Exclusive - Ali Reza backs Bigg Boss Telugu 4 finalist Syed Sohel Ryan; says, "Sohel has driven the show not Abhijeet"

Actor Ali Reza of Bigg Boss Telugu 3 fame has been extensively supporting BB Telugu 4 finalist Syed Sohel Ryan for a while now. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Ali shares his views on the chances of Sohel winning the trophy and the reasons behind supporting him.
Also See: Bigg Boss Telugu 4 Grand Finale Live Updates
"I've known him for over 8 years now. He's like my younger brother. But that's not the reason I'm supporting him.When he sought support and inputs before accepting Bigg Boss, I told him that I will support him only if he proves his worth. Just 2-3 weeks into the show, I've realised that this boy will reach the finals," shares Ali.
Commenting on the criticism that he is supporting Sohel because he is a Muslim, Ali said, "I've never been biased based on religion not to him but anyone even in the past. Even as someone who follows Bigg Boss, I find Sohel is like me 10 years back. He is pure, genuine, a child at heart and I decided to support him after watching him for a good 2-3 weeks."
The BB Telugu 3 finalist reveals his inputs to Sohel prior to the show. He said, "I've always told him that leaving a lasting impact is more important than winning the trophy. I've asked him not to prepare for the show but to react to the situation. Because he may not face what I've in my season. So, it is always better to be yourself and react as you would. Sohel did exactly the same and struck a chord with the audience."

He adds, "I've also asked him not to fear nominations as being in the danger zone will help him develop his niche vote bank. I initially suffered in my season because I wasn't nominated for a few weeks. Audience had no habit of voting for me."
Sharing his analysis on Sohel's chances of surviving the competition, Ali said, "May the deserving candidate win the season and Sohel is that deserving contestant. He changed for the good and became a better person now. There is a difference between Sohel in the second week and now. He is much in control of his anger now. Audiences are aware of this change and they are loving this."
Ruling down the chances of a female contestant lifting the trophy this season, Ali adds, "There are zero chances of a lady Bigg Boss winner. Sohel in fact has stiff competition from Abhijeet if social media following is considered. If he could afford a good PR team from the beginning, the results would have been better. Sohel's family couldn't afford a PR team. But he still has ample chances to win. I believe only he drove the show with his platter of emotions than Abhijeet who has been himself throughout the season. I just hope all this love and goodwill for Sohel will convert into votes."
Meanwhile, Bigg Boss Telugu season 4 is set for its grand finale on December 20 (Sunday).