Exclusive - BB Telugu 3 finalist Ali Reza mourns the demise of TV actor Sidharth Shukhla who passed due to cardiac arrest; recalls his last conversation with him

Learning about the demise of popular TV actor and Bigg Boss 13 winner Sidharth Shukla today, Ali Reza, who made it big with Bigg Boss Telugu season 3, is as shocked as the rest of the world. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Ali Reza shared his thoughts about Sid’s untimely demise, his brief camaraderie with the late actor, and more. Excerpts…

This is a very shocking and unsettling feeling I’ve now. I had the same feeling when Irfan Khan passed away last year. It was Sushant then and now Sidharth, young and talented people leaving too early, I don’t know what’s going on!

I just came out of the gym and a friend informed me that Sid is no more. Me and my gym mates were discussing the same until a few minutes ago. He is so fit and he dying due to a heart attack is so surprising.

I’ve been following his work even before Bigg Boss and I’m a great admirer of his physique and fitness. He displayed true gentleman ship in the BB house, his mental strength, the way he handled every situation and took the house in control is just simply amazing. He was called for BB for the next two seasons, too. His popularity was incredible. He is the proper winner.

I got to meet him along with Shehnaaz in 2020 at Chandigarh airport. I love their jodi. It feels so pure. We just had a 10-minute conversation while waiting for our respective flights. He was so warm, giving selfies to people. I haven’t seen a pinch of arrogance in him. When I walked up to him, he first thought I was a fan wanting a selfie. But when I told him that I’m from South ka Bigg Boss, he had a broad smile on his face. He was curious about Bigg Boss in the South, the format, the game and its popularity here.

Back then when I stepped out of Bigg Boss, many people appreciated me saying my game was similar to that of Sidharth. The way I was true to my emotions, handling people and every situation, somehow reminded many of my friends and fans of Sidharth. It felt so special.

Life is so unpredictable. Leaving just when he is at the top of his game is so unfortunate. My heart goes out to his mother, family, Shehnaaz and all his fans.

When someone like Sidharth leaves us suddenly, it has an effect on us that we can’t express. I, too, relate to his situation and feel disturbed for a while. Praying for strength to all of us.