Bigg Boss Telugu 5 fame Anee opens up on facing racist comments, battling COVID-19, financial struggle and more

Ace choreographer Anee, who got evicted from Bigg Boss Telugu season 5 recently, was quite vocal about the body shaming, stereotyping and racism she faced in the film industry and Bigg Boss in her exclusive chat with ETimes TV. She also spoke about her battle with Coronavirus, comeback and more. Excerpts...

During my BB stint also, I've got many lewd messages with some of them saying 'Assam di Ellipo (Leave, you Aassam lady)'. What has my ethnicity got to do with my game in the show? This isn't new to me. Even earlier, I've been called names likes 'Nepali Mokam' and 'Chinese Mokam'. I really want to see where these trollers will hide when they see us partying together after Bigg Boss!

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Yes, I'm from West Bengali and many including my dad and uncle served in the Indian Army and I proudly say I'm a Fauji daughter. I'm taught to be a fighter in life and never give. I always have that josh in me. I even used to sing our Army pledge in the BB house.

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Even in the industry, many said, "Ah, she is married and shaped out". Earlier, I used to give it back to people but now I've calmed down a lot. I let my work and growth do the talking. The choice to take part in Bigg Boss was also one such move.

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Before entering BB house, I was financially broke. There's not much work since due to the pandemic and lockdown. I didn't come to Bigg Boss for popularity. I was here for money and to set an example to many women like me who want to prove that I could do this (Bigg Boss) as well recovering from COVID-19.

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While doing Dancee+, I tested positive for COVID-19. I've been hospitalised for more than 23 days. But I fought my way back and participated in the shoot on the 25th day. Due to the illness, I've gained a lot of weight and become more like a ball. Even then, I've had people body-shaming me. I was more happy that I survived.

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Adding to my misery, my 78-year old mother was also hospitalised due to COVID-19. She battled the virus for more than 28 days. She was hospitalised for nearly 10 days yet again while I was in the BB house. Now that I'm out of Bigg Boss, I'm least bothered about who's winning the show. I'm rather focused on taking good care of my mom and family.

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I would say this society is better than the Bigg Boss because here we can be in our zone whereas you don't get your space there.

(Photo: Instagram)