Ashmit Patel performs at the Bigg Boss launch

He said no to three seasons, but his “gut and grit” told him to say yes to the fourth. Actor Ashmit Patel — better known as Ameesha Patel’s brother and Riya Sen’s ex-boyfriend of MMS (in)fame — is a Bigg Boss 4 contestant. And if the first four weeks are anything to go by, Ashmit is a hit. He hasn’t been nominated for eviction even once and he’s, er, quite popular with his (female) co-contestants. One moment he is coochie-cooing with Sara Khan, at another he’s cuddling up to Veena Malik!

t2 chatted up the Murder man before he was locked into the house...

Why Bigg Boss?

I have been saying ‘no’ for the last three seasons. This year my gut and grit just told me to say ‘yes’. Of all the shows on air, I think Bigg Boss is the closest that comes to reality television. Besides, I have no commitments between October and January and so I just decided to put my free time to good use.

How closely have you followed Bigg Boss?

I have seen a few episodes here and there. I tuned in quite a bit into the third season, which Vindu (Dara Singh) won. I am aware of what goes into the show. But since the situations and the contestants change with each season, I am getting into Bigg Boss with an open mind. I am ready for anything!

How supportive was your family in your decision to get into Bigg Boss?

My dad had never even heard of Bigg Boss! When I explained the format to him, he flipped and said: “But why would you want to torture yourself like that?” But somehow I managed to convince him. My mother has seen the show and she was very supportive, in fact even excited.

Ameesha kept asking me whether I was sure I wanted to do it. She told me: “It’s TV and it’s Bigg Boss. Isn’t it a little too early in your career to do something like this?” After all, I am a film actor and it takes a lot of guts to be on TV. But somehow there was never any doubt in my mind.

Do you think you are disciplined enough to spend 96 days closeted in a house with 13 strangers?

I am taking up this show to test myself. I think I lead a pretty regimented life, I have cut down on my partying and late-nights. Bigg Boss will be a means to test myself and see how disciplined I can get if and when I want to be.

You will be an eye-candy factor on the show…

(Laughs) I am well aware of that. But I have no problems. A little attention is always welcome. A lot more than little is even better!

How good are your chances of winning?

I am confident that whether I last the whole 96 days or not, I will do a good job on Bigg Boss. Watch out for Ashmit Patel!