Aiyappa has proved his mettle…
Neravanda Chetticha Aiyappa, also known as N.C. Aiyappa, is popular among cricketers in the State. Having made his Ranji debut in 2001-02 season against Haryana, this talented cricketer became popular in every household, thanks to ‘Bigg Boss,’ the Kannada reality show which was broadcast in one of the private television channels. Aiyappa, who gained steady popularity, stayed inside the Bigg Boss House for 92 days and was considered by many to emerge victorious. Unfortunately, he had come out of the house after being eliminated on the 93rd day. ‘Star of Mysore’ caught up with N.C. Aiyappa, who is in Mysuru to participate in the ongoing V. Prabhakar Memorial T20 Tournament. Excerpts….
by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers
Star of Mysore (SOM): What do you have to say about Bigg Boss?
N.C. Aiyappa (NC): It was a good experience. I received a call overnight that I have been selected to participate in the reality show. I had no idea what to do. After discussing with my mother and close friends, I gave my nod to enter the house as a contestant. It was just like entering the cricket field as a night watchman and scoring 92 runs!
SOM: Could you share your experience inside the House?
NC: Among the contestants, I had only met Rehman, Chandan and Pooja Gandhi prior to entering the house and the rest were totally strangers. Basically, it was a good journey during which I learnt how to live with new people.
SOM: What is the one important thing that you have learnt in the Bigg Boss House?
NC: As I said early, the entire 92-day was a new experience. The important thing I learnt in the house was to be self-dependent. Me being a person with a little lazy attitude, the house taught me to follow the set of rules and regulations which was framed for all the contestants, else face the consequences. The contestants were divided into three groups and each one had the work assigned to them which helps one to work in a team and build confidence. Me being a sportsperson and having experience in working with various teams, I did my work sincerely as a result of which I stayed for 92 days inside the house. A few participants were hesitant to do the task assigned to them but as the day progressed they did they jobs well.
SOM: Did you go inside the House with a plan because everybody inside wanted to win?
NC: It’s true that everybody went with an intention of winning the show. All 15 contestants have different strategies and you never know who is thinking what. Though I had no strategies, I was able to execute my plans through which I was able to win the confidence of my fellow contestants. I believe that one should live his normal life in such shows and not change his attitude just to win the game. The contestants should live their stardom outside the house and be one among the others inside the house. Of course, one or the other person has to get eliminated every week. There are times when a few deserving get eliminated early but it is the nature of the game and the one who wins should be considered as the deserving contestant.
SOM: You seemed to be close to Pooja Gandhi and later turned your loyalty to Gautami, which I guess resulted in small fights inside the House. What do you have to say about it?
NC: There was nothing like misunderstanding. Both, Pooja and Gautami have been good friends to me. We shared a good chemistry with each other. When you are inside the house you have to make friends with everyone. I was close to Anand and Chandan except for Shruthi, whom I had only seen on big screens. As far as Pooja and Gautami are concerned, I have known them much before Bigg Boss happened.
SOM: Among the tasks in the Bigg Boss House, which was the toughest according to you?
NC: I have done a lot of tasks inside the house. But the toughest among them was the one which I did along with Pooja Gandhi wherein we had to stand on a chair for 15 hours and it turned tougher when we were asked to kneel down on the same bench. I have to thank Pooja for lending support throughout the task. I only told her that we should win the task at any cost especially against strong contenders like Kitty and Chandan. If fact, she displayed her woman- power by lifting 92 tyres. When it comes to task, she (Pooja) is amazing apart from being a wonderful person.
SOM: There have been talks that the entire Bigg Boss show is scripted. Is it true?
NC: No way. We were just living a life inside the house and did the tasks that were assigned to us by Bigg Boss. Things about the show being scripted are far from truth.
SOM: Did you think you would stay for 92 days in the House?
NC: Never. I had thought I would stay inside the house for a maximum of two weeks and later participate in the Mangalore Premiere League. But, I stayed inside the house for a longer duration than I thought. In fact, the Mangaluru franchise owner had tried contacting me till Dec. 14 thinking that I would join the team but it was not to be.
SOM: What are your future plans? Are you looking at a few more reality shows?
NC: Right now I am enjoying my cricket. But, I have kept myself open for new things. Be it reality shows or movies, I am ready for it .
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / April 01st, 2016
