Bigg Boss 19, also known as Bigg Boss: Iss Baar Chalegi Gharwaloon Ki Sarkar, premiered in August 2025 on JioHotstar and Colors TVen.wikipedia.org. The popular reality show is hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who returns as the anchor for the sixteenth timeen.wikipedia.org. Salman’s firm yet caring style often makes him a mediator and guardian figure on the show. This season’s house included 18 contestants with diverse backgrounds; among them was Ashnoor Kaur, a 21-year-old television actress known for shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Patiala Babesen.wikipedia.org.
Bigg Boss has a reputation for high drama, and tensions often run high in the house. Early on, Ashnoor Kaur found herself at the center of a controversy when some fellow contestants repeatedly made cruel remarks about her weight and appearance. This conflict escalated to a major showdown when, during a Weekend Ka Vaar episode, host Salman Khan himself confronted the offenders to defend Ashnoor. The incident highlighted not just a TV scandal but also raised questions about body-shaming and empathy on national television.
Bigg Boss 19 Overview and Salman Khan’s Role
Salman Khan’s involvement in Bigg Boss is legendary; fans often view him as the ultimate authority in the house. In Season 19, Salman continued to host the show, which is broadcast every day at 9 PM on JioHotstar and at 10:30 PM on Colors TVhindustantimes.com. As the longtime host, Salman is known for imposing order during the explosive “Weekend Ka Vaar” episodes, where he addresses conflicts among contestants.
His presence brings a sense of gravitas to the show. Salman knows he must balance entertainment with responsibility. Over the years, he has become adept at reading situations and giving advice or reprimands to contestants. This season, Salman’s leadership was put to the test when a feud inside the house about Ashnoor’s body image reached boiling point.
Salman Khan – Bigg Boss Host for the Sixteenth Time
Salman Khan’s role in Bigg Boss is more than just a presenter; he is the show’s moral compass. Fans know that he cares about fairness and respect among contestants. This expectation was fully evident when he took a stand against bullying in Season 19. Salman’s on-screen persona as a tough-but-fair host meant that when the body-shaming controversy came to light, he would have to act decisively. The Weekend Ka Vaar episodes, where Salman steps in with a stern talk, are often trending segments each week.
Meet Ashnoor Kaur: TV Actress and Contestant
Ashnoor Kaur entered the Bigg Boss house as one of the original housematesen.wikipedia.org. At just 21 years old, Ashnoor had already made a name for herself in Indian television drama. She is best known for playing child and teenage roles in popular serials. For example, as the young Naira in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Ashnoor gained widespread recognitionen.wikipedia.org. Her move to reality TV was meant to be a new challenge and a chance to connect with a wider audience.
Ashnoor is described as a young woman who has been “in front of the camera” since childhoodindiaforums.com. This long career made her mature beyond her years, but it did not shield her from the harsh realities of house politics. Despite her professional background, in the Bigg Boss house Ashnoor was also vulnerable like any other contestant, living 24/7 under constant scrutiny and stress. Initially, she was greeted warmly by many housemates, but the atmosphere changed when conversations behind her back began to revolve around her weight and looks.
The Body-Shaming Controversy Inside the House
Body-shaming is unfortunately a recurring issue in society, and sometimes it finds its way into reality shows. On Bigg Boss 19, several contestants began making negative comments about Ashnoor’s appearance. These remarks did not happen in front of the camera at first; they were caught during live feeds or tasks, or whispered in private. Over time, the hurtful comments snowballed into an ugly controversy. Let’s look at how the situation unfolded inside the house:
Amaal Mallik and Shehbaz Badesha’s Remarks
One of the earliest incidents involved contestant Amaal Mallik and Shehbaz Badesha. As reported by Times of India, in a conversation about Ashnoor, Amaal snidely remarked that Ashnoor had an “ande jaisi shakal” (egg-like face)timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Shehbaz joined in, calling her “thepla” (a flattened bread). This kind of harsh joking was caught on camera in one of the episodes. Although it may have seemed like offhand banter to them, viewers and Ashnoor herself found it cruel. The clip quickly leaked online, causing initial outrage among Bigg Boss fans.
The analogy of an egg or a thepla was a way to make fun of Ashnoor’s round face and weight. It was as if Amaal and Shehbaz were drawing unkind cartoons of her in real time. Even other housemates who were present were shocked, and viewers watching at home felt angry that such comments were being normalized. This incident set the stage for what was to come, showing that several people in the house had begun to view Ashnoor as a target rather than a fellow contestant.
Tanya Mittal and Neelam Giri’s Gossip Session
Things escalated when Tanya Mittal and Neelam Giri, who at one point had been friendly with Ashnoor, started gossiping about her behind her back. A recent NDTV report detailed how Tanya told Neelam that Ashnoor was going to the gym “every single day without fail,” yet somehow was “still putting on weight”ndtv.com. Neelam agreed and added that Ashnoor seemed to be doing “nothing else” in the house except exercising, so she couldn’t understand how Ashnoor had “put on a lot of weight”ndtv.com. Essentially, they were questioning her physique and dedication to fitness.
In another twist, Tanya and Neelam even critiqued one of Ashnoor’s dresses. NDTV notes that the two women agreed that the outfit Ashnoor chose for a weekend episode “did not suit her body type,” and they jokingly said that if they (Tanya or Neelam) had worn that dress, they “would have looked much prettier”ndtv.com. Imagine hearing your friends whisper that about you—this was a major blow to Ashnoor’s confidence. On camera it played out like a twisted fashion critique and led fans to slam Tanya and Neelam online for crossing the linendtv.com.
Tanya and Neelam’s gossip was particularly hurtful because it felt like a betrayal; they had been friendly to Ashnoor’s face. One minute they were complimenting her, the next minute they were mocking her. This duplicity was shocking to viewers. It’s as if they were performing a small theatrical act: first praising her, then abruptly sniping about her weight, leaving Ashnoor caught in the middle when the truth came out.
Tanya’s “Haathi” (Elephant) Comment
The body-shaming did not stop there. During a ration task (a competition in the Bigg Boss garden), Tanya again targeted Ashnoor by using a particularly nasty nickname. She referred to Ashnoor as “haathi,” which means elephant, while laughing with Neelam and Kunickaatimesofindia.indiatimes.com. This was not merely an observation; it was meant as an insult about Ashnoor’s size. Calling someone an animal was a clear attempt to demean her.
At this point, fans who were following the live feeds and episodes became outraged. They saw that the comments were piling up and that Ashnoor was clearly distressed. Many viewers demanded that the show’s producers or Salman himself intervene. In fact, Times of India reported that viewers demanded Salman address this issue during the upcoming Weekend Ka Vaar timesofindia.indiatimes.com. It seemed the only way to stop this cycle was for the host to step in and set things straight.
Public and Celebrity Reaction
As news of the Bigg Boss drama spread, public response was swift. Fans of Ashnoor and the show took to social media to condemn the body-shaming. Hashtags supporting Ashnoor trended, and many called out Tanya, Neelam, Amaal, and others for their hurtful comments. The controversy became about more than just one TV show; it turned into a conversation about respect and empathy.
Social Media Outrage and Fan Backlash
The clips of the housemates gossiping leaked online, and social media was abuzz. Viewers were angry that these contestants were bullying a co-participant. Some fans said you could hear a pin drop the moment Ashnoor found out about the comments. Others posted comparisons and video edits to highlight how much Ashnoor had changed since childhood, showing her as a confident young actress to invoke empathy for her situation.
Many remarked that Ashnoor, at 21, was mature but still vulnerable, and she did not deserve to be mocked for her body. The NDTV story noted that fans on social media were “outraged” and publicly calling out Tanya and Neelam for the way they spoke about Ashnoorndtv.com. It was clear people were rallying behind Ashnoor, treating her as the victim in this scenario.
Ashnoor’s Father’s Defiant Reply
The scandal even reached Ashnoor’s family. Times of India reported that her father, Gurmeet Singh, reacted strongly. He reshared a reel of the contestants’ hurtful remarks and posted on Instagram:
“Why is everyone so insecure about a 21-year-old? Oh, I know… they can’t match her levels of dignity and grace.”timesofindia.indiatimes.com
These words quickly went viral. By responding with such grace, Ashnoor’s father took the high road. He basically said, “She may be young, but she has more dignity than those attacking her.” His calm but powerful reply earned him praise from fans, who said it was a strong way to defend his daughter without engaging in insults of his own. It also underscored that the body-shaming wasn’t just “playful banter” – it hurt a proud family deeply.
Support from Celebrities like Gauahar Khan
Ashnoor also received support from fellow celebrities. Gauahar Khan, a popular actress and Bigg Boss season 7 winner, publicly condemned the body-shaming on Instagram. In her Instagram stories, she called Tanya’s behavior “absolutely disgusting” and said at first she thought Tanya was “very sorted, innocent, and entertaining,” but realized that behind the scenes she had been “body-shaming Ashnoor”hindustantimes.com.
Gauahar went on to talk about how calling someone an elephant or pointing out their weight is “absolutely disgusting”hindustantimes.com. She pointed out that a person can pretend to be caring on the outside but still criticize someone behind their back, which she found morally wrong. The analogy she gave was sharp: if Tanya thought she was the epitome of beauty, she was mistaken, because “if you put others down to make yourself feel prettier, then you’re not beautiful at all”hindustantimes.com. Gauahar’s statement helped frame the incident as more than just a reality show spat; it was about being kind-hearted versus being “beautiful” in a superficial wayhindustantimes.com.
Other celebrities also voiced support for Ashnoor. Actress Kamya Punjabi and actor Rohan Mehra praised her courage, while fans compared this situation to past reality TV bullying instances. Actress Shilpa Shinde’s earlier struggles with weight-shaming (during her own reality show appearances) was mentioned on Twitter in solidarity. Even contestants who were not involved, like Jannat Zubair and Sumbul Touqeer, were seen posting supportive messages for Ashnoor outside the houseindiaforums.com. The consensus was clear: Ashnoor did not deserve the disrespect she was being shown.
Salman Khan’s Intervention on Weekend Ka Vaar
With pressure building, the showdown finally came on Weekend Ka Vaar, the Friday episode where Salman Khan addresses issues face-to-face. Salman entered the house feeling the tension. The promos for the episode revealed what was coming: Salman would specifically call out Tanya Mittal, Neelam Giri – and even Kunickaa Sadanand – about their words about Ashnoor. The housemates and viewers held their breath.
Confronting Tanya and Neelam on Stage
During the show, Salman Khan began by asking Tanya and Neelam a simple question: “Aap bataiye kya aapki rai hai Ashnoor ko lekar?” (Please tell me what your opinion of Ashnoor is)hindustantimes.com. Both women were put on the spot. Under the lights and cameras, Neelam said Ashnoor “achhi lag rahi hai” (she looks good) and Tanya added that Ashnoor “looks like a princess”hindustantimes.com. On the surface, it seemed they were praising Ashnoor’s appearance.
But Salman was not fooled. That’s when he dropped the bombshell. He turned to Tanya and Neelam and reminded them of what they had actually said about Ashnoor in private. In a dramatic moment, he recited the insults they had used: “Tanya, aapne kaha ‘haathi jaise, dinosaur, moti, fugge jaise shakal waali.’ Who gave you the right to say all that?”hindustantimes.com. It was a mic-drop moment. Suddenly, the nice things Tanya and Neelam had just said about Ashnoor seemed empty and hypocritical.
Ashnoor, watching from her seat with the other housemates, was visibly hurt when her own words were repeated. She quietly muttered, “Shame on you, Tanya.”hindustantimes.com. The tension was palpable. Other contestants who had been around during the gossip fell silent. Even Kunickaa, who had participated in the gossip at the table, had to answer for her role (Salman asked why she had listened silently). One by one, Salman asked each offender to admit what they had said.
This confrontation was captured on camera and later shared on social media through JioHotstar Reality’s official channels. Fans later praised Salman Khan for doing what many viewers felt he should: he called out the bullying and did not let it slide. It felt to the audience like the show’s “sanchalak” (mediator) was fulfilling his duty by protecting a vulnerable contestant.
Salman’s Strong Message Against Bullying
After hearing their confession and apology, Salman did not go easy on Tanya or Neelam. He pointed out the hypocrisy and taught a lesson about respect. His tone was firm. At one point, he said in Hindi: “Ye sab bolne ka haq kisne diya aapko?” (Who gave you all the right to say these things?)hindustantimes.com. This question echoed the outrage of the audience.
Salman also made it clear that body-shaming is not acceptable. He told them, “Yahan bahut gaaliyan boli gayi hain is show par — but in my eyes, this is worse than all of them.”timesofindia.indiatimes.com In other words, he believed that calling someone an elephant or dinosaur was even more serious than other abuses usually heard on the show. He emphasized that everyone has the right to feel beautiful about themselves, no matter their shape or size.
He further criticized Tanya when she apologized. Salman sensed her regret was superficial. He said, “You’re only saying sorry so that this topic doesn’t stretch — not because you’ve realised your mistake.”timesofindia.indiatimes.com. That was a key moment: Salman was teaching a lesson about genuine empathy versus a damage-control apology. Basically, he was telling Tanya that an apology should come from the heart, not just to end the argument.
By the end of the episode, the message was loud and clear: even on a game show where contestants compete fiercely, there are lines you cannot cross. Shaming someone for their body is one of those lines. Salman Khan’s intervention turned this event into a teachable moment, not just for the contestants, but also for millions of viewers who watched the episode the next day.
Ashnoor Kaur’s Emotional Confession
The confrontation had a profound effect on Ashnoor. After hearing the accusations and seeing the remorse, she opened up about why this hurt her so much. In tears, Ashnoor revealed to Salman and the group that her struggles with body image went far deeper than anyone in the house realized.
Long-Standing Body-Image Struggles
Ashnoor told the room that she has been battling body-image issues since she was a teenager. She said, “Mujhe 14 saal ki umar se body image issues rahe hain.” (I have had body image issues since I was 14)timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The young actress described how her body would bloat during stressful periods on set. She confessed that at one point as a child, she had developed an eating disorder and would “starve” herself because she felt pressure to stay thintimesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Ashnoor also shared something surprising: before entering the Bigg Boss house, she had actually lost about nine kilograms through diet and exercise. Yet after joining the show, her body started to gain weight again — likely due to stress and the packed schedule. She said this weight gain was beyond her control and emotionally devastating for her. Even Salman Khan acknowledged the reality of this struggle, candidly admitting he too gains weight when under stress.
By the time Ashnoor broke down in front of Salman, she had already spent years in the entertainment industry and had a certain level of resilience, but hearing her “friends” insult her weight cut deep. In that vulnerable moment, she made it clear to Tanya and the others: their comments were not just hurtful to her personally, but to everyone who has ever felt insecure about their body. She said, “You are making everyone feel bad who have issues with their body.” (She told them that their words were hurting not just her, but countless viewers who struggle with the same insecurities)timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
This was powerful because Ashnoor transformed the issue into a broader social statement. She highlighted the irony of one contestant claiming to be spiritual and caring, while privately tearing someone down. Ashnoor’s candid revelation that she had medical and hormonal reasons affecting her weight – including a suspicion of thyroid issues – added depth to her explanation. She wanted everyone to understand that body changes can have legitimate causes and deserve respect, not ridicule.
Impact on Ashnoor and Apology
Ashnoor’s emotional speech visibly affected everyone in the studio. Contestants like Abhishek Bajaj, who was supporting Ashnoor throughout, nodded in agreement. Abhishek pointed out that Ashnoor had always been diet-conscious and that such remarks were extremely insensitive. Even Tanya, who initially denied remembering anything she had said, eventually apologized on camera for her hurtful words. However, as mentioned, Salman was skeptical about the sincerity of her apologytimesofindia.indiatimes.com.
In that discussion, Ashnoor stood her ground with quiet dignity. She looked Tanya straight in the eye and said simply, “Shame on you.” That was the same line reported by Hindustan Timeshindustantimes.com. It was a moment of reckoning: Ashnoor wasn’t just sobbing – she was asserting that enough was enough. For viewers, this was heart-wrenching but also inspirational; a reminder of how real and human reality TV contestants can be, beyond the drama.
After the confrontation and Ashnoor’s speech, Tanya and Neelam left the stage visibly shaken. They had faced public humiliation. The atmosphere was heavy: even Salman’s usual lively hosting vibe turned serious. It was clear that everyone in that house, including Ashnoor, had learned something important that day.
Aftermath and Broader Significance
The events of that Weekend Ka Vaar left a lasting impression both on the show and on the audience. For one thing, it reinforced the idea that reality TV can spotlight real issues like body-shaming and send strong messages. Social media continued to buzz with discussions about this incident for days afterward.
Body Positivity and Mental Health Conversation
By the next morning, many media outlets and fans were writing about Ashnoor’s bravery and Salman’s handling of the situation. Psychology and social pages jumped on the story, talking about the importance of body positivity and the harm caused by such comments. While some critics wondered if the show had been dragging controversy for TRPs, many agreed that Bigg Boss 19 had at least highlighted a positive lesson.
Ashnoor’s tearful narrative and Salman’s stern rebuke combined to spark conversations about mental health. Viewers were reminded that behind every “contestant” label is a person with feelings and a history. After the episode aired, there were messages from fans and even health professionals praising Ashnoor for sharing her story. The incident became a talking point about self-esteem and the pressures people face to look a certain way.
The Role of Reality TV in Societal Issues
Bigg Boss has often been criticized for dramatizing conflict, but this instance showed a flip side: that the platform could be used to address societal issues. By dealing with body-shaming head-on, the show inadvertently opened up dialogue on a mainstream level. Salman’s question “Who gave you the right…?” became a meme of sorts, symbolizing a stand against bullying. People began using it even outside the context of the show, whenever they saw any form of harassment.
It’s an analogy – Bigg Boss became like a school playground, and Salman was the teacher who stepped in when playground taunts went too far. Ashnoor’s situation became a microcosm of what many young people experience in schools or workplaces. The incident showed how reality TV can mirror real life: conflict happens, but so can resolution and empathy.
Ultimately, while Bigg Boss 19 is about competition for a trophy, this moment transcended the game. It illustrated that some values – respect, dignity, empathy – are more important than any prize.
Conclusion: The Salman Khan–Ashnoor Kaur episode of Bigg Boss 19 made headlines for good reason. It began with hurtful words but ended with a strong message against cruelty. Ashnoor Kaur endured mockery but responded with courage, revealing her personal struggles. Salman Khan used his authority to defend Ashnoor and teach a lesson that audiences will remember. In a sense, everyone learned something: not to judge others by appearance and to speak up when they see injustice. This incident shows that even in a reality show, human compassion can shine through.