Chum Darang, a talented actress from Arunachal Pradesh, has been confirmed as a contestant for the popular reality show Bigg Boss 18. While she might not yet be a household name across India, she has steadily made her mark in the entertainment industry, especially after her noteworthy role in Badhaai Do, where she played the girlfriend of Bhumi Pednekar.
From Beauty Pageants to Bollywood
Chum Darang’s journey to fame is anything but ordinary. She has been part of various beauty pageants and won several titles, including Miss Tiara India International 2017 and Miss Asia World 2017. Her rise to recognition started when she won the Miss AAPSU (All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union) title in 2010. This win helped her gain a significant foothold in the pageantry world.
Acting Career & Breakthrough Roles
Chum’s Bollywood debut came in 2020 when she appeared in the hit film Gangubai Kathiawadi. However, her role as Bhumi Pednekar’s on-screen girlfriend in Badhaai Do brought her into the limelight. The portrayal of a same-sex relationship in the film was both bold and praised, earning her accolades for her performance.
In addition to films, Chum Darang has appeared in the popular web series Paatal Lok. Although her role in the series was brief, it added to her growing reputation as a versatile actress.
Struggles with Racism
Chum Darang’s journey in the entertainment world has not been without challenges. Being from Arunachal Pradesh, she has faced her share of racist comments. Often taunted with labels like “Miss Chinese” and “Chinky,” Chum has overcome these prejudices to build a name for herself in the acting industry.
Entrepreneur and Activist
Beyond acting, Chum is also an entrepreneur. She owns Cafe Chu, a popular restaurant in her hometown of Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, which she started in 2018. Additionally, she runs an NGO dedicated to women’s empowerment and environmental protection.
Raising Her Voice
Chum Darang isn’t just about entertainment and business; she has also been vocal about social issues. In 2018, she gained attention for tweeting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking how long citizens like her would continue to be treated like strangers in their own country. This moment highlighted her concerns about racial discrimination in India.
With her participation in Bigg Boss 18, Chum Darang is set to reach even greater heights, and it will be exciting to see how she navigates the challenges of the reality show.