Bigg Boss 13, dubbed "Bigg Boss Tedha," remains one of the most iconic seasons of the Indian reality show, largely due to its dramatic mix of contestants and high viewership, averaging 2.1 to 2.5 TRP weekly. The season aired from September 29, 2019, to February 15, 2020, and was hosted by Salman Khan. Even years later, it continues to generate buzz, partly because of the tragic fates of some participants and the enduring public personas of others, such as Asim Riaz.
Untimely Deaths of Bigg Boss 13 Contestants
This season has been marred by the untimely deaths of two contestants, which has contributed to its reputation as an "unlucky" season, as noted in posts on X:
Sidharth Shukla- The winner of Bigg Boss 13, Sidharth Shukla, passed away on September 2, 2021, at the age of 40 due to a massive heart attack. His death shocked both the industry and fans. Many co-contestants, including Asim Riaz, Rashami Desai, and Devoleena Bhattacharjee, paid their respects at his residence or the hospital. Despite their rivalry during the show, Asim shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, stating, “I’m gonna meet you in heaven, brother… R.I.P. Sidharth Shukla.”
**Shefali Jariwala** - Another Bigg Boss 13 contestant, Shefali Jariwala, passed away on June 28, 2025, due to alleged cardiac failure. The final cause of her death has yet to be officially determined.
The sentiment on X reflects a perception that Bigg Boss 13 brought misfortune to its contestants. Many comments noted the lockdown’s impact on their careers, broken relationships (e.g., Asim Riaz and Himanshi Khurana, Paras Chhabra and Mahira Sharma), and a decline in prominence for others like Rashami Desai.
Asim Riaz’s “Bad Boy” Image
Asim Riaz, the runner-up of Bigg Boss 13, entered the show as a model from Jammu & Kashmir, initially portrayed as a “vanilla” boy with a chiseled physique and rapping skills. However, his journey saw him evolve into the “angry young lad” due to frequent verbal and physical spats, particularly with Sidharth Shukla and Paras Chhabra. His confrontational demeanor, highlighted by incidents like his clash with Paras over Mahira Sharma calling him “brother” and heated arguments with Sidharth, cemented his “bad boy” image.
This image persists post-show, fueled by:
- Controversial Statements: In 2023, Asim claimed that the Bigg Boss 13 win was rigged, alleging that the makers favored Sidharth Shukla by manipulating online voting. This stirred backlash from fans, with some labeling him a “crybaby” and urging him to move on, while others, like Shehnaaz Gill’s brother, defended Sidharth’s victory.
- Public Persona: Asim’s social media presence, with 3.7 million Instagram followers as of 2024, emphasizes his fitness, shirtless photos, and rebellious vibe, aligning with the “bad boy” archetype. His music video collaborations, like “Mere Angne Mein” with Jacqueline Fernandez and “Teri Gali” with Barbie Maan, keep him in the spotlight.
- *Personal Life Buzz: His breakup with Himanshi Khurana in December 2023, citing religious differences, and a subsequent Instagram post with a mystery girl on Himanshi’s birthday in 2024, sparked speculation about his personal life, further amplifying his controversial image. Himanshi has even referred to Bigg Boss as cursed.
Irony and Legacy
The irony lies in Bigg Boss 13’s massive popularity—often cited as the show’s best season—contrasting with the tragedies and controversies surrounding its contestants. While the show catapulted many to fame, the untimely deaths of Sidharth Shukla and Shefali Jariwala, combined with career struggles and personal controversies faced by others, have contributed to a narrative of misfortune. Asim Riaz’s “bad boy” persona, rooted in his fiery on-show behavior and sustained by his post-show actions, continues to keep him relevant, even as the season’s darker legacy looms large.
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