Actor-turned-host Salman Khan seems to prefer shooting for his upcoming movie "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" to continuing with his popular TV show "Bigg Boss 8".
Soon after the grand finale of "Bigg Boss 7", it was rumoured that Salman Khan would not host the next season. However, the channel managed to bring him back on the Bigg Boss 8, by doubling his remuneration.
"Earlier Salman was paid about Rs 2-3 crore per episode whereas he has been paid a whopping Rs 5-6 crore per episode this season," reported DNA.
Salman Khan, who had committed to work with "Ek Tha Tiger" fame director Kabir Khan, kick-started the shooting of their second combo film "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" in November. He has already shot some portions of the film with Kareena Kapoor in New Delhi. But he is said to be finding it difficult to juggle between the sets of "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and "Bigg Boss 8".
His revelation about it hit headlines during the Big Star Entertainment Awards 2014. "From January (2015), I'll get busy with "Bajrangi Bhaijaan". I'm shooting for that film in Rajasthan and up and down from there would be difficult for me. So, I won't be able to do the last four episodes (of the show). I think Farah is doing those episodes," The Indian Express quoted him as saying.
When the actor made his intentions clear to the makers of the show, they decided to extend the show by airing a special series titled "Bigg Boss Halla Bol". After considering several popular celebrities, they roped in filmmaker Farah Khan to host the special episode of the show.
During the grand finale of Bigg Boss 8, Salman Khan introduced five new contestants such as Rahul Mahajan, Sambhavna Seth, Ajaz Khan, Mahek Chahal and Sana Khan, who will fight it out with the champions for the winner spot in the special series "Bigg Boss Halla Bol".
Since 2010, Salman Khan has been hosting the show "Bigg Boss" and his presence has been the main reason in making it No 1 reality TV show in India. The transition from Salman to Farah was very interesting. The actor entered that washroom and came out as Farah Khan. When Farah took the stage, she was welcomed by a letter by Salman explaining the reason behind his exit.
"We always try to finish what we start. But this season it is not feasible with the extension of the show. I tried but it didn't work out. I'm sad that I'm leaving the show in between. I know Farah will handle the show well as she is my friend and a big fan of the show. I know the show is in safe hands, IBN Live quoted the statement from his letter.
Meanwhile, Salman Khan also apologised to all the viewers of show. "I would like to apologise for leaving like this. I will always stay connected to the show and watch the episodes. And if I get some free time from shooting, I will come back," he said.
