Strong take

Actor Puneet Issar, who became famous for his role as Duryodhana in B R Chopra’s 1988 TV show Mahabharata, recently got evicted from reality show Bigg Boss 8. We catch up with Puneet to talk about the show and more.

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Did you enjoy your time on the reality show?

Absolutely, I am the first contestant above the age of 56 to have completed 105 days inside the house. I am proud of it. I used to work out for eight hours a day, which includes running, boxing and martial arts. One of my biggest achievements was losing 17 kilos!

Most of the contestants who have been evicted so far have blamed you for their eviction. What do you have to say?

My sympathies are with them. I can understand their frustration and awkwardness. To come out and blame me is heartbreaking. These contestants couldn’t face the fact that a man double their age lasted much longer than they did in the Bigg Boss house. It is a tale of sour grapes. If they played a fair game and entertained the viewers, why would they evict them? I was nominated 13 times during my 15-week stay in Bigg Boss but they couldn’t get me out. That is because I was truthful and entertained the audience with my good sense of humour. I gave them a run for their money.

Aarya Babbar said he did not wish to stay in touch with you. Why?

My father has written a song for Raj Babbarji (Aarya’s father). There were several instances where Aarya was jealous of me. Aarya is like my kid brother. If I meet him, I will greet him in a good way. If he doesn’t wish to stay in touch with me, God bless him.

Would you like to do a TV show again?

If I get a chance, I would love to host a television show as I have good communication skills and am fluent in Hindi, English and Urdu. I was a diction, speech and method acting professor before I became an actor.

What’s next for you?

I am going to direct a film called Gama Phelwan and Salman Khan is producing it. The shoot will start either by January or February.