Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is once again making headlines, not just for his films, but for his staggering fee to host the latest season of the popular reality TV show Bigg Boss 18. According to industry insiders, Salman Khan is charging a whopping ₹60 crore per month to host the controversial and much-loved show. The revelation has left many questioning whether this price tag is justified, or if it is just another instance of Bollywood stars cashing in on their fame.
While there’s no denying that Salman Khan’s presence adds immense star power to Bigg Boss, is his fee proportionate to the value he brings to the show? Is this fee driving up production costs, and what does it mean for the future of celebrity-hosted reality shows? Let’s dive into the debate.
The Evolution of Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss Hosting Stint
Salman Khan has been associated with Bigg Boss since Season 4, when he first took up the hosting duties in 2010. Since then, he has become synonymous with the show, hosting it for more than a decade. His presence on the weekends—where he interacts with the contestants and the audience—has become one of the highlights of the show. The way he delivers “Weekend Ka Vaar” with his signature style, balancing humor, discipline, and reprimands, has kept audiences hooked to the screens.
From its relatively modest beginnings, Bigg Boss has grown into one of India’s most-watched and most controversial reality shows, thanks in no small part to Salman Khan’s involvement. Over the years, the show has capitalized on his stardom, with his massive fan base being one of the primary reasons the show continues to enjoy high TRPs.
But the question remains: Is Salman Khan’s presence really worth ₹60 crore a month?
Breaking Down the ₹60 Crore Per Month Fee: Is It Justifiable?
Salman Khan’s fee of ₹60 crore per month—roughly translating to ₹15 crore per weekend episode—has sent shockwaves across the industry. For comparison, Amitabh Bachchan charges a reported ₹3-5 crore per episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, and Akshay Kumar has demanded ₹2 crore per episode for The Kapil Sharma Show. With such a hefty paycheck, Salman Khan stands far ahead of his peers in the reality TV show hosting game.
But what makes Salman worth this astronomical sum? Several factors come into play:
- Massive Popularity: Salman Khan is one of the biggest movie stars in India, and his name alone draws millions of viewers. His popularity cuts across all demographics—men, women, young, old, urban, and rural. For a show like Bigg Boss, which relies heavily on viewer engagement, his star power is undeniable.
- Weekend Ka Vaar Effect: The show’s weekend episodes, where Salman interacts with the contestants and discusses their behavior, are among the highest-rated. Many viewers tune in specifically to watch Salman Khan dish out his brand of “tough love” to contestants.
- Marketing and Sponsorship: Bigg Boss is one of the most profitable reality shows on Indian television. Its advertising revenue and sponsorship deals have grown significantly over the years, and having Salman Khan as the host adds immense value for brands. In fact, some experts argue that his presence is the reason Bigg Boss is able to command such high rates for its advertisements and sponsorships.
- Global Reach: With Salman Khan’s international fan following, Bigg Boss has seen significant growth in its overseas viewership, particularly among the Indian diaspora in countries like the UAE, USA, and UK. This global reach allows the show to tap into a much larger audience than most Indian reality shows.
What Fans Are Saying: Divided Opinions
As expected, fans are divided over the news of Salman Khan’s ₹60 crore per month fee. While many feel that his contribution to the show’s success is unparalleled, others believe that the fee is excessive and could be better spent on improving the quality of the show itself.
“Salman Khan is the reason I watch Bigg Boss every year! The way he handles contestants and adds his unique charm to the show is worth every penny,” said one fan on social media.
On the other hand, some are not as convinced: “₹60 crore a month is way too much, even for Salman Khan. It’s not like he’s the one living in the house for 90 days. I’d rather see better contestants and less drama than pay that much to one person,” remarked another Twitter user.
This fee has also sparked discussions about the growing commercialization of reality TV in India. As stars command higher and higher salaries, there is concern that this could drive up production costs, leading to an over-reliance on sponsorships, brand integrations, and product placements within the show—something that fans have already started noticing.
A Double-Edged Sword for Reality TV?
Salman Khan’s high fee has raised important questions about the sustainability of such large payouts for celebrity hosts. Will this set a precedent for other stars demanding higher fees for reality TV shows? Or will networks start looking for more affordable options, given the already high cost of producing a show like Bigg Boss?
In the broader picture, there’s also the question of whether these huge paychecks are actually necessary to maintain high TRPs. While Salman’s involvement has undeniably contributed to the show’s popularity, some argue that Bigg Boss has become bigger than any one star and could survive even without such a massive celebrity hosting it.
The Future of Bigg Boss: Is ₹60 Crore a Month Sustainable?
With Bigg Boss 18 set to air soon, all eyes are on whether Salman Khan’s involvement will continue to drive the show’s success, especially with this astronomical pay package. While Colors TV seems to believe that his presence is crucial to the show’s profitability, the long-term sustainability of such hefty fees remains in question.
As other reality shows like KBC and India’s Got Talent continue to rely on celebrity hosts without paying them quite as much, one has to wonder: Will Salman Khan’s ₹60 crore per month set a new standard for reality TV in India, or is this fee an unsustainable gamble?
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
As Bigg Boss 18 gears up to hit screens, Salman Khan’s ₹60 crore per month paycheck is generating as much buzz as the show itself. Whether fans think it’s justified or not, there’s no denying that Salman Khan remains the heart and soul of Bigg Boss. The real question, however, is whether this level of investment is sustainable in the long run and whether future seasons will need such hefty star power to continue dominating TRPs.