Legendary Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna was known as the first superstar of Indian cinema and enjoyed a massive fan following during the 60s and 70s thanks to his amazing acting performances and charming looks. Not many know that Khanna was offered the popular reality television show ‘Bigg Boss’. ADVERTISEMENT Journalist Ali Peter John, a close friend of recalled his rapport with the actor and shared that he was in touch with him till his final days.
In a 2012 interview with Rediff, he shared what happened between the superstar and the makers of the show hosted by Salman Khan. Ali said, "Once, the makers of Bigg Boss called me to fix a meeting with him; they wanted him in the Bigg Boss house. But he said, ‘Nahin, nahin, Rajesh Khanna aise show thodi karega (Rajesh Khanna won't work in such shows).
’ I tried to convince him, but he said no. The Colors TV (the television company that produces Bigg Boss) people told me they were willing to pay him Rs 3.5 crore for every episode he appeared in, but he said no.
" "A few days later, he called me and said he wanted to do the show, but by then Colors had lost interest. I met him two-and-a-half months before his death and asked what had happened. He told me, ‘Agar Ghalib daaru peekar mar sakta hain, toh main kyon nahin?’ (If the legendary poet Ghalib could die of excessive drinking, why can't I?)” added Ali.
Rajesh Khanna’s popularity and craze during his time were unmatched. He not only gave impactful and performances b.