The drama inside and outside the Bigg Boss 19 house continues to escalate — and this time, it involves Shehbaz Badesha, brother of the late Punjabi singer and former Bigg Boss 13 star Shehnaaz Gill. Shehbaz has come under heavy criticism after making remarks involving Sidharth Shukla, one of the most loved and respected contestants in Bigg Boss history.
In a recent statement, Shehbaz reportedly claimed that Sidharth Shukla’s fans would support him during his stint in the reality show. However, the comment didn’t sit well with many netizens, especially loyal fans of Sidharth Shukla, who saw the remark as a “cheap publicity stunt” and an attempt to use the late actor’s name for attention.
Fans React Strongly: “Stop Using Sidharth’s Name for Clout”
Soon after clips and quotes of Shehbaz’s statement surfaced online, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram were flooded with angry reactions.
One user wrote, “You can’t earn respect by dragging Sidharth’s name again and again. He earned his fandom through hard work and humility, not by tactics.” Another commented, “This is disappointing. Sidharth’s fans loved Shehnaaz and respected Shehbaz too, but this statement feels manipulative.”
Several fan pages dedicated to Sidharth Shukla expressed their frustration, urging Shehbaz to build his identity independently instead of relying on the late actor’s immense popularity.
The Legacy of Sidharth Shukla Still Strong Among Fans
Sidharth Shukla, who tragically passed away in 2021, remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian television history. His journey on Bigg Boss 13 turned him into a household name, and even years after his passing, his fanbase — known as “SidHearts” — continues to actively celebrate his work and memories online.
Fans have repeatedly defended Sidharth’s legacy whenever they felt his name was being used for attention or controversy. This latest episode with Shehbaz Badesha is no exception, as many believe that bringing up Sidharth’s fanbase in connection with personal gain is disrespectful to his memory.
Shehbaz Badesha’s Connection to the Bigg Boss Universe
Shehbaz, who first gained recognition through his appearances alongside his sister Shehnaaz Gill in Bigg Boss 13 and other shows, has often been vocal about his affection for Sidharth Shukla. Over the years, he has paid tribute to the late actor multiple times on social media, even dedicating songs and emotional posts in his memory.
However, fans argue that while his love for Sidharth is genuine, using his name in the context of Bigg Boss 19 and audience support crosses a line. Many believe it dilutes the sincerity of his earlier tributes.
Netizens Urge Shehbaz to Focus on His Own Journey
Social media users have encouraged Shehbaz to rely on his own personality and strengths to connect with viewers, rather than invoking the emotional legacy of Sidharth Shukla. “People liked you for being Shehnaaz’s brother and for your fun personality. Don’t ruin that by trying to ride on Sidharth’s fanbase,” wrote one netizen.
Others emphasized that audiences today are smart enough to distinguish between genuine emotion and opportunistic comments. “You can’t manipulate fans who’ve been loyal to Sidharth for years. Respect his memory,” read another comment.
Silence From Shehbaz and Shehnaaz So Far
As the backlash grows, neither Shehbaz Badesha nor Shehnaaz Gill has publicly responded to the controversy. While Shehnaaz has largely distanced herself from reality TV drama since launching her acting career in Bollywood, fans are watching closely to see whether she will comment on the issue.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Respecting Legacy
The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding Sidharth Shukla’s enduring legacy. For fans, his name represents sincerity, hard work, and unmatched charisma — values they believe should not be exploited for temporary attention.
As Bigg Boss 19 continues to make headlines with new twists, one thing remains clear: the memory of Sidharth Shukla continues to command deep love and respect from millions, and invoking his name lightly will never go unnoticed.
