Maniesh Paul reveals he was denied participation in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and says the makers told him ‘You don’t have a famous face’

Maniesh Paul has been one of the most well-known faces of the television industry. Over the years, he has hosted a number of TV shows including Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, and India’s Got Talent. Maniesh starred in the latest Bollywood hit film Jugjugg Jeeyo alongside Varun Dhawan, Anil Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, and Kiara Advani. The actor was seen promoting the film in full swing with the other cast members.

In a recent interview, the celebrity host revealed a story about his show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and said “Jhalak also has a story that not too many people know that I wanted to be a contestant. Why? Because huge posters of the contestants would be put up. So, I called them up, I met them, and I was told that time ‘Sorry we can’t take you because you don’t have a famous face, we are looking for faces you know. Which is again, no hard feelings. If you make a show, you make it like that.”

He further added, “So, I was a bit upset, but then I was like it’s okay. I was a little angry that time. But then I got a call again. They said, ‘Maniesh, aap contestant nahin, aap ek kaam karo, aap hosting karoge?’, and I instantly agreed. They were like, hope you are not upset, and I was like not at all. They sent me a contract in two hours, I signed it and sent it back. I didn’t even read it, and that again became a turning point.”