Known for keeping a strictly low profile away from television banter and social commentary, Arijit took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to root for Qazi:
“I will have to watch BIG BOSS for the first time in my life cz Apna Rockstar QAZI hai udhar.”
The warm nod has sparked widespread nostalgia across social platforms, reminding fans of their 21-year bond that originated on reality television.
The 'Fame Gurukul' Connection: 2005 to 2026
The friendship between Arijit and Qazi remains one of the most storied chapters of 2000s reality TV:
The 2005 Reality Battle: Both entered the public consciousness as teenagers on Sony Entertainment Television's singing talent hunt Fame Gurukul. While Arijit was eliminated in the later stages (finishing sixth), Srinagar-born Qazi went on to win the show alongside Ruprekha Banerjee via an unprecedented wave of nationwide public voting.
Divergent Paths, Unshaken Bond: In the two decades that followed, their career trajectories shifted dramatically. Arijit ascended to become the defining voice of modern Indian cinema, while Qazi stayed active through selective indie singles and his standout feature on "Afghan Jalebi" from Kabir Khan's 2015 thriller Phantom. Despite the contrast in spotlight, their mutual affection has remained remarkably intact.
The Scooter Ride in Jiaganj
Arijit’s public endorsement comes just months after Qazi visited Arijit’s hometown of Jiaganj in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
The Viral Reel: In May, Qazi shared a video of the two riding a scooty through local alleys, having tea, playing cricket, and greeting residents.
Qazi on Arijit: Praising his old friend's humility, Qazi had shared: “What can I say about Arijit? There's no corruption in him, no insecurity, no jealousy towards anyone. He is pure passion. He's real. And yes, he's a genius, we all know that... We were teenagers in 2005 on Fame Gurukul, and now in 2026, we are still teenagers at heart. We just refused to grow up.”
Qazi Touqeer Inside the 'Bigg Boss 20' House
Since stepping into the Bigg Boss 20 house as a surprise celebrity entrant, Qazi has emerged as an eccentric, meme-heavy talking point:
The "Rockstar" Persona: Re-popularizing his flamboyant catchphrase—“I’m a Rockstar baby, aau!”—Qazi has kept both housemates and viewers amused with his deadpan boasts, claiming everything from building a dedicated "coffee tanki" at his home in Kashmir to doing commando-style push-ups.
The "Arijit Effect": Reality TV trade analysts note that an endorsement from an artist as private and universally revered as Arijit Singh delivers an immediate boost to Qazi’s voting footprint and public goodwill in the early weeks.
Trade Verdict:
In an industry frequently marked by transactional alliances, Arijit Singh’s candid, unprompted cheer for his reality-show rival from two decades ago has struck a genuine chord with audiences. As Qazi continues his run inside the Bigg Boss house, Arijit’s shoutout serves as a heartwarming reminder that authentic camaraderie can easily outlast competitive formats and commercial fame.
