From Sidharth Shukla, Shefali Jariwala's death to Hina-Dipika's Cancer diagnosis: Is Bigg Boss CURSED?

A recent reel circulating on social media has struck a somber chord with viewers across the country. It compiles a series of real-life tragedies involving former Bigg Boss contestants, including serious illnesses and untimely deaths. The video has sparked widespread concern and reflection. Titled “Is Bigg Boss Cursed?”, it gained traction following the sudden death of actress and former contestant Shefali Jariwala. The video, set to haunting music, flashes images of popular former Bigg Boss contestants who have either died under tragic circumstances or are battling life-threatening illnesses gained traction after the sudden death of actress and former contestant Shefali Jariwala.

The pattern is unsettling. Over the years, a number of ex-contestants from India’s most talked-about reality show have made headlines for their professional achievements and also for personal tragedies. Whether it is coincidence, the toll of fame, or something more inexplicable, the internet is now asking a haunting question: Why do so many Bigg Boss alumni seem to meet such unfortunate ends? Here is a closer look at the names featured in the now viral reel

Shefali Jariwala:

Known widely as the "Kaanta Laga" girl, Shefali appeared in Bigg Boss 13 and was well-liked for her calm and grounded demeanour. Her sudden death due to low blood pressure has shocked fans. She was only 42 years old. Her passing was the spark that reignited conversation about a so-called curse surrounding the show. The actress passed away on the 27th of June, 2025.

Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim:

The winner of Bigg Boss 12 and a well known face in Indian television, Dipika recently revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer. Known for her gentle nature and dignity during her season, her health revelation came as a blow to fans across the country. The actress recently underwent a surgery for the removal of her tumour and shared updates about her successful surgery with her followers.

Hina Khan:

One of the most successful Bigg Boss contestants, Hina rose to prominence in Bigg Boss 11. In mid 2024, she announced she was battling stage 3 breast cancer. The news sent shockwaves through the industry, especially considering her image as one of the fittest and most resilient stars on television. The actress has since then been sharing tid bits from her journey with her followers.

Sonali Phogat:

A contestant on Bigg Boss 14, Sonali Phogat was a politician and social media influencer. In 2022, she died suddenly while on a trip to Goa. Initially reported as a heart attack, later developments suggested suspicious circumstances. Investigations were launched, but her death remains clouded in mystery.

Siddharth Shukla:

The winner of Bigg Boss 13 and a widely loved television actor, Siddharth died of a heart attack in 2021 at the age of 40. His untimely demise devastated millions of fans. Known for his charm and intensity, Siddharth’s death is often cited as one of the darkest moments in Bigg Boss history.

Baba Om Swami:

Arguably one of the most controversial contestants in Bigg Boss history, Swami Om appeared in season 10. He passed away in 2021 after suffering from multiple health issues. Reports stated he died of a heart attack following a prolonged illness.

Pratyusha Banerjee:

A contestant from Bigg Boss 7 and a well-known TV actress, Pratyusha died by suicide in 2016 at the age of 24. Her death sparked massive media attention and raised serious concerns about the mental health challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry.

While calling the show cursed may sound dramatic, the number of tragedies tied to its former contestants is undeniably unsettling. Experts have often pointed to the psychological strain reality TV can have on participants. Isolation, scrutiny, and sudden fame followed by public criticism can leave lasting impacts.

Bigg Boss is a cultural phenomenon watched by millions every year. But as this reel continues to make the rounds, it forces us to confront a darker narrative. Is it really a curse, or is it a symptom of something more human—fragility behind fame, pressure behind performance, and pain behind the popularity?

Regardless of where you stand, one thing is certain. These stories are not just headlines. They are real people whose lives were forever altered—some ended far too soon—after they left the Bigg Boss house behind.