Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is reportedly set to receive between Rs120 crore to Rs150 crore for hosting the initial phase of Bigg Boss 19.
The upcoming season of the controversial reality show is scheduled to premiere on August 30 and will be broadcast in a new hybrid format. Episodes will be released first on OTT platform JioCinema and then televised on Colors TV with a 90-minute delay, sources said.
Salman Khan, who has been associated with Bigg Boss for over a decade, is expected to host the first 15 weeks of the show, with a weekly remuneration estimated between Rs8 crore and Rs10 crore.
The 19th season will reportedly be the longest-running season yet, spanning an unprecedented five months. While Khan will host the first three months, other prominent Bollywood personalities including Karan Johar, Anil Kapoor and Farah Khan are said to be in discussions to take over hosting duties for the remaining weeks.
According to production sources, Khan filmed the season's promotional teaser on July 21, with the shoot stretching from 2pm to midnight. The promo is said to carry a political theme, suggesting the tone of this season could lean more towards satire and commentary rather than its typical entertainment-focused content.
The revised compensation structure for Khan takes into account the show's hybrid format, which blends digital and television audiences. In past seasons, his remuneration has steadily increased—he reportedly received Rs200 crore for season 17 and Rs250 crore for season 18.
While the official list of contestants remains under wraps, several names from the television and social media world are rumoured to be in talks with the production team. These include actors Gautami Kapoor, Dheeraj Dhupar, Gaurav Khanna, Alisha Panwar and Khushi Dubey. Popular influencers such as Gaurav Taneja (also known as Flying Beast), Mr. Faisu, Apurva Makhija, and Purav Jha have also been approached.
Other possible participants reportedly include dancer and YouTuber Dhanashree Verma, digital creator Arshifa Khan, makeover artist Makey Makeover, and singer Shri Ram Chandra.
Despite the buzz, the channel and production house have yet to release an official statement regarding the final contestant list or the confirmed duration of the show.
