Tanya Mittal? Bigg Boss 19’s Most Controversial Contestant

Background: Who is Tanya Mittal?

Tanya Mittal, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, influencer, and podcaster from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has become a polarizing figure in the Bigg Boss 19 house. Born on September 7, 2000, Tanya rose to fame through her multifaceted career and vibrant social media presence. With over 2.5 million Instagram followers, she has built a brand, Handmade with Love by Tanya, focusing on traditional Indian crafts like sarees, handbags, and jewelry. Starting with just Rs. 500, she transformed her small-scale handicraft business into a successful venture, earning her the title of one of India’s youngest millionaire entrepreneurs with an estimated net worth of Rs. 2 crores.

Tanya’s journey began with humble roots. She faced significant challenges, including multiple surgeries for a cleft lip and palate condition during childhood. Despite coming from a conservative family, she left college to pursue her dreams of fame, starting by selling handmade cards door-to-door and promoting temples to build her brand. Her viral moment came during the Maha Kumbh Mela, where an emotional video of her aiding victims during a tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya resonated with millions, catapulting her into the public eye. Tanya also represented India at the Miss Asia Tourism Universe pageant in Lebanon in 2018, earning the title of Miss Asia Tourism.

Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Tanya is known for her spiritual content and advocacy for social causes. She works with organizations like Girl Up to promote women’s equality and menstrual hygiene and has adopted a village near Gwalior to improve women’s health. Her commitment to cultural preservation is evident in her decision to bring over 800 sarees and 50 kilos of jewelry to the Bigg Boss house, emphasizing her identity as a proud ambassador of Indian textiles.

Tanya Mittal in Bigg Boss 19

Tanya entered Bigg Boss 19, hosted by Salman Khan, as the third contestant on August 24, 2025, under the season’s theme, Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar, which empowers contestants with decision-making authority. From the outset, Tanya made bold statements that sparked both admiration and controversy. She insisted on being called “Boss” or “ma’am” by housemates, stating, “Mujhe toh ma’am bolo, mujhe boss hi bolte hain sab log (Call me ma’am because people anyway call me boss).” She justified this by saying, “Women don’t get respect easily; they have to demand it,” and revealed that even her family addresses her as “Boss.”

Tanya’s larger-than-life persona was further highlighted by her claims of traveling with four personal security officers (PSOs) and two car convoys, despite not receiving threats. She also boasted about her bodyguards saving 100 people, including police officers, during the Kumbh Mela, crediting this incident for her entry into Bigg Boss. Her luxurious lifestyle, including bringing nine suitcases and 800 sarees to the house, drew attention, with Salman Khan playfully teasing her about not receiving the same “VIP treatment” inside.

Tanya’s interactions on the show have been dramatic. She clashed with actress Ashnoor Kaur on Day 1, accusing her of being “ungrateful” and “badtameez” (rude), while Ashnoor pointed out contradictions in Tanya’s narrative, such as claiming to come from a restrictive small-town family while also flaunting bodyguards and a lavish lifestyle. This feud, along with Tanya’s insistence on being addressed as “Boss,” fueled heated exchanges and divided housemates, with Zeishan Qadri siding with Ashnoor. Tanya also expressed pride in maintaining her cultural identity by wearing sarees, contrasting herself with actors who, she claimed, compromise their values for fame.

Current Trolling and Backlash

Tanya Mittal has become one of the most trolled contestants of Bigg Boss 19, with netizens labeling her “self-obsessed,” “egoistic,” and “narcissistic.” Her demand to be called “Boss” and her boasts about her security and luxurious lifestyle have been widely criticized as “total pick-me behaviour” and “show-off.” Social media platforms like X and Instagram are flooded with memes and clips mocking her as “Miss Overacting” or “Urvashi Rautela 2.0.” Her contradictory statements—claiming a humble, small-town background while flaunting wealth—have led to accusations of being “fake” and manipulative.

In the first nomination task, Tanya Mittal received six votes for eviction, second only to Neelam Giri, reflecting the housemates’ frustration with her behavior. Contestants like Ashnoor Kaur, Gaurav Khanna, Mridul Tiwari, Pranit More, and Abhishek Bajaj have openly criticized her, alleging she manipulates others and behaves inconsistently. Mridul advised her to seek respect in a temple rather than the Bigg Boss house, while Pranit called out “loopholes” in her persona. Tanya’s emotional reaction to being nominated, especially by those she considered friends like Pranit and Mridul, has only intensified the drama.

Additionally, Tanya Mittal faced backlash earlier in 2025 for her comment that “terrorism has no religion” following the Pahalgam terror attacks, which some viewed as controversial. This history of polarizing remarks has carried over into her Bigg Boss journey, amplifying the trolling. Posts on X have accused her of fabricating stories, such as claiming to be a brand ambassador for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh tourism, and some have linked her to supporting controversial narratives during the Maha Kumbh.

The Other Side: Tanya’s Supporters

Despite the trolling, Tanya Mittal has a loyal fanbase who admire her confidence, authenticity, and hustle. Fans have dubbed her “Momma Mittal” for her nurturing side, such as reminding housemates to drink water and supporting quieter contestants during nominations. Her candidness about her struggles, from her childhood surgeries to building a business from scratch, resonates with those who see her as a self-made woman. Some viewers appreciate her unapologetic personality and view the trolling as a reaction to her bold, unconventional approach.

In an interview with IWMBuzz.com, Tanya described herself as a straight-talking, resilient individual: “My words are my gun. Let’s see how many people can take the bullets.” She acknowledged the perception of overconfidence but attributed it to her life’s struggles, stating, “I am 50 years mentally.” Her supporters see this as a testament to her strength and determination to stay true to herself, even under scrutiny.

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Tanya Mittal journey in Bigg Boss 19 is a rollercoaster of drama, ambition, and controversy. Her bold claims, luxurious lifestyle, and insistence on being called “Boss” have made her a lightning rod for criticism, with netizens and housemates alike questioning her authenticity. Yet, her supporters see her as a trailblazer who embodies resilience and cultural pride. As Bigg Boss 19 continues to air on JioHotstar at 9 pm and Colors TV at 10:30 pm, Tanya remains a polarizing figure, ensuring that all eyes are on her—whether for love or hate.