Mumbai: Known for being one of the most contentious reality shows on Indian television, Bigg Boss has often featured high-profile celebrities who reveal their personal lives to a captivated audience. With its new season slated to begin on October 6, 2024, and once again hosted by Salman Khan, Bigg Boss aims to mesmerize viewers with its blend of drama and intrigue. However, before the show gained its current notoriety, many famous personalities opted to stay away, precisely because it was a reality television show. Notably among them was the 70s cinema icon, Rajesh Khanna, who declined an invitation with an astounding offer of Rs 3.5 crore per episode.
Esteemed journalist, Ali Peter John, opened up about the discussions he had concerning Khanna’s potential participation in Bigg Boss. He shared an anecdote where he described how Khanna was initially approached by the makers of Bigg Boss to join the show. “I was contacted by the makers to set up a meeting with him. They were keen on having Mr. Khanna in the Bigg Boss house,” Ali recalled. Despite the lucrative offer on the table, Khanna’s response was a resounding no, saying, “Nahin, nahin, Rajesh Khanna aise show thodi karega” (Rajesh Khanna won’t work in such shows).
Ali further elaborated on his attempts to persuade the superstar, but Khanna remained unmoved by the offer. “Even when the Colors team proposed an incredible Rs 3.5 crore for every episode he would appear in, he was firm in his refusal,” Ali said. Despite various attempts to get him on board, Khanna maintained his stance of disinterest toward the reality show genre.
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Interestingly, Ali recalled an unexpected turn of events when Khanna later decided to accept the offer. However, the chance had slipped away, as the producers of Bigg Boss had, by then, moved on and lost interest. “He called me a few days later, expressing his desire to be part of the show. But, unfortunately, the opportunity was no longer available,” Ali recounted.
The timing of the offer coincides with a season reportedly hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, a well-known contemporary and rival of Rajesh Khanna. The rivalry, rooted in their dominance of Bollywood during overlapping eras, was said to be intense enough that Khanna allegedly wanted to avoid sharing any space with Bachchan, according to the journalist. “Rajesh Khanna had a notable aversion to Big B, which was a compelling reason for him to stay away from the show during his tenure,” Ali claimed.
More than just an industry rivalry, Ali emphasized the personal struggles Rajesh Khanna faced during the later years of his life. The superstar battled alcohol addiction, an issue known to those close to him during his twilight years in the public eye. “He was almost at the brink of giving up his fight against alcoholism,” Ali revealed, hinting at the tumultuous personal life that plagued the actor.
Rajesh Khanna’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the disparate worldviews held by stars of yesteryears compared to the current generation of celebrities who willingly engage with the high-pressure environment of reality television. While the attractive financial rewards of Bigg Boss lure numerous stars into the spotlight, individuals like Khanna represent an era of icons more cautious about their public perception and dignity.
In conclusion, the story of Rajesh Khanna’s interplay with the glitzy yet challenging world of Bigg Boss remains a fascinating footnote in the history of Indian television. It underscores the personal and professional complexities behind the scenes of what is perceived as glamorous reality entertainment. As the new season unfolds in October with anticipation and excitement, viewers are reminded of the paths not taken by legends like Khanna, adding a layer of depth to the ongoing narrative of Bigg Boss.
