BB Malayalam 4's Aswin Vijay: In a world where people still give an 'Ayye' look, audiences are now watching the lives of LGBTQ+ people on TV

Bigg Boss Malayalam 4 contestant and magician Aswin Vijay left everyone surprised with his revelations inside the house. Be it sharing his emotional story of finding his mother after 20 years or coming out as gay, the young talent had won many hearts inside and outside the show. Even though he got evicted in the recent episode, Aswin says he is overwhelmed by the response he is getting.In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, he shared his unforgettable 28 days in the BB house. Excerpts...
'I felt like a king'
I am thankful for the moment when I decided to participate in the show. If I would have missed it, I would have missed one of the biggest opportunities in life. Undoubtedly, it was one of the best decisions of my life. From that moment, my life has changed for good. The team treats you like a celebrity, gives you a five-star treatment, takes care of your needs, literally, I felt like a king. I saw a Caravan for the first time in my life during the launch. Even before entering the show, I started celebrating it.

'Lalettan's hug said it all'
I am one of the biggest Mohanlal fans ever. Can you imagine your idol standing behind you, closing your eyes with his hand, and welcoming you to India's biggest reality show? That moment was surreal. Just like that, when I got evicted, I requested for a hug from Lalettan, he said okay and hugged me back. I felt a fatherly vibe when he hugged me. It had all his care, warm wishes, blessings, that single hug had it all.
'I did my best'
I didn't expect to get evicted that week. I performed well in the week, maybe I didn't satisfy the viewers, who are the ultimate decision-makers. However, I don't regret anything, I did my best in the show. People might think I was not active, but this is what I am and I hope people like me for what I am.
I entered the show yearning for love. I got it from my inmates. Now, when I am out of the show, I am being showered with love by viewers. Many mothers have contacted me and spoke about how much they love me. What else do I need?
On his major confession about his sexuality
Just like anyone, I also struggled to hide my true self from everyone. But, when I entered the show, I became close to Aparna and Jasmine, who are leading their lives in the way they want. Initially, I was thrilled to know someone just like me, eventually, I felt like opening up to them. Words can’t explain the relief of having someone who can understand you.

I was not concerned about opening up about my sexuality and coming out as gay on national television. I thought this might inspire at least one person like me to come out. I know the pain of holding it to ourselves for years together.
I never thought that there would be a big fiasco out there after my revelation. I did expect some negative reactions, but surprisingly I got many messages from people like me opening up to me about their wish to have the same courage as me. People have accepted me as I am. See, it is not our mistake that our sexual orientation is different, it is natural. Everyone should understand we also have the right to live a dignified life.
'Families are watching the lives of LGBTQ+ people'
I marvel at the courage the channel as well as the production house had taken to bring a representative of the LGBTQ+ community into the show. In a world where people still give an 'Ayye' look when talking about a gay, lesbian, or transgender, the leading channel of Malayalam has taken the bold move of evoking a changing wave. Families are watching the lives of LGBTQ people in their living rooms now, they are talking about people like us without shame and stigma. I strongly hope that Malayalis are understanding us.

'The people who rated me as the 'undeserving' cheered for me'
Undoubtedly, the best moment inside the house was winning the captaincy task and being announced as the first captain of the season. The people who rated me as the 'undeserving' cheered for me, that was indeed a goosebumps moment. I will never ever forget that moment in life.
During these 28 days, I learned a lot. I explored myself. I lost my habit of blindly trusting anyone. I realized that to survive in the world, take everything with a pinch of salt.

Future plans
I always wished to be an anchor. Bigg Boss made me dream of it more. I will work hard and make myself a better anchor and magician. Also, I will start taking baby steps toward my big dream, building an orphanage. I wish to quench the hunger of everyone around me. But, I will make sure to satisfy at least one stomach with whatever I have.