NEW DELHI: Model and FTv Mrs Universe Earth India finalist Shashi Khushi Rai has shared her candid views on reality television and the personal controversy that brought her into the spotlight last month. While expressing her admiration for Salman Khan’s long-running reality show Bigg Boss, the 35-year-old model and actor believes that Netflix’s reality show Lock Upp is “too rough” in its presentation for a large section of Indian viewers.
Shashi Khushi Rai, who earned the distinction of becoming India’s finalist for the prestigious FTv Mrs Universe Earth pageant after emerging victorious from auditions involving more than 200 women from across the country, said that reality shows should entertain audiences without crossing certain limits. Participants like Shilpa Shinde and one or two others on the show are very aggressive and not fit for family viewing.
“I enjoy watching Bigg Boss because it has a good balance of entertainment, emotions, strategy and drama. But Lock Upp often appears too aggressive and intense. Sometimes the fights and confrontations become uncomfortable to watch with family around. Indian audiences enjoy drama, but there should also be dignity and positivity,” she suggested.
She believes that reality television has evolved significantly over the years, but makers should remember that such shows are watched by families and younger audiences as well.
Apart from modelling, Shashi Khushi Rai has a wide range of interests. She is passionate about singing, enjoys cooking, and describes herself as a dedicated fitness enthusiast who follows a disciplined workout routine including regular gym workouts. She says maintaining physical and mental fitness has played a major role in helping her remain confident despite facing public scrutiny and stress.
The discussion around Shashi intensified last month after some of her personal and intimate photographs surfaced online and quickly spread across multiple social media platforms. The images were widely circulated with misleading captions referring to them as the “Delhi housewife leaked images,” resulting in widespread speculation and online discussions.
Speaking about the incident, Shashi said the experience was emotionally draining and highlighted the growing risks associated with digital privacy.
According to her, she had handed over her mobile phone to a local repair technician to fix a charging-related fault. She suspects that during the repair process, someone may have accessed and copied personal photographs stored on the device.
“I cannot say with absolute certainty what happened, but I strongly believe my private photographs could have been copied when my phone was given for repairs. It has been a very disturbing experience because those images were meant to remain personal and not to be freely shared in the public domain, where even kids have access to,” she said.
The phone repair mechanic, however, has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and has rejected claims that he copied or distributed any content from the device. As of now, there has been no official finding establishing how the images reached social media, Shashi says.
Despite the controversy, Shashi says she is determined not to let the episode define her career. Instead, she wants to remain focused on representing India at the FTv Mrs Universe Earth pageant and building a positive identity through her work in fashion and public appearances.
Friends and supporters have encouraged her to remain strong during the difficult period, while many social media users have also spoken against the circulation of private photographs without consent, stressing that victims of alleged privacy breaches deserve empathy rather than online ridicule.
Looking ahead, Shashi hopes to inspire more women to pursue their dreams confidently, regardless of setbacks or public criticism. She believes resilience, self-belief and discipline are the qualities that truly define success.
As conversations around digital privacy, online ethics and reality television continue to evolve, Shashi Khushi Rai’s remarks have added another perspective to the debate. Whether discussing the intensity of competitive reality shows or reflecting on the personal challenges she has faced following the viral photo controversy, the international pageant finalist says she wants people to remember her for her achievements, determination and positive outlook rather than a controversy that she maintains should never have entered the public domain.