08 September,2026 01:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aasif Khan (Pic/X)
Television's biggest reality show, Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 20, premiered on September 6. Mahhi Vij, Isha Rikhi, Qazi Touqeer, Gullu, and Panchayat fame Aasif Khan, among others, participated. In a viral video, the Panchayat actor revealed he was offered the show in 2022 and had previously made it clear that he had no interest in participating. He explained why the format was not his cup of tea.
In a 2024 conversation with Hindi Rush, Aasif Khan was asked if he wanted to join Bigg Boss. The Panchayat actor instantly replied, "Nahi. (No)." He also shared that he was offered the show in 2022 but turned it down. Revealing the reason behind not joining the show, he had said in Hindi, "Someone had asked me about it. So then I asked one or two of my close friends about it, because it had come my way. At one point, I don't remember which season it was, but I watched it quite a lot. I watched it for about a month. This was many years ago. After a point, I realised that this isn't my taste."
He further clarified, "I have a big allergy to that whole thing - off-camera acting. That's why I said this isn't something that suits my taste. So I let it go."
In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Aasif had revealed the real reason behind his participation and said, "I enjoy exploring new things. I started my career as a theatre actor, then I did films and the OTT space as well. Then I was intrigued to do and know television as well, and I think there can be no bigger platform than participating in Salman Khan's show."
Aasif's early screen appearances included working as a junior artist in films such as Ready and Agneepath, followed by supporting roles in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Pari, and India's Most Wanted. He gradually gained wider recognition through the digital space, appearing in popular shows including Mirzapur, Paatal Lok, Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega, Panchayat, and Human.
However, his early years in the city were far from glamorous. He worked as a waiter and later in a hotel kitchen, took up a job at a mall, and continued auditioning alongside his day jobs.
