New Delhi, July 2, 2026: Reality TV star, content creator, and entrepreneur Tanya Mittal has fiercely hit back at a media report that labeled her a “sasti copy” (cheap copy) of Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives breakout star Shalini Passi. Expressing her deep disappointment over the sensationalized commentary, the Bigg Boss 19 finalist slammed the remark as “cheap and sexist,” asserting that her identity is entirely her own and built on a decade of intense personal struggle and hard work.
Taking to her social media handles, Tanya posted a lengthy, emotional note addressing the publication and journalists behind the comparison. She made it clear that reducing a self-made woman’s journey to clickbait headlines undermines years of perseverance.
“Before Judging My Journey, Understand It”
In her widely shared response, Tanya opened up about the immense personal and professional sacrifices she made long before stepping into the limelight. Reflecting on her early life in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, she revealed that her path to independence was anything but smooth.
A decade ago, Tanya made the radical choice to walk away from her formal education and stand against her own family’s expectations. She did so to escape the conventional path of an early marriage, which she felt would have stifled her dreams. “It wasn’t easy—it was painful, lonely—but I chose to fight for a life I believed in,” she shared.
Tanya detailed how she built her business, Handmade with Love by Tanya, completely from scratch. She recalled starting out in a small room with just ₹500 in hand, crafting handmade greeting cards. To keep the business alive, she would travel alone to Delhi’s crowded Sadar Bazaar to source raw materials, packing every single order with her own hands. Over the years, she expanded her entrepreneurial footprint into manufacturing premium handbags and high-end sarees.
The Toll of Trolling: From Temple Videos to Bigg Boss 19
Despite achieving success as a digital creator and gathering a massive following of over 2.5 million on Instagram, Tanya noted that the public and media have frequently chosen to mock her rather than celebrate her achievements.
Before her reality TV debut, Tanya became a prominent voice by creating spiritual and temple-centric content aimed at celebrating Indian culture. However, this phase was met with severe online trolling. She admitted that the intense backlash caused her to lose lucrative professional opportunities that she had worked tirelessly to secure.
Her stint on Bigg Boss 19 brought her nationwide fame, but it also amplified the scrutiny. During her time in the house, Tanya frequently trended for her elite lifestyle claims, including statements about her extensive security detail and a wardrobe consisting of hundreds of designer sarees. While these statements turned her into a viral sensation and a frequent target for internet memes, they also invited harsh skepticism inside and outside the house.
Rejecting the Shalini Passi Comparison
The current controversy erupted when a journalist drew parallels between Tanya and Shalini Passi—the art philanthropist and socialite who captured global attention on Netflix’s reality series for her eccentric, ultra-luxurious lifestyle. The report accused Tanya of simply “flaunting her wealth” and labeled her an imitation of Passi.
Tanya categorically rejected the comparison, pointing out the inherent bias in how the media covers successful women. She emphasized that everything she owns is a result of her individual labor, completely independent of any male backing.
“Everything I have is mine. Not my father’s. Not my boyfriend’s. Not my brother’s. Mine,” she asserted. “So before calling me someone’s ‘copy,’ understand this: I am no one’s copy. I am the original story of my own life.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter with Ekta Kapoor
While Tanya missed out on lifting the Bigg Boss 19 trophy, finishing in a commendable fourth place, her stint caught the eye of industry heavyweights. During a special appearance on the show, television tycoon Ekta Kapoor was highly impressed by Tanya’s screen presence and distinct personality.
Moving past the current media storm, Tanya is heavily focused on her upcoming acting debut. She is currently preparing for a major project under the banner of Balaji Telefilms, marking her official transition from an entrepreneur and influencer into mainstream acting.
Tanya’s public statement has sparked an essential conversation across social media platforms, with fans and industry peers rallying behind her. Many netizens are calling for responsible entertainment journalism, arguing that pitting women against one another based on lifestyle choices is an outdated and disrespectful narrative. By standing her ground, Tanya Mittal has reinforced that her identity is defined by her own hustle, not by the shadow of anyone else.