Watch Shiv Thakare Full Interview –
1st runner-up of Bigg Boss 16, the handsome hunk Shiv Thakare, sat down for a candid chat with Instant Bollywood.
Shiv opened up about his struggle-laden road to success, from Amravati, Roadies, Bigg Boss Marathi to Bigg Boss 16. Be it about his bonding with MC Stan, fearing Salman Khan, his strategy in the BB house… Shiv bared it all.
Thakare also revealed interesting tidbits about the special someone in his life, his bucket list, and his hilarious story of earning his 1st salary & more!
Read FULL INTERVIEW –
I’m from Amravati, my journey to Mumbai has been one hell of a ride. My father had his business, and I used to take dance classes. I completed my engineering while auditioning side by side as well.
Not fit, not fit, they used to tell me. I convinced myself that they meant I was not fit for the character. You can do it – I used to reassure myself.
One day, I got Roadies, then Marathi Bigg Boss and then finally Hindi Bigg Boss. Hindi Bigg Boss gives you a ‘star’ feeling and respect when you step outside the house.
Parents Are Generally Skeptical About The Film Industry….
Parents always want us to be successful but also have a backup. They have a very ‘set’ idea of success though – like government job, marriage, kids.
I did engineering for my parents but my passionate, stubborn streak brought me to Mumbai.
Tell Us About Your Family?
Nani (Mom’s Mother) lives with us, I have 3 sisters, Mom – who has brought us up with full manners and principles, and Dad. It’s a very happy-go-lucky atmosphere at home. My sister is my best friend.
How Did Bigg Boss Entry Happen?
Truth be told, I want to get into acting. But since auditioning didn’t work out, I tried the road of reality TV. I got into Roadies and then Hindi Bigg Boss, but that didn’t pan out. I did Marathi Bigg Boss and won, but even then Hindi one didn’t happen. A year later, finally it happened. I reach where I wanted but it took time.
The longer it takes to achieve what you wanted, you become more patient and determined. And when you finally accomplish it…. The success doesn’t go to your head.
What Was Your Bigg Boss Strategy?
I learned from reality shows that people like the REAL you always. All 16 people have different personalities, if you copy someone, you’re dead meat. I understood this during Roadies itself and followed the same in Bigg Boss. People always like it original.
The only thing I thought was – when I go home, I don’t want to go empty-handed, I want to go back with something. Physically I’m not carrying anything now, but once I stepped outside the BB house, I understood I’m taking home people’s affection.
MC Stan Is The Winner But A Lot Of People Were Earnestly Rooting For You. Did You Somewhere Feel Disappointed…?
I did feel disappointed for 10 secs. But then I looked at MC Stan – who always wished good for me, and our friendship meant a lot to us. So I’m happy with all my heart that he won.
I hope big things are in store for me too!
How Did Bonds Develop In The House? Because Sometimes People Are Not What They Seem….
I fought with Stan at first, Abdu and I got along but not too much…Sajid sir – I felt was a very normal person. Then I gradually connected with Nimrit.
After two months, I feel one really becomes ready to give up the trophy! No one really knows anyone but still they’re ready to let go of the trophy for you. So, for me, a great bond was formed for real.
In Bigg Boss, One’s True Colors Eventually Show….
200% Yes! Within 4 months, your true colours are revealed. If anyone has cheated me, I always thought I’ve held up my end of the friendship. The rest is their karma.
Did You Feel You Won’t Even See Someone’s Face Outside The House? Who, If So?
I won’t take any names. But yeah. I used to get angry at some people’s fakeness. Then again, I’d feel sympathy as well for their loneliness. We all used to have fun with each other, keeping the game aside. But the moment, I appreciated something good about them, I would get to know they’ve said something double-faced. That would hurt.
Did You Get Physically Hurt In Fight?
It happened 2-3 times. But I’d keep in mind, that fighting could potentially ruin the future ahead, so I kept a tight leash on that. If I said something in anger, I knew no one was there to stop me and I’d get thrown out.
Priyanka Has Called You Shatir (Clever)….
If the opponent is clever, I know how to get them to show their cards. If they want to be friends, let them be a friend like Shiv.
I used to face many taunts… that I’ve come from regional and should go back and play in Maharashtra. We’re all Indians…. And we’ve achieved something in our respective fields, that’s why we were brought together.
Any Bad Experience In The House?
In the starting, I did have a bad experience. There was a fight… a game was played. I agree I did something but beyond a point… it just became a FILM. And I did NOT make that film.
My motto is simple- if I want to play with you, I won’t make you fall, I’ll make my own way.
And then one time – there was a girl-boy card at play. I was speechless that time because we’re taught to respect girls from childhood. Boys should also get respect.
How Is Life Now?
I’m enjoying everything immensely. People love me because I’ve worked hard to reach here. Now, I have to double that effort. I’m working for money as well. But I believe, in this rat race, you should not forget your main target.
How Was Your Bonding With Salman Khan?
I was inspired by Salman Khan to build my body. As a person and actor, I admire him very much. What you see on camera is different from what we experience – and the person we saw was the best!
We all respected and feared him greatly – aj apni class nai lage bas!
Did He Scold You?
Yeah, it happened 2-3 times. Whenever he did scold me, 50% of the stuff was actually my fault. He used to scold me and explain lovingly – he knew if I listened to him, my journey would be smooth sailing in Bigg Boss.
What Are The Positive Things About Shiv Thakare, And What Needs To Be Worked Upon?
I like my stubbornness and thirst to achieve more at any cost. But that won’t work everywhere – so I know I have to think calmly and polish myself more. And I’ve started working on that front.
Have You Done Any Acting Prep?
I have done theatre for 4 years, gotten a diploma from Anupam Sir’s academy, as well as Vikram Gokhale’s workshop. If anything comes my way, I’m going to work harder to be better at that too.
Any Collaboration With MC Stan & Sajid?
MC is busy in his field. Sajid is busy with his film. I’m making my own way. Some work has been offered, I’m planning on getting some more. I’m working with some new people, and they’re friends too, so I hope that business and friendship don’t get mixed.
Rumours About Khatron Ke Khiladi…Is It Working Out?
Yeah, something good will happen.
Talking About Films, Are You Choosing Whether You Want To Do Hindi Or Marathi?
A lot of good work is coming my way – be it a song, web series, Marathi film. I’ve had 2 meetings. A producer, who has worked with Ekta Ma’am as well, wants to launch me in Marathi. Even in Hindi… there is a potential project in the pipeline within 2 months.
Did You Fall In Love? There Were Rumours About You & Nimrit…
Friendship is the first step of love. Me and Nimrit became friends. There is a type of friendship that leads towards love and a friendship that stays for life. My friendship with Nimrit is for lifetime.
There Have Been A Lot Of Parties (Like Farah Khan’s)…What Was It Like?
It was a totally different vibe. There were bigwigs at the parties appreciating us and it felt like life is sailing smoothly. Good things are happening.
When You Returned To Amravati After Bigg Boss, What Was It Like?
People like me – from Amravati or anywhere in India actually, who always aspired reaching this level – their dreams were my dreams. When these people flock to the streets – the love is apparent in their eyes. This is what I’d wanted, so I basked in their admiration.
After The High Of Success From Bigg Boss Wears Off, Reality Often Comes Knocking. What Are Your Plans For Your Income Ahead?
I had launched a deodorant during Marathi Bigg Boss. It worked for a while but stuff happened with the investor and it stopped.
Back in my hometown if I install a gym in a building or academy of a sort, I think it would create some opportunities.
How Are Your Parents Feeling About Your Accomplishments?
They are very happy. 200-300 people still daily visit my home with bouquets! They tell me I should always attend any programmes in Amravati because it is the people who have made me who I am today.
One Task You Found Boring In Bigg Boss?
There used to 6 boards and we had to name anyone – as Bhangaar, badtameez and more. It would hurt. Even if the person deserved the label, I used to be reluctant to say so. But I had to give the board and it would hurt the person. And so the fight continued…
Making Food, Washing Dishes…Did You Like Doing That?
I used to enjoy my work. Once me and MC cooked chane, put Pav Bhaji masala and god knows what in it. It was terrible!
What Do You Like To Eat?
Pure vegetarian…desi stuff. Jawar bhakri, lassi, paneer dishes, pani puri.
Your Female Fan Following Has Boomed Now!
When I used to travel by flight, I would be fascinated by air hostesses. Nowadays, they request me to wait for photos …and I’m like I’ll even cancel the event for you guys!
Was There A Special Someone In Your Life?
She was very beautiful and she took care of me. She was long-haired, wearing bindi, salwar-suit. But she is married to someone else now.
I was very serious about her. I had to choose between my dreams and her. I’ll always remember her, wherever she may be now.
What’s On Your Bucket List?
A bungalow in Bandra! A Farmhouse in Lonavla. Since childhood, I’d always wanted a Wada. Decked with elephant statues, Ganpati murti….peacocks and horses on the lawn. It’s filmy, I know.
How Religious Are You?
I’m religious but I was taught to believe in humanity first. Before Bigg Boss, I went to Siddhivinayak, Haji Ali, churches and Gurudwara too. If you want something from the heart, it will be fulfilled.
I have a special connection with Ganpati Bappa though.
Which Stars Have Inspired You?
Shah Rukh Khan Sir, his journey inspired me a lot.
Any More Stars That You Really Want To Meet?
If I get invited to a party in Mannat and meet Shah Rukh Sir, I would be happy. And I’d love to meet Amitabh Bachchan Sir too.
Fav Holiday Destination?
Switzerland, London and Kashmir. There’s heaven in Kashmir.
Do You Want To Do Anything For Amravati?
When I earn enough, I’d like to pave the way to help people reach their dreams. An academy, perhaps, where even if they have less money, they can find the right direction.
There isn’t an airport in Amravati. Brands like McD and celebs don’t make their way here. There is a lot of talent here but it is hindered by the lack of infrastructure. I can’t build that but I’d like to facilitate the process by talking to bigwigs.
All the political people from different parties supported me a lot. I want to meet them all, I have a good bond with them.
Can You Tell Us More About Your Life Struggles – Be It Room-Sharing, Managing Money Before Fame?
When I used to come to Mumbai, I had to manage travel in 2000 Rs. (which I earned from my dance class).
I used to sleep in hostels. While travelling by auto, I used to get anxious seeing the price hike in the meter, thinking I’d have to go without food that day. Shopping for clothes …..I’d take inspiration from Zara, but it was too expensive. So, I would go to Fashion Street….and bargain like hell. They’d say 300, I’d say 80! And seal the deal with a 100.
I’d go to college wearing that 100 Rs Shirt, flaunting it like a branded item.
Your 1st Salary?
I’d choreographed a dance for Amravati kids for Rs 75. But talking about Mumbai – I was an extra on a Crime Patrol episode. I kept asking them for the script, thinking it might be a good part. But I was supposed to stand behind the lead, singing happy birthday, haha.
I had spent 5,000 on the clothes for the scene! They made us change out of them. I was way too enthusiastic in acting out my ‘happy birthday’ bit. I was like I spent 5k on the clothes, let me at least be visible in the shot. They handed us a 2.5k cheque for that, haha.