Puneet Issar, recognized for his portrayal of Duryodhan in Mahabharat, revealed that it was Salman Khan’s influence that led him to unexpectedly enter Bigg Boss Season 8. Sharing his account during a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Issar disclosed that he never intended to appear on the show but ultimately agreed because Salman Khan convinced him—a twist that left him feeling caught off guard. The focus keyword, “Salman Khan convinced Puneet Issar,” is pivotal in this story of behind-the-scenes persuasion and emotional conflict.
Behind the Scenes: The Unplanned Entry
Issar explained that while he was collaborating with Salman Khan on a film and frequently visiting his house for script discussions, the opportunity for Bigg Boss emerged spontaneously.
“I was working on a film with Salman Khan and regularly visiting his home for script narrations. One day he was in the Bigg Boss house and told me, ‘Puns, udhar aaja yaar.’ The Bigg Boss team saw me and said, let’s get him in. Salman told them, ‘Take him.’ I said, are you crazy? I’m directing a film. But he trapped me. Isne fasa diya mere ko.”
—Puneet Issar, Actor/Director
Salman Khan did not settle for a fleeting suggestion; instead, he played a pivotal role in officially recruiting Issar. Issar admitted he signed the contract on Salman’s word, without understanding the full extent of what was involved.
“He told me, ‘Puns, just go for a week or two. I’ll get you out.’ And I signed without knowing what I was getting into. Later, when I told my daughter about it, she was shocked.”
—Puneet Issar, Actor/Director
Shock and Worry: Family Reactions and Pre-Show Anxiety
When Issar told his daughter about joining Bigg Boss, he was met with disbelief and concern from his family. His daughter pointedly questioned his awareness of the show’s format, and her reaction unsettled him even further.
“My daughter asked, ‘Do you even know what Bigg Boss is?’ I said no. She showed me a couple of episodes. I got cold feet. I was scared.”
—Puneet Issar, Actor/Director
The concern was justified. Watching a notorious episode featuring Dolly Bindra, Issar was unsettled by the outpouring of arguments and chaos on screen. The environment inside the house appeared much more intense than he imagined.
“People were yelling, cursing each other. I was like, where am I going?”
—Puneet Issar, Actor/Director
Enduring the Bigg Boss Challenge
Although Issar initially agreed to participate for just a brief period—anticipating only a couple of weeks—his stay extended to nearly three months. Over time, he came to view the Bigg Boss house as a “correction center,” a place that enforced self-discipline and taught contestants to manage hunger and temper. Reflecting on his time inside the house, Issar recognized the show’s transformative influence despite his early trepidation.
The Lasting Impact of Personal Bonds and Choices
Issar and Salman Khan share a professional relationship dating back to their collaboration on Garv: Pride and Honour. Ultimately, Issar’s story demonstrates how the pull of personal ties can outweigh practical or professional plans, leading to unforeseen decisions. With his time on Bigg Boss 8, Issar’s experience stands as a testament to how strong personal bonds and spontaneous choices can shape the course of public figures’ lives, even in high-pressure, unpredictable environments filled with drama and tension.
