Bigg Boss 15 kickstarted with a bang on October 2, with Salman Khan introducing all the contestants on the premiere night. A lot has conspired since Bigg Boss 13's first runner-up Asim Riaz's brother, Umar Riaz joined the show. While social media is flooded with fans comparing Umar with his brother, many have high expectations from him.
Prior to his entry into the house, the BB 15 contestant expressed his excitement about being a part of the show. He also shared that he was offered Bigg Boss OTT as well, but he turned it down as he wanted to be a part of the TV version hosted by Salman Khan.
Umar also opened up about how he was always inclined towards acting but chose to focus on his studies due to his family's condition. “I am not a wannabe, I have done something in life. I have had a successful career and have worked hard for 10 years. It’s not that I am Asim Riaz’s brother so I am getting this show. I also have my plus points. I look good, I have been in shape,” Umar Riaz said in an interview with ETimes.
He continued, “I have tried to act and do good and if you speak to my co-stars they only have good things to say. They always tell me that it doesn’t look like I am acting for the first time. I was first offered Bigg Boss OTT but I refused to do it because I wanted to be a part of the TV version. I told myself I don’t mind waiting for three-four years but I will only go for the TV versions.”
Speaking of the show, Umar Riaz, who is a qualified doctor, also pointed out that the intellect on the show will be higher this year.
“When we sit down, we will down our backgrounds, education and all. Things will unfold and talks about the profession will be there. I guess lawyers, engineers and doctors will relate to us better. As there will be so many educated people, the intellect will be higher. I think more educated people will bring a sort of more maturity level to the show," he told Hindustantimes.com.
For the unversed, while Umar is a doctor, Pratik Sehajpal holds a law degree and actor Tejasswi Prakash is an engineer.
Alongside Umar, Pratik, and Tejasswi, Bigg Boss 15 will also feature Jay Bhanushali, Akasa Singh, Donal Bisht, Shamita Shetty, Karan Kundrra, Simba Nagpal, Sahil Shroff, Miesha Iyer, and Nishant Bhat.