Exclusive - Laughter Chefs' Abhishek Kumar on pairing up with Samarth Jurel burying all the differences, Salman Khan praising them and how life changed post Bigg Boss

Abhishek Kumar, who emerged as a household name after Bigg Boss 17 and Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 is currently entertaining one and all on Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment. In an exclusive interview with Times of India TV, Abhishek Kumar opened up about his pairing with Samarth Jurel in Laughter Chefs, putting aside past differences, and Salman Khan's hilarious reaction to it. He also talked about the unforgettable moment when Salman Khan praised him. Abhishek reflects on how his life has transformed since his time on Bigg Boss. (Photo: Instagram)

I was surprised with the way Salman sir reacted to Samarth and my pairing for Laughter Chefs on the finale night of Bigg Boss 18. It was very entertaining. He was very happy to see us both working with each other. He took the entire thing in such a way that we all had a good time. (Photo: Instagram)

Samarth and I share a great bond and get along really well. Ab koi ladayi jhagda nahi hai humare beech (There’s no conflict between us anymore). Even when we talk about our past or incidents from Bigg Boss, we do so in a lighthearted manner. We communicate everything in a positive and healthy way. (Photo: Instagram)

I’m having an amazing time shooting for Laughter Chefs, but cooking with Samarth is an absolute disaster! He can ruin even a perfectly good dish—he has no idea how to cook. In fact, whatever I prepare, he comes in at the last minute and messes it up. Phir humein chori karni padti hai. So, currently we are living like this on the show. Kuch unpredictable nahi hai Woh. (Then we’re left with no choice but to steal ingredients! That’s pretty much how we’re surviving on the show. There’s nothing unpredictable about him). I’m tolerating him because he’s my partner, and, well, I’m getting paid for it (laughs). But honestly, he’s a really good guy. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, people close to me have been saying that I’ve changed a lot after Bigg Boss. I didn’t even realize it myself until my mother pointed it out after BB 17. That’s when I became aware of the difference. She believes I’ve matured and that I’m making better decisions for myself. I’ve also learned to control my anger—now, I don’t get upset as easily. I handle things much more calmly, and I’m sure you all have noticed the positive changes in me too. (Photo: Instagram)

People who have noticed the changes in me say that I haven’t let fame get to my head. The changes have been positive. When I entered Bigg Boss, I was a nobody—very few people knew me. But now, I feel the love and blessings of so many people. Despite all the attention, I haven’t let it affect me in a negative way. I know I still have a long way to go and a lot more to achieve. (Photo: Instagram)

When I watched Gautam Gulati’s season of Bigg Boss, I made up my mind right then that I would be on the show one day. I remember telling my sister, "Dekhna, main Bigg Boss mein jaaunga ek din aur jeet ke aaunga." I didn’t win, but I gained so much love. It was always my dream to be part of the show, and I knew I would do well and that people would love me. I performed well on the show and made it to the Top 2 without any prior fan following or baggage. (Photo: Instagram)

Bigg Boss was my first big project, and it worked out in my favor. Ever since I came out of the show, my life has changed. While my lifestyle remains the same, I’ve started getting better work opportunities and making the right decisions for myself. Looking back, joining Bigg Boss was the best decision of my life. (Photo: Instagram)

Salman sir has been incredibly supportive. He remembered everything from our season, and we had some great conversations at the after party. I was amazed thinking, "Wow, sir knows all these details!" He even used me as an example for the Bigg Boss 18 contestants, and I felt so proud and happy about it. (Photo: Instagram)

Salman sir said, "Look at this guy, he was nothing when he came to Bigg Boss. His journey was so tough—his ex, his present, all the drama. Then came the slap, elimination, and then returning. Now, look at him, he’s doing back-to-back shows on Colors." I couldn’t believe it. Salman Khan, who I’ve admired and idolized all my life, was praising me and saying such wonderful things about me. It felt amazing to know that I had made such an impact. (Photo: Instagram)