Replacing Salman on 'Bigg Boss' signalled women's empowerment: Farah Khan

The fact that she has stepped into the shoes of one of Bollywood's Khans to host "Bigg Boss Halla Bol", is a sign of women's empowerment, says filmmaker Farah Khan.

The "Dabangg" star Salman Khan handed over the baton of hosting "Bigg Boss Halla Bol", an extension of "Bigg Boss 8" to Farah.

"I think a lot of people are undermining the fact that a woman replaced one of the biggest stars of the industry. It says something for women empowerment," Farah told IANS over phone from Lonavla, where the "Bigg Boss" set has been housing celebrity contestants since four months.

In the new series, which concludes later Saturday night, five challengers from the previous seasons of the show were pitted against the top five champions of "Bigg Boss 8".

Farah, who, with her movies like "Main Hoon Naa", "Om Shanti Om" and "Happy New Year", broke the myth that a woman can't helm masala movies, says she added her own style and charisma while hosting the Colors' show.

"I'm relieved with the response. There were some apprehensions, which were not from my side, but yes I think it was big shoes to fill in. I'm glad that all's well that ends well. I think my style of hosting was different from Salman.

I don't think one can draw any comparisons. He is a fabulous host and that was his take, but I did it in my own way," she added.

The filmmaker, who has judged TV shows like "Dance India Dance-Supermoms" and "Nach Baliye" in the past, also mentioned that she entered the show with a blank canvas to avoid being Salman's reflection.

"There was no point in doing what he (Salman) did, then I would have fallen flat on my face. I was myself and thought to do it as a class teacher with humour, like giving them advice when they need it, but I didn't intimidate them," she added.

It's tough to talk about "Bigg Boss" and not mention its infamous controversies -- the romance that brewed between contestants. This season, the chemistry between two pairs -- Gautam Gulati-Diandra Soares and Upen Patel-Karishma Tanna -- grabbed eye balls.

The 50-year-old says a love story inside the house satiates the 'voyeuristic' need of the people.

"It is not scripted. We are actually watching the process of two people falling for each other. I think the nation, in fact the world has become voyeuristic.

We want to know what is happening in our neighbour's house, we want to know what the other person is doing, so it is a voyeuristic pleasure that we get while watching 'Bigg Boss'.

"With all the fights and conspiracies inside the house, a little romance makes you feel nice," she said.

Farah, who calls herself an ardent fan of the reality show, lauds the top five finalists - Karishma, Gautam, Pritam Singh, Dimpy and Ali Quli Mirza, for surviving inside the house and keeping the viewers hooked to the show.

The grand finale of the show will be held later Saturday night.