Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : Instagram 

Bigg Boss has been one of the most popular and talked-about reality shows on Indian television for nearly twenty years. Since 2010, superstar Salman Khan has hosted the show, making it a household name across the country. Over the years, the show has grown bigger, with multiple versions on OTT platforms and regional spin-offs. With Season 19 currently on air, SCREEN recently spoke to Rishi Negi, CEO of Endemol India, to get an exclusive look at how the show operates behind the cameras.

Focus on Security

One of the most important priorities for Bigg Boss in recent years has been safety and security. Rishi explained that in the last two and a half years, security protocols have been made much stronger. He said, “We have beefed up security because of threats to Salman Khan. We don't get live audiences on the show now when Salman Khan is present. There is also a strict protocol about the people who come on the show. Everyone we hire, whether permanently, temporarily, or through vendors, goes through strict background checks.”

These measures are designed to ensure the safety of everyone on the show, especially the host, Salman Khan. By reducing live audiences and carefully screening all staff and vendors, the production team aims to create a secure environment for shooting.

The Scale of Production

Running Bigg Boss is no small task. According to Rishi, the show employs nearly 600 people across three shifts, working 24 hours a day. “We have close to 600 people in our workforce. There are three shifts, and we work round the clock. Women are fairly represented in our workforce. When it comes to content security and on-ground logistics, we are very strict. Both are top priorities,” he said.

With such a large team, the production ensures that everything, from filming to editing to managing the house, runs smoothly. The show operates like a small city, with constant attention to detail in every aspect of production.

The History of Bigg Boss in India

Bigg Boss first came to India in 2006, produced by Endemol, as a “social experiment” to study how people behave when they are constantly watched. Over time, it has evolved into one of India’s biggest reality show brands. Its success is due to constant reinvention, keeping the show fresh and interesting for viewers.

The hosting journey of the show has been interesting too. From Arshad Warsi in Season 1 to Shilpa Shetty and Amitabh Bachchan in later editions, the show finally found its long-term host in Salman Khan. He has now hosted Bigg Boss for more than a decade, bringing consistency and charm to the show.

Real-Time Content and Challenges

One of the unique challenges of Bigg Boss is that it cannot be scripted like other shows. Rishi explained that the content depends on how contestants behave inside the house. “Sometimes we plan something, but then a big event happens in the house, and we have to scrap our plan and make a new one based on the situation,” he said.

With over 200 cameras capturing every moment, the production team works hard to create storylines in real-time. Editors and producers must constantly adjust, ensuring that each episode is engaging and captures the reactions of the contestants.

Salman Khan’s Role

Salman Khan is not just a host; he also plays a part in shaping the show. Rishi revealed that Salman often attends meetings and gives suggestions about casting and content. However, all final decisions are made by the producers. His involvement ensures that the show stays entertaining while keeping in mind the audience’s expectations.

Bigg Boss is more than just a reality show. It is a massive production that requires careful planning, strict security, and real-time content management. Over the years, the team has adapted to new challenges, ensuring the safety of the host, contestants, and crew. With a large workforce and advanced production methods, the show continues to entertain millions of viewers across India.

By focusing on security, professional management, and creativity, Bigg Boss remains one of the most-watched reality shows in the country. Behind the glitz and drama, a dedicated team works tirelessly to keep the show running smoothly and safely.