Don in the house: Jay Bhanushali cheers for ex-wife Mahhi Vij's Bigg Boss 20 entry

Actor Mahhi Vij has finally said yes to Bigg Boss after years of turning down offers to join the reality show. And as she entered the Bigg Boss 20 house, her ex-husband Jay Bhanushali had a message of support for her. The actor had been approached for the show several times before finally deciding that the time was right to take the plunge.

Sharing a video of Mahhi’s entry on his Instagram Story, Jay wrote, “The don is in the house @mahhivij. All the best, kill it @tarajaymahhi ki mumma.”

Mahhi and Jay, who got married in 2011, announced their separation in January 2026.

Mahhi was welcomed by Salman Khan on the Bigg Boss 20 stage, where the host revealed that the makers had been trying to get her on the show for several years. He also recalled hearing her name being discussed as a possible contestant since he began hosting Bigg Boss.

When Salman asked Mahhi why she had repeatedly declined the offer, she said the timing had never felt right. The actor revealed that she finally decided to join Bigg Boss 20 last month.

Although she has always enjoyed watching the show, Mahhi said she eventually felt ready to experience it herself this time.

Her children also played a role in her decision. Mahhi said her adopted children, Khushi and Rajveer, as well as her biological daughter Tara, encouraged her to take part in the show.

Tara, who was present in the audience, joined her mother on stage and gave her a hug before Mahhi entered the Bigg Boss house.

Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali announced separation in January 2026

Mahhi’s Bigg Boss 20 entry comes months after she and Jay announced that they had decided to part ways.

In January 2026, the former couple shared a joint statement on Instagram, saying they had chosen separate paths but would continue to support each other.

“Today, we choose to part ways on a journey called life. Yet, we continue to have each other's back. Peace, growth, kindness and humanity have always been our guiding values. For the sake of our children - Tara, Khushi and Rajveer - we commit to being the best parents, the best friends, and whatever else it takes to do what is right for them (sic),” they said.

They also stressed that their decision was not driven by bitterness or negativity.

“Though we walk separate paths, there is no villain in this story and no negativity attached to this decision. Before any conclusions are drawn, please know that we choose peace over drama and sanity above all else (sic),” they added.

The two asked people to respect their decision and give them privacy as they moved forward.

“We continue to respect one another, support one another, and remain friends, as we always have been. With mutual respect, we ask for your respect, love and kindness as we move forward. - Mahhi Vij & Jay Bhanushali (sic),” they wrote.

In an exclusive chat with India Today, Mahhi said that she doesn't want to talk about her separation with Jay on the show.

Bigg Boss 20 premiered on JioHotstar at 9 pm and on Colors TV at 10.30 pm.