‘Bigg Boss 16’: How Celebrities Reacted To Sajid Khan’s Controversial Participation
'Bigg Boss 16': Sajid Khan’s entry in the Salman Khan-hosted reality show caused massive controversy with many celebrities bashing 'Bigg Boss' makers to include him in the show.
‘Bigg Boss 16’ makers have received intense backlash over disgraced Indian film director Sajid Khan’s participation in the ongoing season. Many celebrities expressed their disappointment with the reality show through which Sajid Khan, who was accused of sexual harassment by several women during the #MeToo movement in India, made a comeback.
The uber-popular reality show, being hosted by Bollywood megastar Salman Khan, aired its first 'Bigg Boss 16' episode on October 1, 2022. Apart from several celebrities, netizens also slammed the makers for giving a chance to Sajid Khan to redeem himself through the reality show.
Famous TV actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee recently objected to the director’s participation in 'Bigg Boss 16'. The ‘Saath Nibhaana Saathiya’ actress in a recent TV channel interview said, "It is a simple thing - nine women cast allegations on Sajid Khan. Not all of those nine can be wrong. Tell me, will someone install a camera and then abuse? This is why women avoid complaining about these incidents. Even the parents are scared that society will prove the victim as a liar.”
She further said that it “breaks her heart” to see him on national television trying to prove that he is “a hero”. Devoleena Bhattacharjee also added that she will stop watching ‘Bigg Boss 16’ if he doesn’t quit the reality show.
Apart from Devoleena, social media sensation Urfi Javed also bashed the 'Bigg Boss 16' makers for providing Sajid with a platform to turn a new leaf in his career. In one of her initial Instagram Stories, she wrote, "It's not controversial, it's just disgraceful!"
"I would like to remind all of you that Sajid Khan has never apologized to any of the girls he molested or he preyed on or did whatever. He's not even apologized to the nation,” she added.
“But, on the other hand, he keeps defending his actions. He never apologized, he's not sorry for it but he keeps defending what he did. What an a**hole."
Actress Sherlyn Chopra, who had accused Sajid Khan of sexual assault, not only lambasted the makers of 'Bigg Boss 16' but also criticised Salman Khan for supporting the disgraced director.
In a recent press conference, Sherlyn said, “The message that’s going out with this move of Bigg Boss makers is that it’s okay to molest a woman, to touch her inappropriately and to flash your private parts because at the end of it, you will be absolved in the eyes of public because you have big content makers and channels behind you.”
Speaking about Salman Khan, she added that the reality show runs because of the megastar and he could have objected to Sajid Khan’s entry.
She added, “You call yourself a bhaijaan, can’t you become bhaijaan to us wronged women. Are you just the bhaijaan of influential people and not outsiders like us?”
While several others including Sona Mohapatra, Mandana Karimi, Saloni Chopra objected to the ‘Housefull’ director’s participation, many Bollywood celebrities including Shehnaz Gill, Rakhi Sawant, Kashmera Shah and Payal Rohatgi, have spoken in support of Sajid Khan.
Shehnaz Gill appeared in a video message during Sajid’s entry and advised him to stay humble and real during 'Bigg Boss 16', entertain the audience and avoid indulging in fights or controversies. She concluded by saying, “Meri support aapke sath hai. All the best! Rock it brother.”
Apart from Shehnaz Gill, Rakhi Sawant also reacted to Sajid’s participation in the show. During a recent media interaction, she broke down while supporting the director and urged everyone to let him “live”.
Rakhi Sawant said that Sajid Khan has suffered enough in the last four years since nobody wanted to work with him.
“He has entered Bigg Boss house to give himself a chance. Bigg Boss also invites such controversial personalities. If I enter Bigg Boss house, I will surely ask him about the allegations, whether he did something or not. Please forgive him, let him live otherwise he will commit suicide in pressure,” she said.
Kashmera Shah, who also came forward in support of Sajid Khan, had tweeted, “Just saw #BiggBoss on @justvoot and must say I loved the lineup There are a few early favorites but I have to admit that #SajidKhan s candid honesty touched my heart waiting to see him more good advice from sister #farahkhan @ColorsTV #BB16.”
Just saw #BiggBoss on @justvoot and must say I loved the line up. There are a few early favorites but I have to admit that #SajidKhan s candid honesty touched my heart waiting to see him more good advice by sister #farahkhan @ColorsTV ##BB16
— Kashmera Shah (@kashmerashah) October 1, 2022
Known for films like ‘Heyy Babyy’, ‘Housefull’, ‘Humshakal’ among many others, Sajid Khan didn’t release any new projects for quite a few years following the 2018 #MeToo movement. During the #MeToo movement, Rachel White, Saloni Chopra, Sherlyn Chopra, Aahana Kumra, and Mandana Karimi, among others, accused Sajid Khan of sexual harassment.
