiences on the show and the subsequent public scrutiny and online abuse.
Some former participants note that while the show provides initial exposure, many struggle to maintain a relevant career afterward, leading to the perception that winning or participating can be a “curse” for their professional lives.
Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death sparks Bollywood debate on anti-aging treatments
Many people, including fans and some family members, dismiss the “curse” as a myth, attributing the tragic deaths to underlying health conditions, lifestyle choices, or simply unfortunate coincidences that are part of life’s unpredictability.
Discussions surrounding some deaths have brought up factors like pre-existing health issues or lifestyle choices, rather than the show itself being the direct cause.
View this post on Instagram
The show’s format is designed to create drama and conflict for entertainment, which naturally results in a high-stress environment for participants.
Ultimately, the idea of a “curse” is a speculative and sensationalized perspective. While the show has a documented history of causing significant psychological distress and controversy, most experts and a large portion of the public attribute the negative outcomes to the inherent nature of reality television and tragic coincidences, rather than a supernatural curse.
