Exclusive: Pooja Misra and Maheck Chahal on meeting Andrew Symonds in Bigg Boss 5; celebs grieve his shocking demise

Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds’ shocking demise in a car accident has been disheartening for all his close and loved ones. Andrew was also a part of Bigg Boss 5 and many of the co-contestants from the show remembered him. ETimes TV got in touch with Pooja Misra, Maheck Chahal from BB5, who fondly remembered Andrew.

Pooja was Andrew Symonds’ translator during her Bigg Boss stint and the news of his demise comes as a shock to many, Pooja being one. She says, "Had the pleasure to be Andrew Symonds’ translator in Bigg Boss season 5 and landed up sharing a cordial bond with him. It breaks my heart to know that he passed away in a car accident this morning, I feel deeply saddened. May his soul rest in peace!"

I’m devastated and in shock. He was a loving human being and a good friend. I’ll miss is so much. He used to call me the puma. He will always be in pumas heart. May he rest in peace.

It’s sad to face a loss such. Gone before time and my heart goes out to his family. Wish his soul rests in peace.

It’s shocking as it is such a loss to many. It has been a sad morning to wake up to this news. May his soul rest in peace and light to the family he leaves behind.

He has been great as in his profession and his gregariousness always caught eye balls did not know him personally yet the sadness is there. Gone too soon.

Juhi Parmar, who had won the BB5 season, told BT, “It's shocking. I have some fond memories of him from the Bigg Boss house. We had a lot of fun in the house and I was quite touched by his humility. I am really sad and want to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family. There was a task where he had to sing Bollywood songs and also act like Bollywood heroes. Additionally, he had to woo all the girls with this. I remember the funny part when he had to woo me and he started singing a song which made no sense because he got all the lyrics wrong! The way he performed that was so hilarious that we all burst out laughing.”

Sidharth took to social media to remember Andrew Symonds, with whom he got to meet in Bigg Boss 5. He wrote, “Still clearly remember the night in the first picture landing up at 6:30 am at the mumbai airport and hogging on idli dosa cause that’s all we could find !! Words won’t do justice to how I am feeling big fella!!you were not only my Friend in that crazy Bigg boss house but even outside .. I know how much you loved your family and kids may god be by their side in these difficult time !! Rest In Peace @roysymonds you will be missed. OM SHANTI.”