Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK : “Bigg Boss 19” is gearing up for a grand return on August 30, promising to be its longest-running season ever. Yet despite its extended runtime, the show is taking a more budget-conscious turn—most notably in terms of host Salman Khan’s remuneration .

Sources close to the production reveal that the overall budget for the upcoming season has been trimmed, directly influencing the amount paid to its charismatic host. Reports indicate that while Salman had earned around ₹250 crore for Bigg Boss 17 and ₹200 crore for season 18, his fee for season 19 has now been negotiated down to approximately ₹120–150 crore.

This represents a significant reduction, almost halving his previous earnings. Speculation around the exact figure grew rampant on social media as netizens debated whether the dip was driven by budget constraints or a strategic move by Salman himself.

Adding to the cost-cutting measures, this season will debut episodes on an OTT (over-the-top) platform before airing on television—a departure from tradition and a clear attempt to align with changing viewer habits. This hybrid distribution strategy might allow the makers to optimize promotional costs and tap into digital subscriptions, reflecting a broader industry trend favoring online streaming.

The lineup for season 19 is shaping up to include noteworthy names such as Gautami Kapoor, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Gaurav Khanna, and Dhanshree Verma . These confirmed participants are expected to bring fresh energy and renewed competition, with potential additions still under wraps from the producers.

Outside “Bigg Boss,” Salman has had a challenging year at the box office. His recent film Sikandar underperformed, failing to capture its projected audience.  In response, he’s banked on patriotic storytelling to reconnect with viewers. His upcoming project Battle of Galwan, directed by Avinash Lakhia (best known for “Shootout at Lokhandwala”), delves into the 2020 clash at Galwan Valley, casting Salman in the role of an Indian soldier—a thematic shift aimed at tapping into nationalistic sentiments .

The decision to reduce Salman’s fee reflects broader cost-saving efforts across the show’s production. It suggests a recalibrated financial model that balances star power against tighter budgets. Moreover, by prioritizing digital release before its TV premiere, the producers are clearly pursuing a multi-platform audience strategy designed to maximize return on investment.

As the show edges closer to its August debut, industry observers are curious to see how this leaner budget will affect production quality, set designs, guest appearances, and viewer engagement. Can the upgraded OTT-first rollout compensate for slimmer spending and retain—or even grow—the audience loyal to Salman’s magnetic presence? Only time will tell.

Bigg Boss 19 is setting up to be a landmark season—significant not for extravagant spending, but for strategic restraint: a major financial rethink, a bold dual-platform release plan, and a reduced, yet still hefty, fee for Salman Khan. Whether these changes will propel the show to new heights or temper its longstanding dominance remains the central question as the season approaches.