‘My eviction was disappointing and unfair’
A big controversy erupted recently when Umar Riaz was evicted from the Bigg Boss 15 house for pushing Pratik Sehajpal during a task. A lot of netizens felt this was unfair. Umar is upset and still can't believe that he was evicted for something that had happened in the house earlier, too. In a candid chat, Umar, who is a general surgeon, spoke about his shocking exit, his friendship with Rashami Desai and what his brother Asim Riaz (runner-up in Bigg Boss 13) had to say about his journey. Excerpts:
How did you feel when you were evicted after getting the Ticket To Finale?
I feel that I was given the tag of being aggressive right from the beginning. Yes, I was aggressive in tasks, but I’ve never physically pushed or hit anyone. It was said that I was warned earlier too, but I don’t remember when was I given any warning. Then they said my eviction was on the basis of the audience’s vote. But when I came out of the house, I got to know that most people were only showering love on me, so how was this eviction based on junta’s decision? I feel they have removed me because I was strong since the start and made my way and name among all the known faces. I was getting a lot
of support from people too. I am really disappointed with my eviction, especially after reaching the finale. It’s unfair.
You did push Pratik Sehajpal during the task and that’s against Bigg Boss rules, hence you were evicted. Why do you feel wronged?
If the show wanted to set the bar high and say that physical violence isn’t allowed in the house at all, then they should have done it earlier. When Karan Kundrra pinned down Pratik or when Shamita Shetty pushed Rakhi Sawant, when Simba Nagpal pushed me into the pool or when Tejasswi Prakash pushed Abhijeet Bichukale. Action should have been taken even in these cases. I am also upset that some people said I am a doctor and how can I be so aggressive? But they didn’t tell others that you are an actor and you shouldn't be aggressive or else who would want to work with you. Why was all this said only about me?
Talking about your journey in the house, Rashami Desai and you shared a special friendship. How would you describe your bond?
Rashami joined the show at a crucial time. She supported me in the house. In fact, in Bigg Boss 13, she had supported my brother Asim, too. So, there was a comfort level between us, as we already knew each other. We are good friends. When she comes out of the show and we meet again, we will get to know each other more. But for now, as I said, Rashami and I are good friends and we like each other that way. There’s nothing more.
During a tiff in Bigg Boss 13, when Sidharth Shukla reacted and pushed your brother Asim, you had tweeted that action should be taken. You got evicted now for a similar reason. Would you agree that controlling emotions inside the house is difficult?
I agree that I had said that Sidharth pushing Asim wasn’t right, but I never said that he should be removed from the show. Whenever people asked me, I used to say that he should be given some punishment in the house itself. And yes, it is difficult to control your emotions in this house.
What did Asim say to you after you came out of the show?
Asim said that I played the game well. I didn’t try to be in anyone’s good books, be it my friends or enemies on the show. I was real and people loved that. Apart from that, Asim is really happy with my Bigg Boss journey and he understands that pushing Pratik was my reaction to his action.
Will you now get back to your medical profession or do you plan to pursue a career in showbiz?
Currently, all I want to do is to take a break and rest for a while. My dad called me earlier and asked me if I was getting back to work now. I told him that I’m really tired and my brain and body need some rest. I took up this show to make my own identity and name. I have received a lot of love from people. Now, I would like to try my luck in this industry and see if I get some interesting work here. Another reason I took up Bigg Boss because I wanted to support my family financially. I think the show will help me achieve more, even fulfil my dreams
What are your views on the contestants inside the house?
Rashami has always supported Karan, but as soon as I came out of the show, he nominated her; I didn’t like that. I feel that he gets influenced by his girlfriend Tejasswi very easily. In the earlier episodes, I was told that I spoke badly about Tejasswi and did not support her. But the fact is that nobody mentioned the things she said against me.