Pooja Bedi asked to stay away from 'Bigg Boss' finale

Actress Pooja Bedi says she has been asked to refrain from attending the grand finale of Colors' reality show "Bigg Boss 5", in which she was a participant.

"Have been informed by channel that I'm not to attend finale, despite it being mandatory in my contract! Wonder why! Any guesses?" Pooja posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"Have asked channel to state reason I cannot be there at finale to cheer my friends on! Also, till yesterday I was to do a medley! What changed?" she added.

The actress, daughter of veteran actor Kabir Bedi and Odissi exponent Protima Gauri Bedi, caught limelight for endorsing Kama Sutra in the 1990s, and she went on to be popular for her Marilyn Monroe skirt act in "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander".

Pooja entered the "Bigg Boss 5" house Oct 2, 2011, and she was evicted towards the end of November.

Recently, the 41-year-old was in spotlight for her comments against "Bigg Boss 5" host Salman Khan, as she felt he hurt her fellow inmate and friend, Akashdeep Saigal aka Sky.

It is believed that perhaps her comments didn't go down too well with Salman.

However, in a host of replies to tweets from her fans, Pooja posted: "Never said anything derogatory about channel or production house! And its my perogative to react to contestants or host of my show. If anchors can be unfair or awful to contestants, contestants have a right to speak up in their or their friends defence!"

"I have requested an official explanation from channel, but they haven't given me one yet! Let them decide how to say it. Channel and production never had issues with any of statements I've made! If they had, they'd have intimated me immediately."

According to a tabloid, even Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan's plans of promoting Karan Johar's forthcoming film "Agneepath", on the show have been scrapped.

It is believed Hrithik and Salman share a cold war ever since the former reacted to Salman's comments against "Guzaarish" director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. So now, Imran Khan will perhaps attend the finale to promote "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu", also produced by Johar.

Post the news, Pooja wrote: "Mumbai Mirror article today! Hrithik not allowed in #BB5 finale! Guess I'm not the only victim! Wow!"

The finale of the reality show is to be held Saturday. Among the final contestants are Juhi Parmar, Amar Upadhyay, Mahek Chahal, Siddharth Bharadwaj and Sky.