BB Malayalam's Manikandan: I’m a teacher who corrects kids; wouldn't have let them use such offensive language there

Malayalam teacher-Villadichan Pattu artist-vlogger Manikandan entered Bigg Boss Malayalam as the first wildcard entrant. However, he left the show midway due to some health issues. Even though he had a short stay of 8 days inside the BB house, Manikandan is happy with the special moments he had in the house. Excerpts…

The Malayalam teacher and Villadichan Pattu artist became a sensation after his vlogs, Maniyan Talks. In the videos, the artist plays the character Maniyan, who talks in a typical Trivandrum dialect and slams some hilarious counters. These videos went viral instantly and he was much loved by a section of fans too.

I was surprised when I got the call to be a part of the show but, when the show premiered and all the contestants entered the house, I thought maybe I lost my chance. But, surprisingly, I got the call again asking to enter as a wildcard entry, I was so happy. A small-town man, who teaches kids in a tuition centre, is entering the biggest reality show! I was on cloud nine.

Standing next to Mohanlal, one of the phenomenal actors of India, what else does an artist like me need? My biggest happiness is that I could do 'Maniyan's Talk' in front of Lalettan and appreciated me. I could also celebrate Easter with him, I cherish each of these moments.

I was well when I entered the house, but the Arogya Vaaram task took a toll on my health. I started experiencing body pain and my sugar levels started fluctuating. So the medical team suggested taking insulin at regular intervals and maintaining a proper diet. As it is not practically possible inside the BB house, I was asked to make a decision. I’m blessed to be taken care of the team like this. I knew I was losing one of the biggest chances of my life, but I didn't want to come out of the show as a patient.

Even though my stay was very brief, I am happy with whatever I got. I was on that stage, which every artist aspires to be. People had mocked me for my videos saying that it has an old 70's style comedy but I could perform the same Maniyan Talks in front of the biggest star of Malayalam, Mohanlal. The show had given this small artist the biggest platform ever.

Soon after my exit, I have been getting too much 'Pongala' (criticism) for not resolving the 'Appo Kanunnavane Appa Vilikkunna' statement issue between Robin and the other housemates. To be frank, I was not there when the issue happened. I was in the medical room. But, soon after I came back, I inquired about the problem and shared my opinion. It is true that I didn't make a scene there and correct them when they interpreted the saying in the wrong way. Well, what I was thinking is that I will talk about this in detail in the weekend episode. But, unfortunately, I couldn't be there till then.

I’m upset with the language the contestants use inside the house. I’m worried what the new generation is up to. I strongly believe that they shouldn't spoil our cultural values in the name of freedom of expression. I’m a teacher who corrects kids whenever they use bad language. I can’t tolerate such conversations inside the house. If I were there inside the house, I would have made sure such offensive language is never used there.

Everyone is a good player in the show. Now, everyone is in the competition mood, once it's over, they all are great individuals. I think Robin and Blesslee are playing the game well. There is a blind fan following for some of the contestants there, I hope it will be over once the show is over and everyone will come to peace with it.