Qazi Touqeer’s Journey: From Winning Fame Gurukul With Arijit Singh as a Contestant to Returning to TV After 21 Years

Qazi Touqeer, who became a household name after winning the singing reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005, has returned to the television spotlight nearly 21 years after his breakthrough. His appearance on Bigg Boss 20, hosted by Salman Khan, has renewed interest in the singer’s career, his unexpected rise to fame and what happened after his reality-show success.

Touqeer’s story is closely linked to another contestant from the same competition, Arijit Singh, who later established himself as one of India’s leading playback singers. While their careers took different directions, their shared experience on the show remains an important part of Indian reality television history.

Qazi Touqeer Rose to Fame Through Fame Gurukul

Touqeer gained widespread recognition in 2005 through Fame Gurukul, a televised singing competition that brought aspiring performers before a national audience. His energetic performances, distinctive personality and ability to connect with viewers helped him build a strong fan following.

He won the competition alongside Ruprekha Banerjee, with the pair declared winners on October 20, 2005. Both received a cash prize, a music contract and a car, opening the door to professional opportunities in the entertainment industry.

His victory was notable because his journey through the competition was not always smooth. He repeatedly faced the possibility of elimination but continued to receive substantial audience support. Reports from the time put the number of votes cast in his favour at more than 2.5 crore, highlighting the scale of his popularity.

Arijit Singh Connection Became a Talking Point

One of the most striking aspects of Touqeer’s story is his connection with Arijit Singh. The future playback star also competed in Fame Gurukul but finished sixth, while Touqeer and Banerjee took the top position.

Their contrasting career paths later attracted attention as Singh went on to build a successful career in Bollywood music. Touqeer, meanwhile, struggled to maintain the same level of mainstream visibility after his reality-show breakthrough.

The comparison has resurfaced following Touqeer’s return to television. However, the two singers’ different professional journeys reflect how winning a reality competition does not necessarily determine the long-term direction of an artist’s career.

What Happened to Qazi Touqeer After the Show?

Following his win, Touqeer continued exploring opportunities in music and acting. He worked with Banerjee on music projects and gradually expanded his presence beyond the competition that had made him famous.

One of his later appearances came in the music video for Afghan Jalebi, a song from the 2015 film Phantom. Despite such projects, he did not remain a regular presence in mainstream entertainment, leading many viewers to lose track of his career.

His reduced visibility did not erase the impact of his early success. For audiences who followed reality television in the mid-2000s, Touqeer remained a memorable figure from an era when public voting could turn aspiring performers into overnight celebrities.

Bigg Boss 20 Brings Him Back Before a New Audience

Touqeer’s participation in Bigg Boss 20 has introduced him to viewers who may not remember his original rise to fame. The show offers a different platform from a singing competition, placing greater emphasis on contestants’ personalities, relationships and behaviour inside the house.

His return has also revived discussion about his earlier career and the contrast between his journey and Singh’s rise in the music industry.

More than two decades after Fame Gurukul, Touqeer’s television comeback has brought renewed attention to a career that began with extraordinary public support. Whether this renewed visibility leads to further opportunities remains to be seen, but his return has ensured that his name is once again part of the national entertainment conversation.