70s Megastar who had shut down whole Mumbai on his death was offered 3.5 Cr per episode of Big Boss
In the golden era of Bollywood during the 1970s, one name stood out with unmatched charisma and superstardom—Rajesh Khanna. Known as the first true superstar of Indian cinema, his aura was magnetic, drawing millions of fans, some even sending him love letters written in blood. However, like many iconic figures, Rajesh Khanna faced a career slump later in life, and during this period, he was approached with a surprising offer
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The controversial yet immensely popular reality show Bigg Boss, known for its drama and unpredictability, had set its sights on the legendary actor. The show, which features an array of personalities under 24-hour camera surveillance, had extended an offer to Rajesh Khanna to be a part of its lineup. And the makers were serious—so much so that they offered him a staggering sum of ₹3.5 crore per episode, an offer unheard of at the time for reality TV in India.
In a 2012 Rediff article, journalist Ali Peter John shared his experiences with the superstar. He revealed how the Bigg Boss team had asked him to set up a meeting with Rajesh Khanna to discuss his participation. Despite the generous offer, the actor initially declined, stating, “Nahi, nahi, Rajesh Khanna aise show thodi karega (Rajesh Khanna won’t do such shows).”
Despite efforts to convince him, Khanna remained firm. However, a few days later, the legendary actor had a change of heart and expressed his interest in joining the show. Unfortunately, by that time, the producers had moved on and lost interest in bringing him aboard.
Rajesh Khanna’s life, even in his later years, was filled with moments of intrigue, and his brief association with Bigg Boss adds yet another fascinating chapter to his extraordinary legacy. Though he never graced the Bigg Boss house, his decision further cemented his status as someone who maintained dignity and control over his image, even during challenging times.
