Qazi Touqeer is back in the reality-TV spotlight with Bigg Boss 20, nearly 21 years after he first became known to Indian television audiences through Fame Gurukul. The singer, who won the 2005 reality show alongside Ruprekha Banerjee, is now part of Salman Khan's latest Bigg Boss season.
His return has also revived interest in his journey after Fame Gurukul, including his association with fellow contestant Arijit Singh.
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Who Is Qazi Touqeer?
Qazi Touqeer is a singer and performer from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, who rose to national fame through the first season of Fame Gurukul in 2005.
The Sony reality show featured aspiring singers competing for a professional music career. Qazi became one of the show's most recognisable contestants and was declared the winner alongside Ruprekha Banerjee in October 2005.
After their victory, Qazi and Ruprekha worked together on music, including the album Qazi-Ruprekha Jodi No-1. Their post-show work included the song "Yeh Pal".
The win established Qazi as a recognised name in Indian reality television and gave him a platform to continue his career as a singer and performer.
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Was Arijit Singh In Fame Gurukul With Qazi Touqeer?
Yes. Arijit Singh was also a contestant on Fame Gurukul in 2005.
However, Qazi Touqeer did not defeat Arijit Singh in the finale. Arijit was eliminated before the final, while Qazi and Ruprekha went on to win the competition.
The distinction is important because Qazi is sometimes described online as having "beaten Arijit Singh" to win Fame Gurukul. While both appeared on the same season, they did not face each other in the finale.
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What Is Qazi Touqeer's Connection With Arijit Singh?
Qazi and Arijit first met as contestants on Fame Gurukul.
Qazi has spoken warmly about Arijit over the years, describing him as a close friend and brother. In 2026, Qazi visited Arijit's hometown of Jiaganj in West Bengal, where the two spent time together.
Their reunion brought their connection back into the spotlight, particularly because Arijit's career later developed into one of the biggest in Indian playback music.
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What Did Qazi Touqeer Do After Fame Gurukul?
Qazi continued working as a singer and performer after his Fame Gurukul victory, including music with Ruprekha Banerjee and other entertainment work.
In 2015, he appeared in the music video for "Afghan Jalebi (Ya Baba)", the popular song from Phantom, featuring Katrina Kaif and Saif Ali Khan.
Importantly, Qazi did not sing the original "Afghan Jalebi". The original track was sung by Pakistani singer Asrar. Qazi later performed and released his own cover of the song.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Who Is Qazi Touqeer?
Qazi Touqeer is a singer and performer from Srinagar who rose to fame after winning Fame Gurukul in 2005 with Ruprekha Banerjee.
Did Qazi Touqeer And Arijit Singh Compete On The Same Show?
Yes. Both were contestants on Fame Gurukul in 2005. Qazi won the show with Ruprekha, while Arijit was eliminated before the final.
What Is Qazi Touqeer's Connection With Arijit Singh?
They became friends during Fame Gurukul. Qazi has described Arijit as a close friend, and the two reunited in Jiaganj in 2026.
Was Qazi Touqeer The Singer Of "Afghan Jalebi"?
No. The original "Afghan Jalebi (Ya Baba)" from Phantom was sung by Asrar. Qazi appeared in the music video and later performed his own cover.
Why Is Qazi Touqeer In The News?
Qazi has entered Bigg Boss 20, bringing him back into the reality-TV spotlight nearly 21 years after his Fame Gurukul win.
Qazi Touqeer Enters Bigg Boss 20
Qazi Touqeer is among the contestants on Bigg Boss 20, which premiered on 6 September 2026 and is hosted by Salman Khan.
His entry has brought renewed attention to his earlier television career, particularly his Fame Gurukul victory and his association with Arijit Singh.
For viewers who remember Indian reality television in the mid-2000s, Qazi is a familiar face returning to the format that first made him famous. For younger viewers, Bigg Boss 20 offers an introduction to a singer whose television career began with Fame Gurukul in 2005.
More than two decades after his first major reality-TV appearance, Qazi Touqeer is once again in the spotlight, this time as part of the Bigg Boss 20 house.
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