'Desi Bling' X review: Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra show gets mixed reactions; Viewers call it pretentious yet addictive

The Indian adaptation of Dubai Bling, titled 'Desi Bling', premiered on OTT on May 20. The seven-episode reality series follows the glamorous lifestyles of wealthy Indians living in Dubai. Soon after the release, social media platforms flooded with reactions and reviews from viewers.

Social media users call the show pretentious

A large section of viewers described the series as artificial and overly dramatic. Many social media users felt the show lacked authenticity despite its lavish presentation. One user wrote, "#DesiBling is the reminder Y I h@ted Teja in #BiggBoss . Karan run while u still hv time. Except Tabinda none of the participants in the show r likeable at all bt then Tabinda is also frustrating with her naiveness & pati parmeshwar sh*t. Girl he is partying evry week with girls"

Another post read, "Desi Bling stands out for how artificial it feels. A lot of the time, there’s a lack of authenticity and basic manners. On top of that, it’s the kind of flashy extravagance that comes across as fake and tacky rather than elegant. But, bad is good to watch. #DesiBling #DubaiBling"

Tejasswi Prakash and Lailli become talking points

Several viewers specifically discussed Tejasswi Prakash and cast member Lailli. Their on-screen personalities sparked debates among audiences online. One social media user wrote, “Lailli on Desi Bling gives ‘bad vibes but pretending to be sweet’ energy Always feels like there’s lowkey manipulation and desperation hiding behind the calm act. #DesiBling." Another post stated, “Let me indulge in some trash TV #DesiBling and let me just say it’s giving very pretentious, but Teju is giving major mean girl energy and Lailli well, she’s got some major issues. Teju’s gotta heal for sure and grow up. Also so nice to see Safa."

Some viewers found the drama entertaining

Despite criticism, many viewers admitted the series remained engaging because of its dramatic moments and chaotic energy. One user commented, “You know what this show is teaching me, that Indians from the subcontinent aren’t exempt from western tropes.. Dyuti’s mother is every toxic enabling mother, and I can believe Iryna when she says he’s an alcoholic. Guys, Zee TV isn’t exaggerated drama." Another viewer posted, “Watching Desi Bling and trying not to crash out at how pretentious they all are. Not a single likeable soul so far." Even critical viewers admitted the show worked as entertaining “trash TV.”

TejRan fans celebrate the proposal moment

While reactions to the series remained mixed, fans of Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash were thrilled by the romantic proposal featured in the show. One fan wrote, "“Still processing this moment. TejRan on Desi Bling is a whole vibe, and my heart is just so, so happy right now…!!" Another social media post read, “Josh?? After watching DESI BLING, the whole TejRan fandom is screaming HIGH SIRRR The chemistry, the vibe, the screen presence… You both literally owned the trend today ."

The show features several popular personalities, including Karan Kundrra, Tejasswi Prakash, Rizwan Sajan, Adel Sajan, Sana Sajan, Satish Sanpal, Tabinda Sanpal, and Pamela Serena.