Bigg Boss 8: Ban on Salman Khan continues; Suraj Pancholi not in

The ban on Salman Khan imposed by the photographers in Mumbai continues.

The paparazzi had decided to boycott Salman's event after they were reportedly mistreated by his team at a promotional event for his last movie 'Kick'.

Cameramen present at the event were allegedly roughed up by Salman's personal bodyguards and the event's security personnel, due to which the fraternity decided to take this step.

This ban continues almost two months after it was imposed.

This weekend, photographers, who have decided to boycott events of actor Salman Khan, were missing from his press conference to announce 'Bigg Boss' season 8.

When asked if Salman was missing the photographers, the actor said: "What can I do... I can't force anyone. I have not stopped them from taking my pics... they have banned me and taken a stand. All I can say is do it (click pictures) quietly, respectfully and not like 'macchi (fish)' market."

(L-R) Colors CEO Raj Nayak, along with Kunal Bahl, Salman Khan and Deepak Dhar at the 'Bigg Boss 8 press conference.

To a query if he will try and make peace with the photographers, he said: "I don't have a problem, they got angry. I think they should make peace with themselves."

Talking to Emirates247 Salman also revealed why he was hesitant about hosting season 8.

"I like the format but it takes a lot out of me, (among) these 13 contestants most of them are still in touch with me, it's like I am still the host and they are still in the house, it gets kind of tiring."

The upcoming season of the show will start from September 21 on Colors and probable names of the contestants are doing the round.

The controversial reality show will feature 12 celebrity contestants which will be followed by 82 cameras. The number of cameras has indeed increased from last year which was 74.

The number of days in the house has been reduced to 90 from 105 in season 7.

VJ Andy who was a part of Bigg Boss 7 is hosting the inauguration show today with Salman Khan.

The show's makers have already locked in the names of the celebrity contestants and are said to be finalising the contracts.

But Salman told Emirates247 that his protégé Suraj Pancholi will not be part of season 8.

Suraj, who will soon debut in Bollywood, was in news after his girlfriend Jiah Khan committed suicide.

But there are some other interesting celebrities who will enter the house.

In all likelihood, you will be watching celebs like Minissha Lamba, Upen Patel, Arya Babbar, Shweta Salve and Karishma Tanna make a grand entry in the show.

Although Minissha has chosen to remain tight-lipped about agreeing to do BB8, her appearance will definitely add glamour to the show.

Initially, the makers planned to start airing the show in October but now they are launching it in September.

This is because a few more contestants are being signed including Maryam Zakaria, who will also glam up the show.

Talks are also on with Shivaji Satam and Kumar Vishwas.

The opening episode will be shot at Karjat, while the rest of the show may be shot in Lonavala.

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