The preparations for Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss 18 are in full swing, and the excitement is palpable. Several celebrities have been approached by the show’s makers, and many are eager to be part of this popular reality show on Colors TV. However, there’s a notable absence of interest among the ‘A-list’ television actors this time around. In the past, well-known faces like Shweta Tiwari, Juhi Parmar, Shilpa Shinde, Hina Khan, and Dipika Kakkar were keen to participate, but now many renowned actors from the serial world seem disinterested in entering the Bigg Boss house.
Confirmed Contestants and Rejections
TV9 Hindi Digital previously reported that Shoaib Ibrahim was the first confirmed contestant for Bigg Boss 18. However, there are now rumors that Shoaib has declined the offer to join the show. Alongside him, Arjun Bijlani has also reportedly turned down an opportunity to participate. Additionally, popular actors like Surbhi Chandna and Nia Sharma have repeatedly been invited by the channel over the years but have chosen not to join.
Influencers Taking the Spotlight
This season, there has been a shift in focus towards social media influencers in Bigg Boss, particularly noted during OTT Season 3. Influencers, such as Dolly Chaiwala, have been approached to join the show, but many traditional actors are hesitant to share the screen with them. The inconsiderate behavior exhibited by some influencers towards actors—often disrespectful and dismissive—has not been well received. This has contributed to a growing reluctance among actors to participate in the show.
Respect and Dignity in Entertainment
Under anonymity, a well-known actor expressed his frustrations, stating that while he enjoys engaging with content creators online, he finds the disrespectful attitude of some influencers unacceptable. He referred to the incident where veteran actor Ranveer Shourie was treated poorly by influencers like Shivani Kumari and Lavkesh, describing it as an insult. With years of experience in the industry, this actor emphasized that having millions of followers doesn’t equate to the same kind of impact on television ratings. He pointed out that network executives would likely pull shows that fail to attract viewers, regardless of social media popularity.
Challenges for Married and Committed Actors
The trend of fake love stories within the Bigg Boss house is becoming increasingly prominent. Contestants often form fake relationships to enhance their chances of advancing in the game, overshadowing those who wish to showcase their real selves. This has posed a significant challenge for genuine contenders who find themselves left behind. Recent seasons have shown instances of this, such as with Jay Bhanushali during Season 15, highlighting why established figures in television, like Shoaib Ibrahim, Karan Patel, and Arjun Bijlani, are declining to participate.
Conclusion
The landscape of reality television is evolving with the growing influence of social media personalities. While the excitement for Bigg Boss 18 continues, it remains to be seen how this shift will affect the show’s dynamic and whether it will deter or attract traditional actors. With respect for their craft and dignity at stake, many may choose to opt out of the contest, leaving audiences curious about who will ultimately step inside the controversial house this season.
