GENDER AND LANGUAGE DYNAMICS IN INDIAN REALITY TELEVISION: A STUDY OF 'BIGG BOSS' SEASON 11

Abstract:
Objective: The genre of reality entertainment has garnered widespread acclaim globally over recent years. In India, this genre has reportedly outstripped others in terms of prominence and acceptance. Despite the controversies stirred by its structure and substance at both societal and scholarly levels, its mass appeal continues to grow. This research investigates issues of gender and language within the Indian reality show *Bigg Boss. By considering the genre's framework and its projected narratives, the study examines how participants engage with their authentic identities and adapt their language practices under constant surveillance. The impact of neoliberalism on society, culture, and individual identity has been widely debated; this paper seeks to illuminate how shifting gender identities are portrayed in a show featuring ordinary individuals rather than actors.