Shehnaaz Gill has responded to the controversy surrounding her brother Shehbaz Badesha's recent comments on Bigg Boss 19 regarding the late actor Sidharth Shukla's fans. Shehbaz, a contestant on the current season, sparked outrage after claiming that Sidharth's fans would vote for him and ensure he wouldn't be evicted.
The remark, made during a conversation with music composer Amaal Mallik, drew immediate criticism online. Many fans of Sidharth Shukla, known as "SidHearts," accused Shehbaz of exploiting the late actor's name for personal gain and sympathy votes. Social media platforms were flooded with angry reactions, with users calling the comment insensitive and disrespectful. Some fans expressed that Shehbaz was wrongly assuming that Sidharth's fans would support him and that he should win based on his merit and not on Sidharth's name.
Shehnaaz Gill, Sidharth Shukla's close friend and Bigg Boss 13 co-contestant, addressed the controversy during her appearance on Bigg Boss 19’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode hosted by Salman Khan. When asked about her brother's statement in an interview with Telly Talk India, Shehnaaz responded with composure. Initially, she deflected the question, asking, "What do you think?". However, she then clarified, "We (Shehnaaz and Shehbaz) have spoken to Salman Khan Sir about this on the show. You will witness that in the episode".
Shehnaaz's response suggests that the issue was discussed with Salman Khan during the Weekend Ka Vaar episode, and viewers will see the conversation unfold on television. This indicates that Shehnaaz and Shehbaz may have addressed the concerns and clarified their stance on the matter. In an attempt to lighten the mood, Shehnaaz added, "Apart from Bigg Boss, you guys should also promote Ik Kudi," referring to her Punjabi film where she debuted as a producer.
Shehbaz's comments and the subsequent backlash highlight the sensitivity surrounding Sidharth Shukla's legacy. Sidharth, who won Bigg Boss 13, had a massive fan following, and his sudden death in 2021 left a void in the entertainment industry and among his fans. The strong reactions to Shehbaz's statement demonstrate how protective viewers remain of Sidharth's memory and legacy.
The Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 19, featuring Shehnaaz Gill, is expected to shed more light on the controversy. Fans are eager to see how Salman Khan addresses the issue and how Shehnaaz and Shehbaz further clarify their positions. The episode may offer a resolution to the controversy and provide a clearer understanding of Shehbaz's intentions behind his comments.
