The rumor mill has been churning overtime about Salman Khan’s astronomical hosting fees for Bigg Boss 19, with figures ranging between ₹150-200 crore making headlines. Now, producer Rishi Negi has finally broken his silence, addressing not just the paycheck controversy but also explosive claims about scripted Weekend Ka Vaar episodes and alleged favoritism. Here’s what really goes on behind the scenes of India’s most-watched reality show.
Bigg Boss 19 Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Salman Khan (since Season 4) |
| Current Season | Season 19 |
| Producer | Rishi Negi (Banijay Asia, Endemol Shine India) |
| Broadcaster | JioHotstar |
| Rumored Fees | ₹150-200 crore per season |
| Format | Reality show with Weekend Ka Vaar episodes |
The ₹150 Crore Question: What’s the Real Deal?
Rishi Negi clarified that Salman Khan’s contract is directly with JioHotstar, and he’s not privy to the exact figures. However, his response speaks volumes: “Whatever the rumor 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.”
While neither confirming nor denying the ₹150-200 crore speculation, Negi’s statement effectively validates that the superstar commands a premium fee that reflects his massive draw power. For context, Salman Khan has been synonymous with Bigg Boss since Season 4, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon.
For those tracking celebrity earnings in Indian entertainment, this revelation underscores why top-tier hosts remain irreplaceable in reality television.
Busting the “Scripted” Myth
One of the biggest controversies surrounding Bigg Boss involves allegations that Salman Khan is fed lines through an earpiece during Weekend Ka Vaar. Negi categorically dismissed these claims.
“He has a huge buy-in on what’s happening inside the house. We, as creators, also have our viewpoint, and we merge it with audience feedback to design the weekend episodes,” Negi explained. More importantly, “He has his own perspective and speaks from the heart. There’s no scripting in his reactions.”
The producer revealed that Salman personally reviews key moments and highlights before hosting Weekend Ka Vaar, forming his own opinions based on what he sees. This hands-on approach explains why his reactions often feel authentic and spontaneous—because they genuinely are.
Addressing the Favoritism Allegations
Every season brings accusations of Salman Khan showing bias toward certain contestants. Negi’s response provides crucial context: the host’s involvement isn’t about favoritism but genuine investment in understanding house dynamics.
Negi emphasized it’s impossible to make Salman say anything he doesn’t believe in, which means any perceived bias stems from the host’s personal interpretation of events rather than producer manipulation.
Will Salman Khan Quit Bigg Boss?
Year after year, speculation surfaces about Salman Khan leaving Bigg Boss. Negi confirmed talks have happened after some seasons when Salman felt he couldn’t continue, but “he has a huge emotional connection with this show.”
“You can see it when he’s on stage, the way he gets involved in discussions and issues comes from within,” the producer noted, suggesting the superstar isn’t going anywhere soon.
Before each season, the team meets with Salman to discuss format and broadcasting plans, indicating his creative input extends beyond just hosting duties.
Why These Revelations Matter
As one of India’s most successful reality show franchises, Bigg Boss continues dominating TRP charts. Negi’s candid interview finally provides transparency about how the show operates, dismissing conspiracy theories while acknowledging Salman Khan’s irreplaceable role.
Watch Bigg Boss 19 on JioHotstar to see the superstar in action every weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Salman Khan actually earn per episode of Bigg Boss 19?
While producer Rishi Negi didn’t confirm exact figures, the rumored ₹150-200 crore per season translates to approximately ₹4-5 crore per Weekend Ka Vaar episode, assuming a standard 15-week season with two weekend episodes weekly. However, Negi emphasized the contract is between Salman and JioHotstar, and whatever the amount, “he is worth every penny.” His statement suggests the figure isn’t far from reality.
Q: Does Salman Khan get briefed before Weekend Ka Vaar, or is everything spontaneous?
According to Rishi Negi, Salman Khan personally reviews key moments and highlights from the week before hosting Weekend Ka Vaar, forming his own opinions. While producers share their viewpoints and merge them with audience feedback to design episodes, Salman speaks from the heart without scripted reactions or being fed lines through an earpiece. His responses are authentic based on his personal interpretation of events.
