Updated On: 22 August, 2025 07:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
As the reality show hosted by Salman Khan returns for its 19th season, we revisit the time Anita Advani told mid-day about Rajesh Khanna’s reaction after being offered Bigg Boss

Salman Khan, Rajesh Khanna Pic/Nimesh Dave, AFP
Late superstar Rajesh Khanna’s long-rumoured relationship with actor Anita Advani took the spotlight once again after claiming that the actor and she were “privately married.” Anita briefly worked in the movies and returned to the spotlight after participating in Bigg Boss season 7. As the reality show hosted by Salman Khan returns for its 19th season, we revisit the time she told mid-day about Khanna’s reaction after being offered Bigg Boss.
Anita, who was with Rajesh Khanna at the time, said, “They were paying him a huge amount. They also went to Delhi to convince him. He was contemplating whether he should or not. One night, he said, ‘If I go to Bigg Boss, I will become a better person.’ I got the shock of my life. I said, ‘No, Kaka ji. You have such an aura. I don’t think you can suit or fit there’. I said, ‘Wahan bartan manjwate hain (They will make you wash dishes). He said, ‘Achcha mere se bhi manjwayenge?’ (Will they make me wash dishes too?). I said, `Khaana bhi nahi milta theek se.` He said, `Refugee hain kya?`"
Anita, who herself participated in the show, said she did so after being encouraged by the lawyer. “I spoke quite a bit, but it was all edited.”