Bigg Boss 16 EXCLUSIVE! Archana Gautam: People would watch me on Salman Khan's show to understand how I became a politician at age 26

Archana Gautam has become a name that is synonymous with Bigg Boss 16. The actress-turned-politician manages to amaze the housemates and viewers with every passing day. She had big dreams before entering Salman Khan’s show and was sure she was winning the trophy. Archana believed that her comic nature would make people love her but it has had the opposite effect in the house, at least so far. Can she make it ahead? Archana definitely felt so before entering the show.

Here's the candid conversation between Archana and OTTplay about Bigg Boss, turning a politician and future plans. Excerpts…

Congratulations on finally getting to go to Bigg Boss 16…

Thank you. Yes, finally. 15 years later!

Oh, wait. So you were trying to go inside the house since 15 long years?

No, no. I didn't try a lot because it's not easy to get into the house, right? First I worked towards coming on the show. I got to a stage where I am finally selected for Bigg Boss.

Was being on Bigg Boss always on your radar or did it just happen?

I wanted to go in the house at least once. I just didn't decide when I could get there. I was positive that I could get in the house this year, for sure.

Many actors-turned-politicians have been a part of the show. What should the viewers expect from you? What are you expecting out of the show?

I am a young politician. I stood for elections at the age of 26. When people hear that, they will find it unique. It's hard to digest that, right? Those people will want to know me and thus, they would watch Bigg Boss. We keep hearing about promoting the youth. I'm also in that category. So, I will also inspire people and women. They would want to see how I think, who am I and what I do.

Do you think reality shows have helped actors, especially those who are also politicians? Do you fear that people in government might not take you seriously since you went on a reality show?

I trust myself a lot to worry about these things. I love myself a lot and am so confident that I won't get out of the house at all. I am comic and I think people will like my nature.

I want to win the trophy. I'm going in the house to win it. I want to win the trophy for my society - for those who don't get their girl child educated. I'm from SC and people aren't given the opportunity to be educated in that caste. I want to be their inspiration. Thus, I want to win the trophy and start a rally in a tractor in my village, to the extent that it sets an example.

Was this your first time being approached for Bigg Boss?

Yes, yes. My first time. I'm so lucky, touchwood, that the first time I asked for a ticket to run for elections and I got that. Now, the first time that I approached Bigg Boss, I got it. I auditioned and got a TV serial. First time main Bigg Boss mein aayi, ab main trophy bhi jeet jau, bhagwaan.

What do you think about getting into the battlefield with Bigg Boss himself this season?

I'm stressed about that only. What if Bigg Boss wins? Then we'll go home with a katora. Yeh alag hi lafda ho gaya. Isi saal inko practical hona hai batao. Katora dilvaayenge mujhe pakka. Bigg Boss ke aage hamaari chal sakti hai kya?

Where do you see yourself after the show ends?

I will get ready for politics. I'll do something that the people around me - those who are physically challenged - they are great singers, right? So, I want to open an institute for them so they get an opportunity to showcase their talents.