Firoz Khan Slams Mohanlal Over Tashi Name Row

The latest Bigg Boss Malayalam 8 flashpoint is not between contestants. This time, host Mohanlal is at the centre, after a confrontation with contestant Tashi turned into a larger debate about names, identity and what is fair to question on reality television.

What happened in the episode

In a recent episode, Mohanlal pulled up Tashi, also known as Santhosh, over his aggressive behaviour in the house. What grabbed attention, though, was the host choosing to address him by his birth name, Santhosh, while directing others to call him Tashi. Many viewers read that as a dig at the contestant’s identity rather than a comment on his conduct.

Firoz Khan’s response

Firoz Khan, a former Bigg Boss Malayalam contestant and television host, shared a reaction video on social media and did not hold back. He pointed out that Mammootty and Dileep also changed their original names early in their careers, and nobody mocked them for it.

“His game strategy can certainly be criticised on the show, but not his name and identity,” he said.

Firoz called it inappropriate for Mohanlal to make the remark about Tashi, whose real name is Santhosh. He also weighed in on other house dynamics, calling the Noby-Nilina issue a karmic comeback and saying Mridhula and Anjali returned from the secret room as “two tigresses”.

Why the controversy matters

In the entertainment industry, screen names are common. Actors, hosts and artists often reinvent themselves, and film history is full of examples. The reaction to this episode has split social media, with some fans praising the host for his tough stance and others arguing that using a birth name as a weapon crosses a line.

• Firoz says gameplay criticism is fair; identity criticism is not.
• Mammootty and Dileep are cited as examples of accepted name changes.
• Fans are divided over whether Mohanlal was correcting or mocking.

What happens next

Bigg Boss thrives on exactly this kind of debate, and it will likely keep playing out across social media and weekend episodes. For viewers, the takeaway is straightforward: watch how contestants behave, and judge that, not the name they choose to use.

Source: The Times of India