Veteran actor Rajesh Khanna almost missed his chance to star in one of the most popular Hindi reality shows, Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan. Here’s why he later regretted not taking the offer.
If anyone told you that veteran actor Rajesh Khanna was asked to take part in Salman Khan’s popular reality show Bigg Boss, would you believe it? In a candid chat from 2012 Ali Peter John, a journalist and a dear friend of the beloved late actor, revealed tidbits about Rajesh’s conversation with Bigg Boss’s team in an interview with Rediff. However, the final call came from the channel, deciding eventually not to bring him on board.
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Rajesh Khanna Regretted Not Appearing on Bigg Boss Despite Huge Paycheck
Ali talking to the media portal revealed, “Once, the makers of Bigg Boss called me to fix a meeting with him; they wanted him in the Bigg Boss house. But he said, “Nahin, nahin, Rajesh Khanna aise show thodi karega (Rajesh Khanna won’t work in such shows).” I tried to convince him, but he said no. Colors TV people told me they were willing to pay him Rs 3.5 crore for every episode he appeared in, but he said no (sic).”
He further added, “A few days later, he called me and said he wanted to do the show, but by then Colors had lost interest. I met him two-and-a-half months before his death and asked what had happened. He told me, “Agar Ghalib daaru peekar mar sakta hain, toh main kyon nahin? (If the legendary poet Ghalib could die of excessive drinking, why can’t I?).”
During the 2012 conversation Rajesh Khanna’s close pal, Ali, shared some interesting details. He gives us a glimpse into Rajesh’s keen financial acumen that enabled him to amass a substantial investment portfolio, despite his low engagement in the film industry. Ali fondly recalled how Rajesh lived life king-size, turning his home into a magnificent dwelling straight out of a fairytale. What’s more, he said Rajesh’s daughters – Twinkle and Rinke, are toying with the idea of transforming their father’s grand home into a memorial museum to honour him.
Rajesh, whose life spanned from December 1942 to July 2012, is hailed for his vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema. In acknowledgement of his contributions, he was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2013, India’s respected third-highest civilian award. His illustrious career saw a series of hit films like ‘Do Raaste’, ‘Bandhan’ in 1969, ‘Sachaa Jhutha’ in 1970, ‘Dushmun’ in 1971, ‘Apna Desh’ in 1972, and ‘Roti’, ‘Aap Ki Kasam’, and ‘Prem Kahani’ during the mid-70s. These titles are only a few among many others that mark his legacy.
