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Putting an end to all speculations, Raqesh Bapat is finally a wild card contestant of Bigg Boss 15. The ShaRa army, who waited with bated breath, got a chance to rejoice as Raqesh reunited with Shamita Shetty after a long month. The actor shares a special relationship with the actress which is more than just friendship. Raqesh met Shamita for the first time in Bigg Boss OTT as her connection and they bonded well after a few weeks into the show.
On the occasion of Diwali, Raqesh entered the house with a surprise for Shamita. Before reuniting with her, the actor exclusively spoke to PeepingMoon about his decision to accept Bigg Boss 15's offer. He went on to praise Shamita for playing individually and confidently this time. Raqesh further reacted to Vishal Kotian and Shamita's 'brother-sister' relationship that was formed in the first week of Bigg Boss 15.
Excerpts from the interview:
You are celebrating your first Diwali with Shamita Shetty...
It’s overwhelming. She had no idea that I have signed Bigg Boss 15.
What prompted you to say yes to the offer?
I have been observing Shamita's game closely and I knew she was missing me. She is doing well and I wanted her to play on her own first. I didn't want this ShaRa thing to create any obstacle in her game. For me, it was important for Shamita to have her own identity in Bigg Boss 15. Now that she is playing confidently, I decided to say yes to the offer.
Also, I wanted some time to wrap my head around what had happened in Bigg Boss OTT. Now, I have seen what's happening and it is like homework for me. I completed all the commitments I had to take care of, so, I'm free.
Have you seen any improvement in Shamita’s game?
Of course, I have seen a lot of improvement. She is playing alone since she doesn't have me lurking around. Now, that is something she has to take care of. Shamita is making connections and playing her individual game. She is doing a fair job. She is being real, that’s what I liked about her. Shamita has strong opinions and doesn't shy away from expressing them. It is good she is fighting her own battle and I am very proud of her.
Fans are eagerly waiting for ShaRa to make their relationship official. Have you planned an official proposal?
No, never. We are two private individuals and will never do it on a show.
Vishal Kotian made Shamita his sister. Do you think his feelings for her are genuine?
I somewhere feel it is genuine but somewhere I also feel there is gameplay. You make connections but the game sometimes makes you selfish as well. It is not that you are that kind of a person, but it is the situation that changes you. I am happy that Vishal Kotian was there with Shamita when she needed him the most. When you are in that house, you sometimes get shadowed by people. You don’t know who is for you and who isn’t. All you can do is go with the flow at that point in time and with the faith you have in a person. Even I would have done that.
Shamita's rakhi brother Rajiv Adatia is in the house too. Do you feel he is more interested and invested in Miesha Iyer and Ieshaan Sehgaal?
I think so. Rajiv should play his own game, stand with Shamita when needed and not focus only on Ieshaan and Miesha. He is a fun person and currently, he is the opposite of that.
People feel Shamita will have an upper hand and a stronger support system than others with your entry. Do you agree?
Shamita already has an upper hand, with me or without me. She is playing the game very well. She will be happier if I am inside. I don’t think that is going to affect her game. She is going to continue the way it is.
You’ve been with Pratik Sehajpal and Nishant Bhat in Bigg Boss OTT too. It is being said that their game is getting repetitive. Do you agree?
Pratik and Nishant's game is getting a little repetitive. They have to change their strategy as it is the same as Bigg Boss OTT. I know you cannot change a person but strategies can change. Nishant is still supporting Pratik blindly. I feel playing individually is important.
Apart from Shamita, who is your favourite contestant?
I like Simba Nagpal. He is damn cute and I can see myself in him. I was exactly like him in Bigg Boss OTT; a little confused and didn’t know how to give my opinion. Even Simba is a little shy and into his own things. He is opening up now. I was told by many that I set an example of being calm and yet being in the finale of Bigg Boss OTT. Simba has the potential to be the darkhorse of this season.
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