Producer Rishi Negi defends Salman Khan’s ₹150–200 crore hosting fee for Bigg Boss 19, calling him “worth every penny” and the show’s irreplaceable face.
Bigg Boss 19 and Salman Khan’s Massive Fee Debate
TheInterviewTimes.com | Mumbai | October 30, 2025 —In a candid interview with India Today, Bigg Boss 19 producer Rishi Negi has finally addressed the ongoing buzz around Salman Khan’s ₹150–200 crore hosting fee, stating that the Bollywood superstar is “worth every penny.”
Negi, who manages the hit reality franchise under Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, clarified that Salman Khan’s contract is directly with JioHotstar, the show’s official streaming partner. While he didn’t confirm the exact amount, he strongly backed the actor’s contribution to Bigg Boss 19.
“Whatever the rumour is—he is worth every penny. For me, as long as he is there on my weekend, I am a happy person,” said Negi.
“Salman Khan Is Irreplaceable for Bigg Boss 19”
Negi highlighted how Salman Khan’s presence on the Weekend Ka Vaar episodes has become synonymous with the show’s identity. Those episodes consistently record the highest TRPs, driving immense engagement across television and digital platforms.
“Salman doesn’t just host—he immerses himself,” Negi explained. “He reviews curated footage, takes feedback from his team, and then forms his own opinions. That’s why his commentary feels authentic.”
Salman’s connection with the audience remains unmatched. His mix of tough love, humor, and straight talk during Bigg Boss 19 continues to make him the central pillar of the show’s success, both on Colors TV and JioHotstar.
Salman Khan’s Unscripted and Unfiltered Style
Addressing frequent social media debates about Salman Khan’s alleged bias towards contestants such as Amaal Mallik and Tanya Mittal, Negi dismissed all claims of scripting.
“Anyone who knows Salman Khan knows it’s impossible to make him say something he doesn’t believe in,” he said. “We discuss key moments before shooting, but the final word is always Salman’s.”
Negi credited Salman’s spontaneity and emotional intelligence for keeping Bigg Boss 19 fresh and relatable after more than a decade on air.
A 15-Year Journey with Bigg Boss
Salman Khan has been associated with Bigg Boss since Season 4 (2010), sharing hosting duties with Sanjay Dutt in Season 5. Despite occasional reports suggesting fatigue or plans to step away, Negi confirmed that Salman’s bond with the show remains strong.
“He always comes back. This format is in his blood,” the producer said, emphasizing that Bigg Boss 19 wouldn’t be the same without him.
Over the years, Salman has become more than just a host—he is the moral compass of Bigg Boss 19, often guiding contestants through emotional breakdowns and moral dilemmas while addressing larger social issues on national television.
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Bigg Boss 19 Ratings and Cultural Impact
Since premiering on October 6, 2025, Bigg Boss 19 continues to dominate Colors TV (10:30 PM IST) and JioHotstar (9 PM daily). Industry estimates indicate that Salman Khan’s remuneration has grown exponentially with each season, mirroring the show’s evolution into India’s highest-grossing reality franchise.
The ongoing season, featuring a mix of celebrities and social media influencers, has already delivered major viral moments, reinforcing the franchise’s pop-culture dominance. Advertisers continue to pay a premium for Bigg Boss 19 slots, reflecting its massive reach among India’s urban youth and global South Asian diaspora.
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The Undisputed Face of Bigg Boss 19
As the drama intensifies inside the Bigg Boss 19 house, one fact remains unchanged — Salman Khan is the face of the show. His unique blend of charisma, authority, and humor keeps millions of viewers tuned in weekend after weekend.
With Rishi Negi’s emphatic endorsement, the debate around Salman’s fee seems settled: he truly is worth every penny.
Bigg Boss 19: Beyond Entertainment
What makes Bigg Boss 19 stand out this year is its seamless blend of reality, emotion, and celebrity power. The show is not just about conflicts and eliminations—it mirrors India’s evolving pop culture, digital influence, and celebrity-driven conversations. With Salman Khan at the helm, Bigg Boss 19 continues to be more than a TV show; it’s a cultural event watched, debated, and lived across millions of screens every night.