Controversy Surrounds Removal of Donkey from “Bigg Boss 18”

Mumbai, India – The recent season of the popular reality television show “Bigg Boss 18” has been embroiled in controversy following the removal of a donkey named Gadhraj from the competition. The decision came after PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) urged the show’s producers to reconsider the use of live animals in such a high-stress environment.
Gadhraj, who had been introduced as a unique twist to the show, faced significant backlash from viewers concerned about animal welfare. Many expressed concerns about the ethical implications of keeping a donkey in a chaotic environment filled with unpredictable human behavior and intense competition. While some fans found the novelty of having an animal on the show entertaining, others questioned the appropriateness of such an arrangement.

As tensions among contestants escalated, viewers began to voice their concerns about Gadhraj’s well-being. Calls for the donkey’s removal grew louder, prompting the production team to take action. In a statement, the producers emphasized their commitment to animal welfare and explained that while Gadhraj was well cared for during its time on the show, they had to balance entertainment value with ethical considerations.

The removal of Gadhraj from “Bigg Boss 18” has sparked a wider debate about animal rights and the responsibilities of reality television producers. This incident highlights a growing awareness among audiences about the ethical implications of using animals in entertainment. As society’s standards for compassion and responsibility evolve, producers may need to reevaluate their approaches to ensure that their content aligns with these values.

The controversy surrounding Gadhraj’s removal serves as a reminder that entertainment should not come at the expense of animal welfare. As audiences become more discerning and demanding, producers may need to prioritize ethical considerations in their decision-making processes.

Kiran Rao speaks about ‘Laapataa Ladies’ tackling themes of identity, empowerment at London School of Economics

Filmmaker Kiran Rao, whose ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (Lost Ladies), has been submitted as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025, recently attended a fireside chat at London School of Economics (LSE).

Kiran engaged in an insightful conversation with Professor Shakuntala Banaji, Professor of Media, Culture and Social Change, and Sanam Arora, Founder and Chairperson of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU). Kiran shared her thoughts on pushing the boundaries of storytelling in Indian cinema.

During the session, the filmmaker spoke about ‘Laapataa Ladies’ (Lost Ladies) tackling themes of identity, empowerment, and sisterhood through a satirical and humorous lens. The discussion resonated deeply with students, offering a rare glimpse into Kiran’s creative process and her vision for impactful filmmaking.

Speaking about her participation at the event, Kiran Rao said in a statement, “I am truly pleased to have had the opportunity to meet and interact with students at the London School of Economics and from universities throughout the UK through NISAU. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were inspiring. The discussion reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of storytelling to connect communities and spark change”.

Kiran Rao has been in London this week alongside Jyoti Deshpande, Head of Jio Studios, to attend Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) screenings and promotions. The film, which has just been released in Japan, continues to garner rave reviews from both critics and viewers.

Presented by Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande. Made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, the script is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. The screenplay and dialogue are written by Sneha Desai, while the additional dialogues have been jotted down by Divyanidhi Sharma.