It was a dream offer from India’s biggest reality show, but comedian Shakeel Siddiqui chose principles over fame and a massive paycheck.
He has revealed the shocking reason he rejected a lucrative spot on Bigg Boss, even as the show’s team promised him a red-carpet treatment.
In a recent interview, the popular actor explained that the Bigg Boss management offered him complete freedom inside the house and a huge fee. They even went so far as to fly to Dubai to meet him.
Their goal, he said, was to create drama and boost ratings by having him as the sole Pakistani contestant among an all-Indian cast.
But Shakeel Siddiqui wasn’t interested in that kind of fame. He chose to walk away, fearing that a televised conflict could escalate real-life tensions between India and Pakistan. He stated his preference to be known for his art, not for controversy.
His decision to reject Bigg Boss follows his earlier refusal to appear on the Pakistani reality show Tamasha, which he also turned down for creative reasons.