Shamita Shetty has recently opened up about her experience on Bigg Boss OTT, revealing that she required therapy for a year after leaving the show. The actress, who participated in the inaugural season hosted by Karan Johar, disclosed the profound impact the reality show had on her mental health.

Shetty shared that she felt "completely lost" and "unsure of how to respond appropriately" to her surroundings after exiting the Bigg Boss OTT house. In an interview with Pinkvilla, she explained that "My reality and the scripted world were blending together, leading to significant confusion in my mind". This blurring of lines between the real and the artificial contributed to her anxiety and disorientation.

Shetty, who had previously dealt with anxiety, found that the Bigg Boss experience exacerbated her condition. "Honestly, I emerged feeling extremely anxious," she confessed. The actress also noticed a change in her behavior, stating, "I think I also became somewhat more confrontational after leaving, and I attribute that to my time in the house".

The constant conflict and heightened emotions within the Bigg Boss house created an unhealthy environment. Shetty described the atmosphere as one where "Just picture waking up every morning to people yelling at one another over trivial matters like toothpaste. It's not a healthy atmosphere. It affects you mentally. It really does,". This constant exposure to negativity and aggression took a toll on her emotional well-being.

Furthermore, Shetty spoke about feeling emotionally drained and the need for healing after the show. She revealed that she felt the need to constantly defend herself even after leaving the house. "Even when I came out of that house, I felt like I was constantly sitting with my armor, waiting to defend myself," she said.

Shetty also addressed the issue of being judged for her privileged background. She recounted instances on other reality shows, like "Jhalak Dikhhlaja," where she felt her opportunities were limited because of her family's status. She claimed she was told directly that she wouldn't win due to her background, despite her hard work and dedication. She faced similar judgments during her time on Bigg Boss.

Despite the challenges, Shetty acknowledged that Bigg Boss also had positive impacts, providing her with exposure and a platform to showcase her true self. She entered the show during the COVID-19 pandemic, hoping to make the best of the opportunity and dispel the constant judgment she felt.

Shetty's experience highlights the psychological impact that reality shows can have on participants. The intense environment, constant scrutiny, and emotional manipulation can lead to anxiety, confusion, and behavioral changes. Her decision to seek therapy underscores the importance of mental health support for individuals who participate in such shows.

On the work front, Shamita Shetty was last seen in the film "The Tenant," released in 2023. She also recently made a guest appearance on "The Great Indian Kapil Show" with her sister, Shilpa Shetty.