Inside the high-voltage house of Bigg Boss 13, many dynamics unfolded, but the connection between Shehnaaz Gill and Sidharth Shukla became the show’s most talked-about relationship. Fondly called “SidNaaz” by fans, their bond captured hearts across India. Yet, music composer Abu Malik recently revealed that in the early stages of the show, Sidharth was initially reluctant to get close to Shehnaaz.
Abu Malik appeared on the YouTube show Maa Kasam and reminisced about his time during Bigg Boss 13. Speaking about Sidharth, he said, “Sidharth was a very good friend of mine, the one who passed away… Sidharth used to tell me about Shehnaaz and Asim (Asim Riaz). Asim did not know who Hitler was. Sidharth nudges me and says, ‘What a bloody idiot, look at him.’”
He went on, “Then what about Shehnaaz? He said, ‘If this guy doesn’t know who Hitler is, she doesn’t know where Germany is. Now you want me to be attached to them?’ And I’m telling him, ‘Nahi ya…’ It was a good relationship. He’s like that.” Abu’s recollections show that Sidharth’s initial impressions of Shehnaaz were cautious, stemming from his observations of others in the house. Despite this, the duo eventually developed a strong and genuine bond that became central to the show’s narrative.
From the first weeks, Shehnaaz’s playful teasing, candid confessions, and childlike charm added lightness to the otherwise intense atmosphere of the Bigg Boss house. Her open expression of fondness for Sidharth complemented his more reserved nature, and together, they formed a deeply endearing pairing that fans quickly celebrated. While they never officially confirmed a romantic relationship, their camaraderie and affectionate gestures made them an iconic duo.
Sidharth went on to win Bigg Boss 13 in 2020, cementing his popularity and further highlighting the SidNaaz connection. Their bond continued to resonate with viewers even after the show ended. Tragically, Sidharth passed away on September 2, 2021, at the age of 40 due to a cardiac arrest. His untimely death left Shehnaaz heartbroken. To honor him, she released a touching music video titled “Tu Yaheen Hai” and also appeared on the Bigg Boss 15 finale to pay a special tribute.
Reflecting on her time with Sidharth, Shehnaaz spoke about the life lessons she gained from him in an episode of Ranveer Allabhadia’s podcast. She said, “Mujhe maturity deke gaya he woh banda! Jab wo sab kuch hua, uske baad mein mature hui hoon. Nahi toh main wahi rehti Bigg Boss mein hi wahi hoon kisi duniya ki parwaah nahi kuch nahi (He taught me maturity. After all that happened, I became mature. Otherwise, I would have remained the same girl who was in Bigg Boss. One who did not care about anything else).” Her reflections highlight the profound personal growth she experienced through their bond.
On the professional front, Shehnaaz continues to expand her career in film and music. She appeared in the ensemble film Thank You For Coming, alongside Bhumi Pednekar, Dolly Singh, Kusha Kapila, and Shibani Bedi, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. She also featured in the music video “Sajna Ve Sajna” from the 2024 film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, starring Triptii Dimri and Rajkummar Rao. Most recently, she appeared in Ikk Kudi, continuing to explore varied roles and mediums.
The story of SidNaaz remains one of reality television’s most memorable bonds — a relationship rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and emotional depth, leaving an indelible mark on fans and shaping Shehnaaz’s journey.
