Showing posts with label Aly Goni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aly Goni. Show all posts
"I’m lucky to be alive": Jasmine Bhasin on being hospitalized in Dubai
9:22 AM
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 2, 2026)
What began as a birthday trip to Dubai turned into a health scare for actor Jasmine Bhasin. Now, recovering in a Mumbai hospital, she opens up about the difficult experience, the uncertainty of life and the love and wishes that helped her through.
“I am better now, but healing from terminal ileitis (inflammation of the last segment of small intestine) is not easy. Hopefully, in a day or two, I will be home,” says the actor, who turned 36 on Sunday.
Describing the unexpected crisis that began on the second day of her trip, Jasmine shares, “Despite taking medication, my fever refused to drop below 104 degrees even after 24 hours,” adding, “My gut infection, with a CRP level of 350 mg/L, was very risky as it starts creating sepsis in the body. Thankfully, the doctors managed to control it.”
Crediting the constant support of actor–beau Aly Goni, Jasmine reflects how his presence by her side helped her through the illness in a foreign land. “I am grateful to God that he was there with me. It is comforting to have your loved ones with you during such a crisis. You know you have ‘your people’ who won’t let anything go wrong, and I had that faith because Aly was with me,” she shares.
On celebrating her birthday on a hospital bed, the actor says, “So much was planned for my birthday, a grand party which got cancelled. I felt bad for my friends who had everything lined up. But they still made sure that I celebrated my day in the best way they possibly could.”
The illness also prompted the actor to reflect on life’s uncertainty. She says, “Sometimes life has other plans. This time, my birthday was destined to be this way, but I am happy that I am alive and healing. I won’t call it a terrifying experience to fall sick on my special day. For me, it was an experience I will never forget.”
On the road to recovery, Jasmine is now eager to return to her professional life. “I have been ordered two weeks of complete rest, and after that, I will be back to business. With my show and a film release in the pipeline, I really need to push myself,” she says, adding, “I even tried convincing my doctor to let me go for a shoot yesterday because I need to hustle to feel fine!”
Overwhelmed by the love on social media, she also expressed her gratitude. “The way my friends and well-wishers stood by me is incredible,” she signs off.
I respect all religions, and that’s the reality which is not fake-Aly Goni
9:33 AM
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 11, 2025)
Actor Aly Goni found himself in the middle of a social media storm after a video of him staying silent during a “Ganpati Bappa Morya” chant at a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration went viral (see inset above). Clarifying his stance, the 34-year-old tells us, “I respect all religions, and that’s the reality which is not fake and can’t be changed.”
But Aly asserts, “Just because there are a handful of people who don’t understand a point of view, it’s okay with me. I am glad there are a lot of Hindus supporting me in this, too. I see this as a ray of hope in these times.”
In an earlier interview, Aly had said that his religion does not allow him to do puja: “It’s not allowed in my religion. We have one belief: we offer namaz, pray, and respect all religions.”
While the actor admits that trolling doesn’t faze him, the misinterpretation of his actions did sting: “Baat ko galat sense mein lena is not right, and that’s what hurt me the most. I have learned to take it in my stride. For me, they are just bots on social media.”
He adds that controversies come with the territory. “Privacy or personal space for celebrities does not exist. But that’s normal, I guess, because when we have chosen this life, then yeh sab toh sehna padega.”
But the actor is grateful for his fans. “My heart goes out to see how much they support me. I love all my friends and fans who stood by me. Itne dinon kuchh toh achha kiya,” he ends.
My mum is visiting me from Kota because she knows I feel sad and alone on Diwali-Jasmine Bhasin
8:26 AM
Mugdha Kapoor (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 29, 2024)
To me, Diwali means celebration, get-togethers, delicious food, and prayers to thank God for abundance and growth,” says actor Jasmine Bhasin, who was recently seen in the Punjabi film, Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di.
Having grown up in Kota (Rajasthan), Bhasin, who now lives in Mumbai, shares that Diwali evokes nostalgia: “I grew up in a joint family. Every year was so much fun with family vacations, new clothes, and everyone playing specific roles in the celebration. My chachas would get the patakhas. It’s something I really miss.”
Ask about her Diwali plans and the 34-year-old says, “It is one of my favourite festivals. My mum is visiting me from Kota because she knows I feel sad and alone on Diwali. So, I’m looking forward to celebrating at home with my mom, friends, and family, including Aly (Goni, actor-boyfriend).” She adds that she plans to host a Diwali dinner for close friends and savour her mother’s homemade mithai.
Is she excited about attending industry Diwali parties as well? “Even though we (Aly and Jasmine) have been together for a long time, we’ve never really attended Diwali parties together because of my travel schedule. This year, we plan to attend all our friends’ Diwali parties and not miss any celebrations,” she says.
Aly Goni became my eyes and hands for a few days-Jasmin Bhasin
8:06 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2024)
Actress Jasmine Bhasin has had a tough time in the last few days. The actress' eyes were bandaged after she experienced some serious trouble with her lenses. Her corneas were damaged and she was advised to completely rest. Jasmine was attending an event in Delhi on July 17 when the incident occurred. But the actress is feeling better now and her bandages have been removed.
The actress tells us, “I have almost recovered. There is slight uneasiness and pain but it will take some time to heal fully. My vision is back and I can now carry on with my daily routine. I can get back to work. Thanks to all the doctors who have helped me heal.”
She needs to exercise caution though. “I still need to be careful with my makeup and lenses for a month. I can't wear them for sometime. And makeup shouldn’t touch my eyes."
Jasmine also thanked boyfriend Aly Goni on her social media for being with her throughout this. She shares, “Aly was there with me throughout and was my biggest support system. He became my eyes and hands for a few days. Whenever I had to put eye drops every few hours, he used to help me with that too."
She adds, "My friends came over to make me feel better and spend time with me. I feel blessed that I had people around me in difficult times.”
While the actress blames no one for this incident, but asks everyone to be careful. “This can happen to anyone. This is one unfortunate incident that happened with me. I don’t blame anyone for this, but I want everyone to be careful while wearing their lenses and also with their health,” says Jasmine.
When I first laid my eyes on the Kaaba, mera rona hi nahin ruk raha tha-Aly Goni
9:29 AM
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 22, 2024)
Actor Aly Goni recently performed Umrah in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) to mark the holy month of Ramadan. Expressing gratitude derived from the pilgrimage, he shares, “Even last year, I went for Umrah during Ramadan. That was my first visit. Maine neeyat maangi thi ki main har saal aa paaun. Iss saal bulaava tha so I went again. Obviously, it’s more special to perform Umrah during Ramadan. The prophet said that if you do Umrah during this holy month, it’s like doing Hajj.”
For Goni, the pilgrimage was not just a religious duty, but also a transformative experience. “It’s a totally different experience, har insaan nahin jaa paata hai wahan par. Since childhood, everyone dreams of going there. But you realise the importance of it once you grow up. When a person goes there, they get a reality check and there is a power that makes you feel good,” the 33-year-old says.
He continues, “When I first laid my eyes on the Kaaba [last year], mera rona hi nahin ruk raha tha and iss saal bhi similar feeling thi. Aisa lag hi nahin raha tha ki main second time aa raha hoon. I felt the same excitement. I am planning to go again next year with my mum and dad, inshallah.”
Sonali Phogat dies of heart attack; co-stars in shock; Vikas Gupta talks about her daughter Yashodhara
8:29 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; August 24, 2022)
Actress and politician Sonali Phogat, 42, passed away on Monday night in Goa after she suffered a heart attack. Born in a village in Haryana, Sonali started her showbiz journey as an anchor in 2006 and acted in a few Haryanvi films and the TV show Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma (2016). In 2019, she also appeared in the web show The Story Of Badmashgarh. She had participated in Bigg Boss 14 (BB14) in 2020 as a wild card entry, post which she wanted to concentrate on her acting career, and she told us in an interview she was even planning to shift base to Mumbai. Her sudden demise came as a shock to her BB14 co-contestants, who remember her as cheerful and strong.
SHE WAS CHEERFUL AND STRONG: JASMIN BHASIN
“She was a very strong, sweet and cheerful person. She used to always shower me with blessings. It was way too early for her to just depart like this. Sonali was a single parent, and her daughter Yashodhara is so young. I am not in a position to say much because it is very difficult to accept that she is not with us anymore. I used to be in touch with her regularly. I will need some time to come to terms with what has happened.”
DO DIN PEHLE HI BAAT HUI THI: ALY GONI
“Samajh nahi aa raha mujhe abhi… Do din pehle hi baat hui thi unse. . . I am not feeling okay.”
IN DEEP SHOCK: RAHUL VAIDYA
“Sonali ji was like an elder sister to me. She had come for my wedding, and recently when my single released on Friendship Day, she asked me to send her the song. I am in deep shock. I wouldn’t call her a friend, she was more like a mother figure to me, very affectionate. ”
WAS LIKE A MOTHER TO ME: ARSHI KHAN
“She was like a mother to me. On August 7, we spoke, and she told me she was going to Goa, after which she was going to come to Mumbai, and we were planning to meet. She was a very warm person. I remember how she used to look after me in the Bigg Boss house. ”
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Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 24, 2022)
TV actor, former Bigg Boss contestant and political leader Sonali Phogat, 42, died of a heart attack in Goa, on Tuesday. On Monday night, she was taken to St Anthony’s Hospital And Research Centre at Anjuna in North Goa after she complained of uneasiness, sources said.
Actor Jasmin Bhasin, who was a part of the reality show with Phogat, says, “I woke up to this news and it is very shocking. I am numb. I don’t even know how to express my feelings. She was always nice to me and Aly (Goni, actor and boyfriend). She was a darling; she’d often text us. I had known her since Tashan-E-Ishq (TV series). She was very ambitious and wanted to do so much for women and society.”
Actor Nawab Shah, who played Phogat’s on-screen husband in her first TV show, Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma, is “sad and shocked”. He shares, “She went too early. There was so much that she wanted to do [for society]. I remember, while doing the show, I would help her out with acting, as it was her first gig. But she was always keen to do a good job. Also, it’s quite alarming how people are losing their lives to heart attacks.”
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Producer and Bigg Boss contestant Vikas Gupta talks about his friend, actor-politician Sonali Phogat who passed away on Monday
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 24, 2022)
BJP leader and actor Sonali Phogat died of suspected heart attack in Goa on Monday. In 2020, she had entered Bigg Boss as a wildcard contestant. Her co-contestant, producer, Vikas Gupta shares his memories of her. “Sonali epitomised grace for me. It was a shock for me when I heard that she had passed away so suddenly. A reporter called and gave me the news. People have been passing away too soon and I get affected by it. Sonali was someone who went out of her way to make sure she did well in life, was health conscious and raised her daughter Yashodhara so beautifully. That is very inspiring for me. Sonali was not the way she was portrayed in Bigg Boss, but full of grace, warmth and kindness. She felt that people needed to behave like that in Bigg Boss. In real life, she was very positive, full of confidence and a sorted person. Any woman who makes it big from a small town might have an attitude which people may not like. But not everyone with so much grace as Sonali can actually come so far, whether it is politics or coming on Bigg Boss 14.”
Gupta says his heart goes out to Phogat’s daughter. “Yashodhara had come on show and told her, ‘Aap Bigg Boss ke ghar ke andar dekh lo, baahar hum log sambhal lenge.’ For a young kid to say that, was mature. I feel very disheartened because people like Sonali are so much loved and needed. She was a young-hearted, vibrant person.”
Post Bigg Boss they kept in touch too, says Gupta. “She was the one who would keep in touch always. Whenever she was in Mumbai, she would want to meet. Sonali was very kind to me because apparently, I was good to her on the show. She was supportive always because she remembered this incident where one group she had encountered was unkind to her and they had reprimanded her. I had consoled her and told her, ‘Look who you are. You are an amazing person and you are playing along with people who may not have the same outlook like you.’ That’s when she became herself again.”
I want to disconnect as flashes of Sidharth Shukla keep coming to my mind-Aly Goni
8:06 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 6, 2021)
For actor Aly Goni, it was difficult to attend the funeral of his friend, actor Sidharth Shukla, who passed away recently after suffering a heart attack. Now, he is struggling to get it out of his mind, as he is getting flashes from the tragic event. “I’m still unable to accept the fact that Sidharth has gone. Life begins at 40, and he passed away at that age. I am speechless. I attended the funeral and now I want to disconnect, as flashes of Sidharth keep coming to my mind all the time. I wish all the strength to his mother, his family and Shehnaaz (Gill; Sidharth’s rumoured girlfriend),” shares Goni.
Goni returned from Kashmir with girlfriend Jasmin Bhasin on Thursday, when they got the devastating news at the airport. The video of Goni, 30, breaking down on the phone also surfaced on the Internet. “It was the most shocking news. He was an amazing person and my senior,” shares the actor.
Earlier, Goni took to social media to mourn the loss and send strength to Gill. “Chehra jo hamesha haste hue dekha.. khush dekha… lekin aaj jaisa dekha bass dil toot gaya … stay strong sana.. #numb #heartbroken (sic),” he tweeted.
Goni feels that one must live in the present and make the most of it, because there’s no guarantee of the future. “The tragic incident has reminded us to make the most of our life and seize the moment today,” he says.
Sidharth Shukla was only 40. Is 40 an age to die? Life’s uncertainty is certain-Jasmin Bhasin
8:18 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 5, 2021)
The untimely death of actor Sidharth Shukla sent shock ripples across the entertainment industry. When the news of the 40-year-old’s passing broke on September 2, his good friend Jasmin Bhasin was enroute to Mumbai.
The actor was in Kashmir with her boyfriend Aly Goni on a trip. The duo was quite close to Shukla, as both of them had worked with him in TV shows. Bhasin says, “I heard the shocking news only after I landed in Mumbai from Kashmir. It was a devastating feeling.”
The actor, who worked with Shukla in the 2017 TV show, Dil Se Dil Tak, adds, “We had fun working together in the show and had a warm and friendly rapport. He was such a lively person. I just can’t get over the reality. He was only 40. Is 40 an age to die? Life’s uncertainty is certain. Everyone should live in the present. All I remember now is his ever-smiling happy-go-lucky face.”
Bhasin recalls they shared some fun times together and those memories are all that are left. She says, “We had some good times working together on the set. He was a good friend. When you lose a person you know well, it’s very painful. I am speechless. I pray for strength to Shehnaaz Gill and Sidharth’s mom and family in these trying times. The loss is irreparable. May his soul rest in peace.”
I tied rakhi to Aly Goni in person immediately after Khatron Ke Khiladi. I got a Chota Bheem rakhi for him-Avika Gor
8:05 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 22, 2021)
She is her parent’s only child, but Avika Gor never felt the void of a sibling. Even if she experienced pangs occasionally of missing out on the bitter-sweet moments siblings share, it was taken care of two years ago after she decided to tie rakhi on Aly Goni’s hand. The two participated in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2019 and Aly’s caring attitude towards Avika had them hitting it off instantly.
Avika shares, “Aly was extremely caring, sweet and protective of me. I was injured during the shoot and needed someone to take care of me. Aly stood by me throughout the show. He cheered for me during every stunt and was extremely encouraging. We did not know each other and yet he supported me. My first ever Eid celebration was at his home and my first ever Eidi was given to me by him. He is kind and honest. I absolutely love him to the core.”
The actress adds, “I tied rakhi to him in person immediately after Khatron Ke Khiladi. We were chilling at Jasmin’s home and I asked him if I could tie him rakhi and he replied, ‘Of course.’ I got a Chota Bheem rakhi for him (laughs!).”
Aly says, “Avika is very caring and sweet. She is always happy with my success and supported me when I was inside the Bigg Boss house. We share a beautiful, special and strong bond. Uske efforts ki wajah se hamaara rishta itna pyaara bana hai. Though we may not get to meet often, she keeps me posted about all the developments in her life. She even told me about Milind Chandwani when she started dating him. I checked his profile and he came across as a nice guy.”
Ask him if he is a protective brother to Avika and he replies, “She doesn’t need anyone to protect her. She is very strong and started working at a young age. Usne itne padhaav dekh liye hain ki usko kisi ke protection ki zaroorat nahi hai. Usne apni life ke faisle khud liye hain. I appreciate it. That’s how I am and I relate to her on that aspect.”
Avika won’t be in Mumbai this year to celebrate the festival with Aly. She says, “Sadly, I won’t be in Mumbai this year, too. So, I will be sending him the rakhi. It’s like a long-distance sibling love between us (smiles!).”
The actress says that though they may not be in touch with each other on a regular basis when they meet, they pick up where they left off. She says, “The USP of our friendship and the brother-sister love is that we may not talk for months, but we know that we are there for each other and have each other’s back. I will always cherish the sweet bond that we have.”
BT Exclusive: Jasmin Bhasin and Aly Goni beat COVID-19 together
8:00 AM
The couple, who was in home isolation at Aly’s residence in Jammu, has recovered I now
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 24, 2021)
While it seemed that Jasmin Bhasin had extended her stay in beau Aly Goni’s hometown, Jammu, and was spending some more quality time with him, the couple was actually in home isolation after they tested positive for Coronavirus.
Jasmin says, “We tested positive a few days apart. That’s also the reason why I had to extend my stay in Jammu. We tried to stay happy, eat healthy and didn’t let the negativity creep in. That’s how we dealt with it. Within a week, we tested negative. But yes, the virus makes you weak, and recovering from it is another process altogether.”
Aly’s family members, too, were infected by the virus. “We all were in home isolation and fought the virus with the right attitude that this too shall pass,” he says. The duo, who was seen in Bigg Boss 14 together, chose not to announce it on social media.
Jasmin shares, “Too many people say too many things and that’s the primary reason I didn’t share the news on social media. The only person we need to listen to is our doctor and not others because the virus affects people differently. The first thing my doctor told me was, ‘Jasmin, don’t take undue stress.’ I listened to him, was on medication, and tried to stay positive during the lows.”
The phase was even more difficult for the actress, as her mother, too, tested positive around the same time. Miles apart from each other, all Jasmin hoped for was a speedy recovery for her mother, who was in her hometown, Kota. She shares, “I felt so helpless, as both of us were far from each other. One day, I felt angry because my mother couldn’t find a hospital bed and posted about it on social media hoping to get some leads. Some people messaged me that I was a selfish child for being away from my mom at this time. I couldn’t tell them to not judge me, as even if I wanted to, I couldn’t be with her.”
Aly feels the pandemic has further strengthened his strong bond with Jasmin. He says, “My bond with Jasmin was and is strong. We are caring towards each other and that is the basic premise of any relationship. I am a sensitive person and have always valued relationships. But I would admit that COVID-19 has taught me to value them even more.” While Jasmin returned to Mumbai a couple of days ago, Aly intends to spend some more time with his family in Jammu.
Jasmin Bhasin is the best gift I got on my birthday-Aly Goni
8:01 AM
Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; February 27, 2021)
Aly Goni celebrated his birthday two days ago with his family and ladylove Jasmin Bhasin in Kashmir. In an exclusive chat with BT, when we asked Aly what was the best birthday gift that he had received, he said, “The best gift that I’ve got this year is Jasmin.” The two, who earlier maintained that they were close friends, discovered their love for each other in the Bigg Boss house a few months ago. Now, they are inseparable.
Talking about how he spent the day, Aly said, “It was beautiful. My family, along with Jasmin, pampered me all day. At night they planned a party for me. Jasmin got me my favourite headphones and a beautiful jacket. My family, too, had done some shopping before I came here; they bought things that I love like hoodies and watches.”
His birthday resolution, he says, is to focus on work and family. “I hope everything goes well this year in terms of work and in my personal life, too. Yes, I want success and happiness, and I also want everything to continue the way it is. It’s all so good right now,” said the Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actor.
Meanwhile, along with his birthday, the mood at his home is celebratory also because his sister Ilham Goni recently delivered a baby girl. In fact, he got to know about it while he was still in the Bigg Boss house. A special announcement was made by Bigg Boss and Aly even got to see them during a video call with his mother.
I have realised Jasmin Bhasin is the one for me; will do anything to convince her parents if needed-Aly Goni
8:08 AM
Neha Chaudhary (BOMBAY TIMES; February 24, 2021)
Aly Goni entered Bigg Boss 14 as a wildcard contestant and made it to the top four before getting evicted. While the actor missed the chance of lifting the trophy, he is happy with his journey on the show. Talking about it, Aly said, “I am a bit disappointed. Initially, I didn’t want to do Bigg Boss due to my anger issues. But then, I made it to the top 4. Everybody wants to be the winner, but only one can win the show. I am satisfied with my overall journey. Even though I couldn’t win, I am happy that I played the game with dignity and won everybody’s respect.”
Aly’s bond with Jasmin Bhasin was much talked about with the latter even stating that she would love to marry him if everything went well. Aly mirrored similar feelings and said, “I entered the show to encourage her and during my stint, I realised that Jasmin is the one for me. Right now, I would love to spend time with her and take her out on dates. And if everything goes well, I would love to marry her. Inshallah.”
In an interview, Jasmin’s father Surpal Singh said that he wants his daughter to focus on her career, and Aly wants the same. “I want the best for Jasmin. I am in no hurry and would like to take things one day at a time. But if needed, then I will do anything to convince Jasmin’s parents for our relationship and marriage,” he said with a smile.
Aly and Rahul Vaidya’s equation developed gradually on the show and their bromance won hearts. Talking about it, the actor said, “My equation with Rahul was real. We are like brothers and we will continue our friendship after the show as well.”
In the Bigg Boss house, you have to either fight or take flight-Rubina Dilaik
7:59 AM
Unnati Joshi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 23, 2021)
‘ABHINAV’S SUPPORT MADE ME STRONGER’
Rubina’s husband Abhinav Shukla, who was also a contestant, was seen rooting for his wife at the finale with other contestants. Talking about their reunion, she says, “When I won the show, he congratulated me, we hugged and kissed. It was beautiful to have him there with me. Abhinav’s support made me stronger. Ab main bas destination wedding ke baare mein soch rahi hoon (laughs!). There will be a second wedding, and a journey of a lifetime, which we had promised each other on the show.”
The relationship of RubiNav, the portmanteau the couple earned during their stay at the Bigg Boss house, became a talking point after Rubina revealed during the show that the two had contemplated divorce.
Does she regret talking about it on national television? “Absolutely not,” she says, adding, “The kind of challenges we faced together in the show has made our relationship stronger. In the outside world, you have choices and you can escape, but when you are locked up in a house, you have no choice except to either fight or take a flight. We chose to face the challenges head-on and win it for ourselves and that in turn made us, our relationship and our bond stronger. Having your life partner with you on a show like this definitely provides you with emotional support but to be honest, having your personal life exposed on a public forum is like walking on eggshells. It was a mental and emotional challenge to balance things. Only couples will understand it.”
‘IF JASMIN WANTS TO CONNECT, I WILL WELCOME HER WITH OPEN ARMS’
Rubina’s love-hate relationship with Jasmin Bhasin was another hallmark of the show. Ask her if she wants to give their friendship another shot, and she shares, “I tried to mend our relationship multiple times, even when she came back (in the house) during the family week. But once again, I sensed rejection from her side. Now, I think I will give her the time she needs and if she wants to connect after some time, I will welcome her with open arms. I have left it to her now."
What about Aly Goni? “I will stay in touch with Aly without any doubt. We had a natural connection, I connected with him on a spiritual level and I think he felt that, too. I see our relationship evolving further,” says Rubina.
‘WILL ATTEND RAHUL VAIDYA’S WEDDING IF HE INVITES ME’
On her relationship with Rahul Vaidya with whom she had many tiffs during the show, the actress says she is willing to forgive, forget and start afresh. “For me, Bigg Boss has been a life-transforming journey. The moment I stepped out of the house, I promised myself that I will forgive and forget. I entered the house with a clean slate and I consciously stepped out with a clean slate. So I will start everything afresh, be it my relationship with Rahul or any other contestant,” she says.
So, will she be attending Rahul’s wedding? Rubina replies, “If he invites me, I would definitely go. But I don’t think we are that close, he might not invite me (laughs!). I just want to wish him and Disha (Parmar) all the best for their life ahead.”
Rubina is now looking forward to spending some quality time with her parents. “They flew down from Shimla for the finale, I want to be with them for some time. Also, for the next few days, I am only going to sleep and eat (laughs!)," she says.
I always knew that I was an absolute misfit for a show like Bigg Boss-Kavita Kaushik
7:45 AM
Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; February 15, 2021)
Kavita Kaushik, who is known to speak her mind, entered the Bigg Boss 14 house a couple of months ago with a lot of promise. But things didn’t seem to work out, and one day, she chose to walk out of the house never to return. The actress, who maintained silence so far, has finally opened up. In an exclusive, no-holds-barred interview with Bombay Times, Kavita spoke about all the controversies...
When you look back, do you feel your decision to participate in this season of Bigg Boss was a bad one because it just didn’t work for you?
Indeed, it didn’t work for me! In the 14 years that I was offered the show, during each season, I believed that I was an absolute misfit for it. I knew that I would say something that I wouldn’t mean or walk out. And that’s exactly what happened.
What according to you went wrong for you?
What went wrong was that I had no strategy. I took everyone at face value and was too brash and real. I reacted to every provocation with anger, instead of being cunning and manipulative. I lacked the art of impressing the cameras with my words.
But now, do you feel you should have stayed back in the house rather than walking out after a fight with Rubina Dilaik?
No. I am glad I left because I am not so smart with my words. I realised that I was so done with the fake fights for image building that I could raise my hand on someone in helplessness, and I do not promote violence of any kind.
In my entire journey in the BB house, I never started a fight. Each time, I was provoked to get into an argument, and yes, thereafter, I lacked the shrewdness to watch my words. In anger, I would say things that would take some other turn, leaving behind the actual reason for the fight. I felt this is not who I am, my good qualities are not coming out on the show, so it’s pointless staying inside. I was not so desperate. I was lucky that they gave me the option to leave that day and opened the door. It was like Mahadev ne khulwa diya tha darwaza mere liye. People die to stay in the house, I couldn’t wait to leave.
Rubina and Abhinav Shukla live in the same building as you, and you were friends before Bigg Boss. Now things have soured, particularly after your husband (Ronnit Biswas) tweeted that in the past Abhinav had sent you drunk messages a few times at night. Do you think you guys will patch up anytime soon?
I did not know Rubina, but yes, I knew Abhinav and whatever happened is really sad. I don’t blame anyone. My husband Ronnit felt helpless, when he saw Aly Goni kick a box that injured my leg and arm and then he saw Abhinav telling me laafa maarunga.
When I walked out, Ronnit vented on Twitter, and in his tweets, he mentioned our conversation regarding Abhinav, where I had told him about an unpleasant experience of how our friendship had ended in the past. He later deleted it because when your anger subsides, you know it’s childish and would be embarrassing for both parties to talk about a past equation or a fight. But I also understand Ronnit’s feelings. I don’t hold those messages against Abhinav as we all have done such stupid things. I have done worse, you can make a movie on them! It’s our bad to have spoken about it, however, it’s absolutely not a lie.
Abhinav is out of the Bigg Boss house right now and you may bump into him in your building. How will you react if that happens?
I guess we will ignore each other in the building with better grace.
What about Eijaz Khan? Your comment that the two of you were not friends, as opposed to what he had said, made headlines...
What happened with Eijaz is so surprising. Indeed, he wasn’t a friend, but was an acquaintance and a senior. I did not know him personally at all, he was standing next to me during that conversation that took the nation by a storm, where I was telling Salman Khan how we weren’t friends, and Eijaz asked, ‘Toh mere liye dabba bana ke kyun deti thi?’ And I replied saying that it was during the lockdown when I was checking on one and all. I thought he lived alone and made chicken because he asked me to. Since I was saying it in anger, it sounded harsh. It’s hilarious that people gave the tag of “unkind” to someone who cared compassionately for all. I don’t want to speak about the number of strangers I cared for during this lockdown. It’s highly immature of those misunderstanding this issue as I’ve been around for 20 years and my life has been about an act of giving... if they could just pause and wonder why she said what she said.
Currently, you are on a long road trip. Have you put BB behind you completely?
Why should I put it behind me? A bad decision doesn’t define me, but the lessons it has taught me, will. It taught me some harsh life lessons; I won’t trust easily now, I will definitely do less for strangers and speak correctly, especially when angry. I am on a road trip covering Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Being in the mountains, jumping into the rivers, visiting my village and staying at my ancestral place has helped me introspect and heal.
On the work front, you have been doing Punjabi films. What about other mediums?
When your career goes on for two decades in a field, it’s natural to feel stagnated. I’ve done most roles I aspired for. I will now do something that gives me the motivation to go on a set. Like I said on BB, I am happy and satisfied.
Even today everyone remembers you as Inspector Chandramukhi Chautala from the TV show FIR. As an actress, where do you see yourself today in the current scenario? Do you see yourself playing a naaginor a daayanon TV?
I see myself doing a dark action-comedy about a misunderstood woman. That will come naturally, yeah? (laughs!)
You turn 40 today. How does it feel?
It feels like Big Bad 40 with na maan ka moh aur na apmaan ka darr!
So what if I'm 40? I have a heart-Sonali Phogat
8:10 AM
Hissar politico Sonali Phogat exits the Bigg Boss house to realise she can swing merrily between netagiri and Bollywood, because both take guts, performance and some good luck
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; January 31, 2021)
Rajkumar Jangra, a BJP party worker in Hissar district of Haryana, is unsure about how Sonali Phogat, who has just exited the Bigg Boss house, will be received when she gets back to active political work. "It's her good luck that she reached where she did, and we, as party workers, are only happy for her. But everyone has their own point of view."
Ask him if he is referring to the conservative nature of politics in Haryana, and he agrees. "Dehaat mein [rural India] people are conservative. So, of course, the masses may have a problem. But we can deal with it. Madam has always been a person who takes people along as she moves ahead. She gets along well with everyone, and gets the work done. She finds solutions," he says of Phogat, who held the position of National Vice President of BJP's Mahila Morcha.
Phogat agrees with Jangra. She think it's what saw her through the last 33 days on what's considered one of India's toughest reality show challenges. Phogat was eliminated last weekend from the hit show's 14th season, and while we had expected her to be back in Hissar, Phogat intends to hang on in Mumbai and explore work opportunities. Last Wednesday in fact, she was at a post-show press conference posing for photographers in a red pant suit, eager to talk. It's not the garb you expect a conventional politico to be in. But then, Phogat doesn't seem to play by the rules.
She didn't inside the house either, when she confessed to on-off friend Arshi Khan that she had the hots for fellow paticipant, television actor Aly Goni. "Just because I am in politics, will I be targeted for my feelings? I've also always liked Dharam ji [Dharmendra] and had told my husband to organise a meeting with him. When I used to talk to him for hours, my husband got jealous. I feel that about Salman Khan as well. I like them. Aly is a nice guy," she says, adding after a pause, "I want to tell all the kids who are trolling me that they will be 40 one day. Will they not have feelings then?"
Phogat's straight talk has been discussed even before she decided to try her hand at reality television. Born into a farmer family in Haryana, she was married right after Class X, and lost her husband early. She became an actor on the small screen with Ek Maa Jo Laakhon Ke Liye Bani Amma and made a big-screen debut with Chhoriyan Chhoron Se Kam Nahi Hoti. Phogat has also been an active performer on popular video app, TikTok. But it was in 2019 that she made headlines when she received a BJP ticket to contest the state elections from the Adampur constituency. In 2020, she was caught on camera assaulting Sultan Singh, the market committee secretary in Haryana, whom she claimed had made a derogatory pass at her.
In the house, the aggression was on display on few rare occasions, including a bizarrely quirky moment when she decided on a whim to pour water over Arshi Khan for shooting her mouth without a thought. Also, her fights with actress Niki Tamboli have been acidic, and her verbal repartee with Rubina Dilaik has ended with Phogat using the choicest expletives in Hindi.
In the early days of her joining, Phogat didn't manage too much screen time, with the likes or Tamboli branding her a nobody. After a few wise words from superstar Salman Khan, who headlines the show, she seemed to step up her game by speaking up, picking a fight if needed, and admitting that she had a soft corner for Goni. "In politics," she says, "we have to abide by certain beliefs and toe the line. Here, [on the show] it was the opposite. You can move ahead by cheating people, which you shouldn't do in politics. On the show, things just happen to you; you react in a way you didn't know you would. So, I learnt a lot about myself this last month. When I get angry, I break the rules. And it did happen a couple of times on the show too, but I was being myself. I don't fake it. I am sure that will take me far in politics." Politics, which Phogat says took up most of her time until now, may have to wait a bit. While her team is carrying on with work in Hissar, Phogat is in the mood to act some more.
Jangra says they will be happy when she returns as it's always good when a party worker shines elsewhere too. The messages from female party workers that came to her once she was out is proof that she was entertaining enough for them to have watched the show with their children. "My daughter said, 'I didn't think you would even last one week'," Phogat says of her 14 year-old.
Politics and Bollywood make happy bedfellows, she knows, making her plan to divide her time between her interests a feasible one. "I lasted 33 days in the house, so people must have liked me. I think they saw that I tried to take people along, and help them bond. That matters in politics. But I was discriminated against. Niki said, 'Who is she?' Well, I must be someone and that's why I was called on the show. My aim now is to make sure no one gets discriminated. Neither in Haryana, nor in the country."
Sonali uncensored
The contestant with the worse personal hygiene
Arshi Khan.
Rate Rakhi Sawant's intelligence on 1 to 10
Seven.
Aly Goni's sex appeal lies in his...
Personality.
Rubina Dilaik's most irritating habit is...
Attitude and fake laughter.
Who plays it safe and is a yes man to Salman Khan?
Aly Goni.
Who according to you is winning BB 14?
Rubina Dilaik.
I merely reacted to Rakhi Sawant’s comments about my face, body & the way I look-Jasmin Bhasin
8:13 AM
Evicted from Bigg Boss 14, Jasmin Bhasin on her ‘nose job’ fight with Sawant and partner Aly’s chances of winning show
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 12, 2021)
Ousted after merely 100 days, Bigg Boss 14 contestant Jasmin Bhasin says she has no regrets — instead, the Dil Se Dil Tak actor is looking forward to eating her favourite food and pampering herself at the salon now that her confinement is over. While her eccentric behaviour and romance with Aly Goni kept the viewers entertained, she also received flak for crying at the drop of a hat and being a drama queen. In a chat with mid-day, Bhasin addresses it all, one controversy at a time.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
Did you expect your eviction?
Honestly, I thought I would make it to the finals, but the show is unexpected and one doesn’t know when his/her journey may end. Having said that, I am not upset because I wanted Aly to stay in the race.
Where do you stand on your equation with Rubina Dilaik?
Rubina and I are not friends, but I have no hatred towards her. I will be cordial if I ever meet her again.
Has your relationship with Eijaz Khan improved?
In the last two weeks, Eijaz has been calm, quiet and less aggressive. I have seen a different Eijaz every week [laughs]. So, I still don’t know him well enough.
Your parents do not seem to approve of Aly. Does that impact your relationship with him?
Their comment [when they visited the house] has been taken out of context. My parents met him once, much before the show came our way, and loved him. They believed that I should play a solo game in the house and not depend on anyone. [Their observation stems from] the episode where I was ousted from the captaincy task because he was trying to help me, and in the process, we broke a few rules. My parents would be thrilled to see us together forever.
Rashami Desai accused Aly of bullying Vikas Gupta. Do you concur?
It is wrong of Rashami to use the word ‘bullying’. Aly is not capable of doing something like that. After they had an argument, Aly profusely apologised to Vikas, who responded rudely. I know Rashami is not fond of me. Had she [made the bullying remark] in front of me, I wouldn’t be kind with my words.
Do you think you crossed the line when you brought up Rakhi Sawant’s rhinoplasty?
I did not start that conversation. It was purely a reaction to Rakhi’s comments about my face, my body and the way I look. She said unwarranted things about me, and I reacted. I would never bring up someone’s cosmetic surgeries because in the future, I may opt for them. I believe there is nothing wrong with surgically enhancing your looks if it makes you happy.
Apart from Aly, who do you think may bag the trophy this year?
Rubina can take the trophy home because she is a clever and manipulative woman.
I don’t mind getting married to Aly Goni this year-Jasmin Bhasin
8:16 AM
Unnati Joshi (BOMBAY TIMES; January 11, 2021)
After staying in the Bigg Boss house for 100 days, Jasmin Bhasin was evicted from the show. But the Dil Se Dil Tak actress says she is happy as her BFF turned BF, Aly Goni is still in the house. “I was sad about my eviction, it was shocking. But I was very happy for Aly. I wanted him to stay. He left the show once for me, I didn’t want him to go again. I will definitely miss him, main roz subah uth ke sabse pehle usko dekhti thi, I will miss that now,” she tells us.
After leaving the show, Jasmin decided to not go to her house, and instead, visited her friends Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa. “After leaving from the Bigg Boss house, I was thinking about a lot of things, including my fans’ reaction towards my game. I didn’t know what people outside were thinking about me. So, I was a little low and decided to go to Bharti and Haarsh’s house first. They are my support system. And I felt lighter after meeting them, phir maine chhole bhature bhi khaaye aur mutton biryani bhi,” she says laughing.
‘I HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH ALY GONI’
When Jasmin’s parents visited her in the house during the family week recently, they pointed out that her love story perhaps is taking precedence over her gameplay. They even asked her to play solo. And it didn’t go down very well with Aly. “My parents were misunderstood. They asked me to focus on my game, jo bhi kaha unhone woh game ke liye kaha. Why will my parents have any problem with our relationship? I have had a discussion with them and they are very happy,” she says, adding, “I have fallen in love and it’s a beautiful feeling. I don’t mind getting married this year; my parents are okay with it. Once Aly comes out, they will meet his parents. We need to know what his parents have to say about it. I have met them a few times, but pehle hum sirf dost thay. Once they approve our relationship, phir main wait nahi karungi, I will get married. I know Aly is the one for me.”
‘IT’S NOT EASY TO LIVE WITH RAKHI SAWANT’
Jasmin and Rakhi Sawant’s recent altercation has grabbed a lot of eyeballs, though not for the right reasons. Mention that to her and she says, “I still believe that I didn’t hurt her, she banged her head multiple times on the table and injured herself. If it was because of me, I am really sorry about it. I didn’t want to hurt her intentionally. Maine unse maafi bhi maangi hai. To be honest, it’s not easy to live with her. She is entertaining when you see her one-minute videos on social media or watch her for an hour in a show. Living with her 24X7 is not easy. She is very irritating, har baat par drama karti hain woh. I didn’t like her personality and main unke game ki ninda karti hoon. I was always nice with her, unhone mera dil dukhaya hai by saying things about my character. But it’s done and dusted. Now, if I meet her, I will be nice to her.”
‘I CAN’T BE FRIENDS WITH RUBINA’
Talking about her on-and-off friendship with co-contestant Rubina Dilaik, Jasmin says, “Rubina and I had a very beautiful bond initially, but it got ruined during the show. She always spoke behind my back, while I said everything to her face. She was very mean to me. I don’t think we can ever be friends, but I don’t have any grudges against her. I think we can chill together if we meet socially.” Despite that, she feels Rubina can win the show. “She can win because of her cleverness and manipulation skills. I also see Aly as a winner because he has a clean heart and is playing well. He is equally strong,” she signs off.
Salman Khan's reality show Bigg Boss 14 to run till February 2021, makers to bring six wild card entries?
9:16 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 11, 2020)
Bigg Boss 14 has been following a simple mantra so far - the more, the messier. The makers of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show recently amped up the drama by bringing in Rahul Mahajan, Kashmera Shah and Vikas Gupta as wild card entries. Encouraged by the audience's interest, the team has now decided to extend the latest edition to February instead of winding it to a close on January 9.
A trade source says, "Thanks to Salman's star power and his banter with the contestants, Weekend Ka Vaar has grabbed eyeballs. So, the makers have decided to cash in on it. They are torn between wrapping it up on Valentine's Day or February 20 as the latter will give them the advantage of having a Weekend Ka Vaar."
To keep the momentum going, six wild card contestants will be added to the fray. "Rakhi Sawant, Aly Goni, Rahul Vaidya and Nikki Tamboli will enter the house again tonight. In adherence with the safety protocols, the new entrants were tested and quarantined ahead of joining the housemates."
Rohit Shetty's daredevils to face pythons and drive through explosions in the finale of Khatron Ke Khiladi: Made In India
8:32 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 27, 2020)
The 10th season of Khatron Ke Khiladi suffered a setback when the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown resulted in a three-month hiatus. The stunt-packed reality show resumed airing from June 27 and concluded on a high with TV actress Karishma Tanna emerging as the first female winner after five seasons. Since then, it has got an extension with Colors beaming a special edition, Khatron Ke Khiladi: Made In India, with a mix of contestants from previous seasons. It began with Farah Khan leading the eight returning khiladis in the first week with Rohit Shetty back as the host in the following week. It is the first edition of the series to be shot completely in India, and is now nearing its end with the finale on Saturday and Sunday.
The finalists for this one-month special edition are comedian Bharti Singh, along with husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa, and TV actors Nia Sharma, Jasmin Bhasin, Aly Goni, Karan Wahi, and Jay Bhanushali. Rithvik Dhanjani, who had to quit the show in the second week due to personal reasons, returned in the finale to test his co-contestants’ flexibility by giving them some unique yoga poses.
The finale episode will also see some stunts involving pythons as Haarsh faces his biggest phobia. It will also have one of the biggest stunts designed by Rohit himself in full Bollywood action style. The contestants will have to find a stolen necklace while racing against time, driving through shattered glass, car blasts and other such hurdles to reach their destination.
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