Bollywood megastar Salman Khan is set to pocket between Rs120 crore and Rs150 crore for hosting the initial phase of Bigg Boss 19, as the long-running reality show prepares to return in a revamped hybrid format.
Scheduled to premiere on August 30, the new season will follow a dual-release model — with episodes first launching on JioCinema, followed by a delayed telecast on Colors TV 90 minutes later, according to insider sources.
Salman, who has become synonymous with Bigg Boss over the past decade, is expected to host the show for its first 15 weeks. His weekly remuneration is estimated to be between Rs8 crore and Rs10 crore.
This season is also set to be the longest in the franchise’s history, stretching over five months. While Khan will anchor the first three months, other major Bollywood personalities — including Karan Johar, Anil Kapoor, and Farah Khan — are reportedly in talks to take over hosting duties for the remaining weeks.
Sources from the production team revealed that Salman Khan filmed the show’s promotional teaser on July 21, with the shoot running from 2 p.m. to midnight. The teaser is said to have a political tone, hinting that the upcoming season may incorporate elements of satire and commentary alongside its trademark drama.
Khan’s compensation this season reflects the show’s expanded digital footprint. His pay has increased steadily in recent years, with reports suggesting he earned Rs200 crore for Bigg Boss 17 and Rs250 crore for season 18.
While the official contestant lineup remains under wraps, several high-profile names from television and social media are rumored to be in talks. These include actors Gautami Kapoor, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Gaurav Khanna, Alisha Panwar, and Khushi Dubey. Influencers such as Gaurav Taneja (Flying Beast), Mr. Faisu, Apurva Makhija, and Purav Jha have also reportedly been approached.
Other potential contestants include dancer and YouTuber Dhanashree Verma, digital creator Arshifa Khan, celebrity makeup artist Makey Makeover, and singer Shriram Chandra.
Despite mounting buzz, the network and production house have yet to confirm the final contestant list or the show’s full runtime.
