Bold, confident, and ready for self-discovery

Manasvi Mamgai

She has more public service to her credit than films. The actor has never deterred from speaking her mind or doing her bit for society. While Manasvi Mamgai made her big screen debut with Action Jackson (2014), film projects didn't come her way easily after that. However, this year, she was not only seen in Disney+ Hotstar's The Trial, but also signed up to be a part of the controversial show Bigg Boss season 17. She recently joined as a wild card entrant.

"People in the US know me as an activist, model, and entrepreneur, but I wanted to come back to India to start working [in Bollywood] again. There is no platform bigger than Bigg Boss. It is also a chance for me to introspect on the person I am and the things I do. It is definitely better than being cooped up at home and sending your mind on an overdrive," says the actor, adding that she is ready for the mind games in the house and is unafraid of showing her true personality. "I think it will be a place of great self-discovery for me too. All the good and bad [sides of you] make you human."

Asked if she is a crybaby or a loud fighter, as often seen in the show, Mamgai asserts that she is a go-getter and nothing could stop her from getting what she wants. "I will be a front-runner [in tasks]. I am bold and confident and not afraid of doing anything in general. At the same time, I am also a sensitive and emotional person. As for fights in the house, you have the option of walking away. Where you want to take it is entirely in the person's hands. However, I cannot tolerate disrespect," she explains, adding that it would be hard to be under scrutiny 24/7, but "as celebrities, most of us are constantly in the limelight. This is kind of up-close and personal, with no personal space. So, that's a little unnerving, but it will be exciting. [As for the people], there are a couple of manipulative ones in the house. People are playing a smart game."

Although she is unaware of how long she will survive in the house - seven or 90 days - Mamgai believes that she has nothing to lose at this point in life by doing the show. However, after living with her mother in Los Angeles for the last few years, she says she will miss her mother the most. "My mom was happy when I took this on; she has been my biggest supporter, but I am also worried for her. It makes me feel emotional thinking that she will be all alone, and what will I do if something happens to her? I won't talk to her potentially, I hope, for a very long time."