'I am scared to be back on Bigg Boss sets'

Bigg Boss returns in its 14th season on Colors TV.

The house, this time, promises to be even more luxurious and will include a spa, a mall, a theatre and a restaurant.

So far, host Salman Khan has revealed the name of only one contestant: Kumar Sanu's son Jaan Kumar.

Other names doing the rounds are actresses Naina Singh, Jasmin Bhasin, Gia Manek, Neha Sharma, Niki Tamboli and Pavitra Punia, singer Rahul Vaidya and actor Eijaz Khan, but they have not been confirmed yet.

At a virtual press conference Salman gave more details of the show.

So what did Salman miss during the lockdown?

"Like everyone else, even I was playing Bigg Boss in my house. I did not step out for six months," Salman says.

"We had gone to my farmhouse in Panvel and got stuck there. I shot for the promos there. It was stressful not knowing when work would resume," he adds.

"My biggest frustration is that for the last six months, I have not been working. In my 30-year-career, I have not taken a big break or holiday like this. This lockdown was a forced chutti for me."

Yet, Salman said he spent a fruitful time at the farm, and even cultivated rice.

"I don't go to theatres, as people forget the films and come to me instead. I don't visit hospitals, as people forget their loved ones when they see me. I only visit the Tata Hospital to meet children to spread some smiles," he says.

Was he apprehensive about shooting for Bigg Boss?

"I am scared to be back on the sets. Everyone is in masks, PPE kits and gloves. People do come close when they have to put on the mike. I am scared of sneezes and even kisses!" he exclaims.

"There is a newborn in the house -- my sister Arpita's daughter Aayat -- my parents and Helen aunty. We might be able to fight it, but our families may not. You can put them at risk even when you hug them."

"I know they will survive, but the discomfort of 15 days and health issues that they will have to go through is scary. You can't fight an enemy you can't see. Coronavirus has shut down the entire world."

Salman says the reason for hosting the 14th season of Bigg Boss is that a lot of people have died of COVID-19 as well as hunger.

"The biggest reason I am doing Bigg Boss is because I want people to start earning again," he says.

"A lot of people died of COVID-19 and also hunger. There are not many jobs available in the market and even if people are getting work, they are getting infected from COVID."

"The people who are going inside the house will first be quarantined and then sent in. They will be safe inside the house. People, who are working outside, have to be careful. Bigg Boss has a big unit and gives employment to a lot of people."

He also hopes that Bigg Boss will divert people's minds (from the stressful times) and they can enjoy themselves.

Salman said he's happy to cut down on his fees if others are getting fully paid.

The 13th season has been the most successful one so far, and its winner Siddharth Shukla asked Salman if the new season would surpass it.

"The credit behind the success of the 13th season should go to the contestants, not me. You, Asim Riaz, Madhurima Tuli, Vishal Aditya Singh, Shehnaaz Gill and all the other contestants were quite good on the show. Because of you guys, the show was such a hit and people showered so much of love. I hope next season is better but it is difficult to compete with you guys."

Bigg Boss will premiere on October 3 at 9 pm.