Shehbaz Badesha, who was eliminated just a week before the Bigg Boss 19 finale, says he is grateful for the journey rather than disappointed. In an exclusive chat with India Today, he shared that surviving this long in the game—and winning audience love for his humour—felt more rewarding than making it to the grand finale night.
Shehbaz admitted he believed he deserved to stay over co-contestant Malti Chahar but added that leaving earlier brought him more visibility. “Had I exited on finale night, I wouldn’t have received this much limelight,” he said, adding that being part of the show was something he had manifested.
On His Viral Bromance With Amaal Malik
One of the most talked-about highlights of Shehbaz’s journey was his unexpectedly warm friendship with composer-contestant Amaal Malik. Their camaraderie stood out in a house known for fights and shifting alliances.
“I don’t know how it happened. On the first day, I hid a few things, and Amaal helped me. Since then, we just connected. I think we’re the only two contestants in the show’s history who never fought,” he said.
Even accusations of being a “yes-man” or chamcha did not affect them. “If being called a chamcha for your friend is wrong, then people shouldn’t claim friendships. Our bond was real.”
On Shehnaaz Gill & Salman Khan’s Words
After eviction, Shehbaz returned home to sister Shehnaaz Gill, who was proud of how long he lasted. He also recalled host Salman Khan telling him that he now had his own identity beyond being Shehnaaz’s brother or Sidharth Shukla’s friend.
Responding to accusations that he used Sidharth and Shehnaaz’s names to gain votes, Shehbaz said, “People know my bond with Sidharth. I even have his face tattooed. If that was for votes, why was it never questioned then?”
On Bonds Inside the House
Shehbaz addressed speculation around his closeness with Neelam Giri, clarifying they share a sibling-like bond. He also said that his rapport with Faarrhana Bhat was purely for the game.
He expressed his intent to remain in touch with Neelam and Baseer Ali after the show, but made it clear whom he wants to avoid:
“I will never meet Ashnoor Kaur and Abhishek Bajaj again. I found them fake and never considered them real contestants.”
On His Girlfriend & Viral Photos
Shehbaz revealed his girlfriend was shocked when he mentioned her on the show and that her pictures went viral soon after. He was amused that viewers went looking for her, but unhappy that she had to defend him when another contestant body-shamed him.
Praises Amaal Malik & Reacts to Daboo Malik’s Emotional Post
Shehbaz praised Amaal’s evolution and said he sees the qualities of a winner in him. He also laughed about Amaal’s father Daboo Malik’s emotional social media post.
“He wrote it as if I had died! After my reply, he deleted it. All in good humour,” he said.
The Bigg Boss 19 finale airs on December 7.
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