With Bigg Boss 19 set to premiere this August, the buzz is at an all-time high. A new format, a digital-first rollout, and rotating hosts have already stirred interest. But just as exciting as the confirmed participants is the growing list of stars who’ve opted out — some with a polite decline, others with firm statements, and a few with a dose of humor.
Here are 14 celebrities who’ve either rejected the Bigg Boss 19 offer or publicly clarified they’re not part of the show.
1. Ram Kapoor
The veteran actor was blunt in his response: “Even if they offer me ₹20 crore, I won’t do it.” Calling the format “voyeuristic,” Kapoor said it doesn’t suit his personality or public image.
2. Mallika Sherawat
When rumors began swirling, Mallika ended the speculation with a direct Instagram Story: “I am NOT doing Bigg Boss and NEVER WILL. Thank you.”
3. Anusha Dandekar
Anusha confirmed she was never approached but added that her name trends every year. “I should be getting paid for the publicity I’m giving the show,” she said, reiterating she has no interest in entering the house.
4. Rati Pandey
Known for her role in Miley Jab Hum Tum, Pandey addressed the rumors plainly: “No, I am not doing Bigg Boss.”
5. Anshula Kapoor
Fresh off her appearance in The Traitors, Kapoor was reportedly approached but declined. Sources say she wasn’t comfortable with the emotional intensity of Bigg Boss.
6. Zareen Khan
Zareen turned down the offer and joked, “Mera haath uth jayega,” suggesting she’d find it hard to hold back in heated situations inside the house.
7. Raj Kundra
The businessman opted out, stating that his family — with wife Shilpa Shetty and sister-in-law Shamita Shetty both former contestants — had already been involved enough.
8. Jannat Zubair
Cited personal concerns, including rumors of her ex being in the house, as a reason to stay away from the show this year.
9. Purav Jha
The Traitors contestant declined the offer for now, though industry chatter suggests he may be open to future participation.
10. Khan Sir
A recurring name every year, the educator once again confirmed he’s not doing the show, despite fans’ curiosity. He joked about teaching from inside the Bigg Boss house someday.
11. Anita Hassanandani
The actress ruled herself out with honesty: “Even if I do it, they won’t get the masala they want.” She admitted the show’s drama quotient doesn’t align with her personality.
12. Ashnoor Kaur
Reportedly approached, but she has chosen to focus on her acting career and ongoing film projects instead.
13. Sharad Malhotra
Said to have been in talks, Malhotra passed on the opportunity due to scheduling and other commitments.
14. Amaal Malik
The music composer was also approached but declined, choosing instead to focus on his music projects for now.
What This Means for Bigg Boss 19
Despite this growing list of rejections, Bigg Boss 19 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about seasons yet. The show will premiere on August 29 on JioCinema, followed by a delayed telecast on Colors TV. Salman Khan will return as host for the initial weeks, with celebrities like Karan Johar, Farah Khan, and Anil Kapoor reportedly stepping in for later episodes.
Even without these 14 names, the Bigg Boss house is sure to be packed with drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists — exactly what viewers tune in for each year.
