Tanushree Dutta to Rajesh Khanna: Celebs who turned down 'Bigg Boss'

Salman Khan’s ‘Bigg Boss’ has ruled Indian television for years, serving up drama, controversies, friendships, and feuds. The show is easily one of the most controversial shows of Indian TV. Yet, despite its massive popularity, several big celebrities have flatly turned down the chance to be part of it over the years.

From Tanushree Dutta turning down ‘Bigg Boss’ because she does not want to sleep with stranger men to Rajesh Khanna saying no for an appearance, here are a few celebrities who have turned down ‘BB’.

5 prominent celebrities who have turned down ‘Bigg Boss’

Tanushree Dutta

Former Miss India and Bollywood actor Tanushree Dutta was reportedly offered a hefty amount of ₹1.65 crore to join the show, but she refused it. In a candid interview with Bollywood Thikana, she revealed why she rejected the offer.

She said, "I have been declining to compete in ‘Bigg Boss’ for the past 11 years. They try to get me to go on the show every year, but I always chastise them. I can't survive in such a setting. Everyone has their own area, so I don't even spend all my time with my family. They made me an offer of Rs 1.65 crore since they had previously given the same sum to a Bollywood star on par with me. I was even offered additional money by a stylist from the ‘Bigg Boss’ management, but I turned it down."

Tanushree Dutta, (Image Courtesy: IG/iamtanushreeduttaofficial)

Ram Kapoor

TV’s beloved star Ram Kapoor is known for his larger-than-life roles, but when it comes to reality TV, he won’t be a part of reality TV. The ‘Bade Achhe Lagte Hain’ actor revealed that not even ₹20 crore could convince him to step inside the house.

Ram Kapoor. (Image Courtesy: IG/iamramkapoor)

As per a report by News18, Ram Kapoor had said, "I will never ever come in ‘Bigg Boss’ even if they offer me Rs. 20 cr because that kind of show is not for me. That doesn't mean it's a bad show, I know it's a very very successful show. My point is, I consider myself an actor."

"These kinds of shows, although they are very successful, are just voyeurism. ‘Bigg Boss’ or any kind of reality show, you are not showing any talent, it's just voyeurism. It's just people liking to see other people's lives. That's fine. It's not for me. I am a very private person. I would be the worst person for ‘Bigg Boss’..... So, I am not coming to Bigg Boss, I will never come to Bigg Boss because reality shows are not for me,” Ram had revealed.

Zareen Khan

Salman Khan’s ‘Veer’ co-star Zareen Khan also said no to ‘Bigg Boss’. In an interview with Hindi Rush, she candidly admitted that she wouldn’t last long in the house.

"I don't think I can live in a house with so many people that I don't know. I don't take time in making friends, but I don't know how comfortable I will be. Also, a major reason is, ulti baat mujhe bardhaasth nahi hoti. I won't be able to tolerate misbehaviour. Mera haath uth jayega, fir mujhe bahar hie phenk denge. So, it is better I don't go (laughs). Main 100% jaanti hu mera haath uth jayega,” Zareen said in an interview.

Rajesh Khanna

Perhaps the most surprising of them all is superstar Rajesh Khanna. According to a Times of India report, the legendary actor was approached with an offer worth a staggering ₹3.5 crore per episode. Yet, Kaka politely declined.

Rajesh Khanna. (Image Courtesy: AFP)

So, tell us—which of these celebrity rejections do you think was the biggest miss for Bigg Boss?