I'd love to take tips from Shehnaaz: Muskan Bamne on Bigg Boss 18, Anupamaa cast's advice, and more

Muskan Bamne, widely recognised as Pakhi from Star Plus' Anupamaa, is all set to join the highly anticipated reality show Bigg Boss 18. Having started her career in Bollywood, Muskan has successfully carved a niche for herself not only in films but also on television and OTT platforms. Now, she's stepping into the world of reality TV, competing in one of the most popular shows hosted by Salman Khan.

Ahead of entering the Bigg Boss house, Muskan engaged in an exclusive interview with India Forums, where she shared insights into her strategy, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as how prepared she feels for the challenges ahead. She also revealed who she'll miss the most, her favourite contestant from past seasons, and the one household duty she'd rather avoid. To know what to expect from her in the highly anticipated reality show, read on.

When the show was offered to you, what was your first instinct? Usually, people immediately start thinking about strategy. Did you plan anything or think about how you'd approach the game once you get there?

That will be impromptu. I'll stay the way I am. There's no set strategy like "I have to go and do this." Things will change when you get there because, you know, you don't know anyone, and you don't know what kind of bonds you'll form. So, I'll decide what to do based on the situation there.

The Bigg Boss house is known for testing relationships and bonds. You know, sometimes the friend you make on Day 1 might become your enemy later on. Big names from the industry are also rumoured to be joining the show. How do you plan to handle the friendships you'll make? Will it be purely out of friendship, or will there be some strategy involved?

See, friendship will be just like any friendship. But in the end, everyone is there to play the game. So, as you said, the friend who is nice today might betray you tomorrow. I'm ready for that because, in the end, everyone is there to play their own game. I'm prepared for both possibilities.

One thing that you need to be most prepared for is facing Salman Sir because you'll meet him every weekend on Weekend Ka Vaar. And as far as we've seen from previous seasons, Salman Sir can be very strict with how he deals with the contestants. Sometimes, you get scolded, but if you perform well, you also get praised. Are you scared or more excited about that?

More excited! Because if he scolds or advises me, it will be for my own good. So there's nothing to be scared of. I'm excited, and I'll try not to repeat the mistakes he points out.

Washroom cleaning is something I've never done, and I don't want to do it

- Muskan Bamne

We've seen in previous seasons that whenever it comes to rationing, people tend to hide food to save it for the next week. Are you ready for that? Will you be able to hide food when necessary, and are you good at maintaining the house's rationing?

Yeah, I mean, I've recently started learning all these things at home. My sister is helping me a lot in the kitchen. I'm not that experienced, but she's helping me. I'll try to keep things that I like close to me and not let them slip away. So yeah, I might have to hide things and keep them safe.

If we have to ask you, Muskaan, what would be one strength of yours that will help you in the game and one weakness that might go against you? A weakness doesn't necessarily mean you'll be physically weak, but maybe emotionally, like if a friend betrays you. So, tell me one strength and one weakness.

My strength will be my honesty. As for weakness, as you said, it's a big thing because in that house, your friend will be the only one you can trust completely. If that friend betrays you, it can be really tough. So yeah, I'd say betrayal by a friend could be a big challenge for me.

In the Bigg Boss house, you have to do all your own chores, like cleaning the washroom, making your bed, and cooking your own meals. If there's one house duty Muskaan wouldn't want to do, what would it be?

I would say Washroom cleaning (giggles) because I've never done it. Making the bed is something we do every day, and I can manage kitchen work too, like washing dishes or cooking a little. But washroom cleaning is something I've never done, and I don't want to do it. But of course, living in the house, at some point, I'll have to face that. We'll deal with it when the time comes, but for now, no.

I'd say betrayal by a friend could be a big challenge for me

- Muskan Bamne

You must be preparing intensely for the show, right? If I have to ask, which is your favourite season of Bigg Boss that you've watched and are looking at to prepare for?

I haven't watched much of Bigg Boss, but Season 13 was amazing. I've watched a bit of that season and observed how people handle situations. But I feel like watching it won't help much because the people you're watching won't be there. Everyone is different. So, I watched it for an idea, but I don't have any plans to replicate it.

Well, if you had to take tips from any ex-contestant, who would it be? It doesn't necessarily have to be a winner, but any ex-contestant from any season?

Personally, I love Shehnaaz Gill, maybe her. But I don't know her personally. So yeah, I'd love to take tips from Shehnaaz.

Lastly, does anyone from the Anupamaa cast know about this? What's their reaction?

Right now, only Paras and Ashish Bhai know. Both of them are very excited to see me on the show. They've never seen me outside of the set, apart from when I'm acting in a fight scene. So, they're excited to see me in this environment and have said, "Just be yourself and have fun!"

Watch the full interview here:

How does Muskan react to being angry?

Yes, I do get angry. When I do, it usually comes out on my siblings. I just yell at them a little.

Additionally, Muskan also shared that she used to spend time with her nephew every night before going to bed, a routine she is going to miss dearly. With new people and a new house awaiting her in the Bigg Boss journey, Muskan admits that she will miss her nephew the most during this time away.

Revealing to us, Muskan said, "Yes, I will miss him a lot. These past three or four days have been so busy preparing for everything, going shopping, and running around here and there. I feel like I haven't been able to give him much time lately. It's making me realise how much he's grown in just three or four days. I don't know how I'll feel when I see him after such a long time or how I'll manage being away from him. I know he's still very young, so he doesn't fully understand what's going on yet. But yes, I'll miss him a lot.

Are you excited to watch Muskan in the show?