Post by : Meena Ariff

Bigg Boss remains in the spotlight as Season 19 unfolds, with conversations around its controversies and payouts making headlines. One persistent item of speculation concerns Salman Khan’s fee — reported in media as ranging from ₹150 crore to ₹200 crore — alongside suggestions that the host is coached on what to say during the weekend episodes.

Producer Addresses the Buzz

Rishi Negi, producer for Bigg Boss 19 at Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, spoke recently to address these swirling stories.

While he declined to confirm any precise number, Negi emphasised the contractual nature of the arrangement:

“That agreement is directly between him and JioHotstar, so I don’t have access to those details. Whatever figures are circulating, from my perspective he earns his keep. As long as he fronts the weekend episodes, I’m content,” he said.

On Allegations of Salman Being Coached

When questioned about reports that Salman receives instructions or listens to prompts via an earpiece, Negi dismissed the notion with a laugh.

“Anyone familiar with Salman knows you can’t make him say things he doesn’t stand by, can you?” he remarked.

Negi added that Salman keeps himself informed about the show’s trajectory and forms independent judgments.

“He attempts to watch the episodes regularly. If he misses them, he views an hour or two of compiled footage with us over the weekend to catch up on key developments. He also gets perspectives from people who follow the show, so he’s well aware of what’s happening,” the producer explained.

A Collaborative Weekend Process

According to Negi, the final tone of the weekend episodes emerges from a blend of Salman’s instincts, the creative team’s direction and viewer feedback.

“He brings his own views on what’s right and wrong. We, as creators, have ours, and audience reactions feed into the conversation too. That combination shapes how the weekend shows are presented,” he said.

In sum, the Bigg Boss 19 producer rejected claims that Salman Khan is prompted on air or fed lines. Though Negi remained discreet about the reported ₹150 crore remuneration, he stressed Salman’s active involvement in reviewing content and helping set the weekend narrative — a role Negi described as justifying the star’s value to the show.

#Global