The Bigg Boss 20 contestant says he turned down a role from Ekta Kapoor in 2005 due to confusion over the character, leading to media backlash.
Qazi Touqeer, now a Bigg Boss 20 housemate, has spoken candidly about a pivotal moment in his early career: turning down a television opportunity from Ekta Kapoor. In a recent episode, he recalled being approached by the producer at just 20 years old. "TV maine kabhi kiya nahi. TV ki opportunity bahot badi badi thi," he said, describing the offer as significant.
He admitted he struggled to grasp the character Ekta narrated, which he later compared to the role of a rockstar. "Maine sirf unki anguthiyan (rings) dekh raha tha," Qazi said, recalling how overwhelmed he felt during the meeting. The memory still carries weight — not just for the missed chance, but for what followed.
"Maine subah breakfast mein dekh raha hoon, 'Qazi ditched Ekta Kapoor. Qazi has a bigger fish to fry,'" he recounted, referring to the headlines that painted him as someone who rejected a major opportunity. With limited access to social media at the time, he had no platform to clarify his position. "Ho gaya badnaam," he said.
Qazi claimed he didn’t refuse directly. Instead, he told Anupama, a representative. That he already had a film contract in place. The story, however, didn’t end there. The narrative stuck, and he believes it may have cost him future roles.
His rise began in 2005 after winning Fame Gurukul, which earned him Rs. 50 lakh, a music deal, and a car. He released an album with Ruprekha Banerjee and appeared in the 2015 song Afghan Jalebi from Phantom. Though he was linked to Take Off, the project never materialised. After years of live performances and minor appearances, he returned to public attention through Bigg Boss 20 in 2026.
The revelation has sparked discussion online, with fans expressing sympathy and questioning whether the media’s portrayal played a role in shaping his trajectory. No official response has come from Ekta Kapoor or her team.
Whether the story is a cautionary tale about early career decisions or a case of media misrepresentation, one thing’s clear: Qazi’s past isn’t just a footnote. It’s part of his present.
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