The Bigg Boss house is once again a cauldron of controversy, alliances, and high-voltage drama, but the most intense buzz often exists outside its infamous walls. As Bigg Boss 19 continues to dominate social media trends and water-cooler conversations, a perennial question has resurfaced, grabbing headlines with renewed vigor: just how much is its charismatic host, Salman Khan, being paid?
The Staggering Paycheck: Fact or Fiction?
Salman Khan, who first took the helm of the reality show in Season 4, has become synonymous with Bigg Boss. Over a decade later, he remains the show’s face, its soul, and arguably, its most significant expense. With each passing season, rumors about his escalating remuneration have been a constant.
The current speculation, fueled by several media reports, suggests a jaw-dropping figure. It is claimed that the superstar is charging a massive Rs 120 to Rs 150 crore for his 15-week stint hosting Bigg Boss 19. To put this in perspective, that translates to an estimated Rs 8 to 10 crore per episode for the weekend “Weekend Ka Vaar” segments, setting a new benchmark for hosting fees in Indian television.
The Producer Breaks His Silence
Amid the swirling rumors, Rishi Negi, a producer from Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India—the companies behind the show—has now addressed the elephant in the room. In a candid conversation with India Today, Negi offered a diplomatic yet telling perspective.
When directly questioned about the Rs 150 crore figure, Negi clarified the contractual boundaries, stating, “This contract is between him and JioHotstar, so I am not privy to that.” This highlights the evolving nature of the show’s distribution, now a digital-first property on JioCinema. However, he was unequivocal in his appraisal of Salman’s value, adding, “But whatever the rumour is, whatever it is, he is worth every penny. For me, as long as he is there on my weekend, I am a happy person.”
More Than Just a Host: Salman’s Deep-Rooted Involvement
Negi also took the opportunity to address one of the most common criticisms leveled against Salman Khan: perceived bias towards certain contestants. The producer revealed that the megastar is far from a mere teleprompter reader; he is deeply embedded in the creative fabric of the show.
“He has a huge buy-in on what’s happening inside the house,” Negi explained. He detailed the collaborative process, noting that Salman personally reviews key footage and moments from the week. “We, as creators, also have our viewpoint, and we merge it with audience feedback to design the weekend episodes.” This deep involvement, Negi suggests, is what makes his hosting so impactful and authentic.
The Big Question: Is Salman Khan Quitting Bigg Boss?
With every season, rumors of Salman Khan stepping down from his hosting duties begin to circulate. When probed on this, Rishi Negi offered reassurance to fans. He clarified that while the actor has felt the weight of the demanding schedule in the past, his connection to the show has now evolved into something deeper.
“There have been times when he felt he couldn’t do it anymore, but now he has a huge emotional connection with the show,” Negi shared. “You can see it in the way he gets involved on stage—it comes from within.”
This emotional investment is palpable for viewers. Whether he is delivering stern sermons, engaging in playful banter, or expressing genuine concern for contestants, Salman Khan’s presence has become an indispensable ritual for the show’s massive audience. For the producers and the channel, as long as that connection remains, he will continue to be “worth every penny,” no matter the staggering number attached.
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If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
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