Chandrika Dixit: "People have misunderstood my personality, which is not entirely their fault...."

Bigg Boss OTT Season 3, the highly anticipated reality show, began streaming online yesterday. The premiere episode featured a spectacular entry by Anil Kapoor, who danced to his hit songs. He subsequently introduced all 16 contestants one by one. The first contestant to enter the show was Chandrika Dixit, famously known as the Vada Pav girl, who gained viral fame and was embroiled in various controversies on social media platforms. One of the show's controversial figures, Chandrika Dixit, is a social media influencer from Delhi known for selling Vada pav on the streets at Rs 50 and now opening her own shop selling various items. 

Chandrika Dixit has been among the speculated contestants of Bigg Boss OTT 3 for some time, and since news of her potential participation broke, fans have had mixed reactions. Certain sections of the media criticised her inclusion in the show. However, in an exclusive conversation with India Forums, the social media sensation gives insights about her and her participation in the reality show. 

I won't deny it. It's my business, and I've gained prosperity from it. I've made a name for myself through it, so yes, perhaps that's why I am here today

- Chandrika Dixit

What made you say yes to Bigg Boss OTT 3?

Fate called. I've learned one thing in life: never miss an opportunity. If opportunity knocks, I will seize it. I don't want to look back and say that I had the chance but didn't take it. So, I wanted to do it.

Do you think you got this opportunity because of the 'Vada Pav girl' tag?

I won't deny it. It's my business, and I've gained prosperity from it. I've made a name for myself through it, so yes, perhaps that's why I am here today.

Did you watch the previous season, and who was your favourite contestant?

Siddharth Shukla from Bigg Boss 13 really touched my heart. Yes, that was the last season I watched because, after that, I prioritised my work so much that all I did was focus on my job.

Did you have any strategy in mind before entering the show?

No, my nature is to go with the flow of whatever is happening in the moment. I don't get tired or try to pre-plan things. I respond to situations as they come. If someone greets me with a 'Namaste', I will respond with a 'Namaste'. That's just my nature. I'm not skilled at making detailed plans in advance.

People have misunderstood my personality, which is not entirely their fault because it's how I've been presented, I feel that this show will give me the opportunity to show them otherwise

- Chandrika Dixit

In the conversation, she revealed that she doesn't know any of the contestants because she has always prioritised her work. When asked if this could be a disadvantage since she doesn't know anyone, she says, "Knowing others or not isn't a big factor. You have to play your own game and present yourself; it's not about anyone else."

How will you manage without your child, given your strong attachment to him? 

I'm doing this solely for him. Even today, while I was running on the treadmill, I wondered if I would be able to do it. Then, I thought of his face, which made me realise that I have to do this, as I came this far.

How important is this show for you?

Firstly, people have misunderstood my personality, which is not entirely their fault because it's how I've been presented, I feel that this show will give me the opportunity to show them otherwise. I want to show people through this show that their assumptions about me are not accurate. Secondly, I want to take my future, my business, and my family, who have supported me tremendously, to the next level. 

I want to take my future, my business, and my family, who have supported me tremendously, to the next level

- Chandrika Dixit

What are your aspirations after participating in Bigg Boss? 

I have two visions: to continue working diligently, to create a loving home for myself, and to provide my son with a good lifestyle, elevating the quality of my life.

Do you think the perspective that people have of the "Vada pav girl" as rude, aggressive, and having attitude will be the image seen in the house?

Women's weakness is their children, for whom they are willing to fight even against their husbands. People keep saying, "What is she doing that's so extraordinary? Everything she does is normal." Until now, people who didn't know me personally couldn't see these things at home, but when they watch me on TV 24 hours a day, they will see my life. People think I drive luxurious cars, but in reality, I drive a fifth-hand Hyundai i20 and live in a rented place. I wash the dishes at my own shop, my husband goes out in the morning to buy vegetables, and my mother-in-law does all the work. No one has seen this life; they've only seen fighting. But now, Chandrika will be seen doing all these things on the show. I'm not saying people will change their perspective, but it's a good thing if they see it. If they don't, that's okay, too, because I have left everything in God's hands.

People think I drive luxurious cars, but in reality, I drive a fifth-hand Hyundai i20 and live in a rented place. I wash the dishes at my own shop, my husband goes out in the morning to buy vegetables, and my mother-in-law does all the work. No one has seen this life; they've only seen fighting

- Chandrika Dixit

Are there any plans to pursue more reality shows after this, or do you intend to continue being known as the 'Vada Pav girl'?

Vada pav has always been there and will always remain at the top, and I will continue to serve Vada Pav because I love it myself. We'll also showcase the Vada Pav franchise. But whatever opportunities come my way, I won't miss any of them. 

In the conversation, She also expressed her wish to prepare and serve Vada Pav inside the house.