The reality television world in India is always filled with drama, rumours, and controversies, and Bigg Boss 19 is no exception. Every year, discussions around the host Salman Khan, his salary, and his alleged bias towards certain contestants take over social media. Recently, the show’s producer Rishi Negi addressed these topics in an exclusive interview with India Today, offering a clear picture of how things actually work behind the scenes.
This interview shed light on how Salman Khan approaches his role as host, how much control the makers really have over the show’s content, and the truth behind those sky-high salary numbers being reported in the media.
Salman Khan’s Deep Involvement in the Show
Rishi Negi began by explaining that Salman Khan is not just a weekend face on the screen. Contrary to popular belief, he is deeply involved in reviewing what happens inside the house each week. According to Negi, before every “Weekend Ka Vaar” episode, Salman personally reviews several hours of raw footage to understand each contestant’s behaviour and the week’s major events.
“Salman sir doesn’t simply read a script or repeat what we tell him,” said Negi. “He watches the content himself, forms his own opinions, and speaks from his heart. That’s what makes him connect so strongly with the audience.”
The producer explained that Salman’s strength as a host lies in his honesty. “He reacts just like a viewer would. When contestants behave badly, he calls them out. When someone improves, he appreciates them. He doesn’t fake emotions or favour anyone,” Negi added.
Addressing the Allegations of Bias
One of the biggest debates surrounding Bigg Boss each season is the claim that Salman Khan favours certain contestants. Some fans accuse him of protecting popular or “TRP-generating” participants, while being harsh on others. However, Rishi Negi was firm in dismissing these claims.
“Salman Khan is never biased,” he said. “He is fair to every contestant. What people often forget is that we have to edit several hours of footage into one hour of television. Sometimes, that creates a false impression of favouritism or partiality. But behind the scenes, Salman treats everyone equally.”
Negi went on to explain that Salman often gives advice that helps contestants grow as individuals. “He takes time to explain things calmly. Many contestants later say that Salman’s words helped them understand themselves better,” he said.
The producer also clarified that Salman is never told by the team what to say. “We never dictate how he should speak to contestants. We only provide him with factual updates. He decides what to say and how to say it based on his understanding of the situation,” Negi shared.
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The Truth Behind the ₹150-Crore Salary Buzz
Salman Khan’s salary for Bigg Boss has always been a topic of fascination. In recent weeks, reports claimed that the superstar is charging around ₹150 crore for hosting Season 19 — making him one of the highest-paid hosts in Indian television history.
When asked about the accuracy of this figure, Rishi Negi neither confirmed nor denied the number but emphasised that Salman is worth every rupee the channel invests in him.
“Salman Khan’s value to Bigg Boss goes beyond numbers,” Negi said. “He brings credibility, excitement, and trust to the show. His presence alone guarantees high viewership. You can’t measure that kind of impact with money.”
He further explained that hosting a show like Bigg Boss is not easy. It requires patience, emotional intelligence, and a strong ability to connect with people from different backgrounds. “Salman has mastered that art. He knows how to handle anger, tears, laughter, and fights — all in one episode,” Negi noted.
How Weekend Episodes Are Made
Giving a peek behind the curtain, Rishi Negi described how the Weekend Ka Vaar episodes are put together. Each week, the creative team compiles key moments — major fights, emotional breakdowns, and task performances — and presents a summary to Salman Khan.
“Salman reviews the footage himself. He then discusses it with us to understand the context behind certain incidents. But at the end of the day, what he says on stage is his own perspective,” said Negi.
Sometimes, Salman even challenges the team’s interpretation. “There have been times when he points out things we missed. That’s how involved he is,” Negi revealed.
The weekend shoot usually takes several hours, with Salman interacting not just with the contestants but also the production team. His feedback often influences how future episodes are edited or how certain issues are handled inside the house.
Salman Khan’s Unique Connection with Contestants
Over the years, Salman Khan has developed a unique relationship with Bigg Boss contestants. Rishi Negi said that Salman treats them not as entertainers but as people.
“He often gives personal advice, both on and off camera. He doesn’t humiliate anyone; instead, he tries to help them understand what went wrong. That’s why, even after leaving the show, many contestants say they respect him deeply,” Negi explained.
This connection has helped Salman maintain his position as one of the most loved television hosts in India. “He’s not afraid to be real. If someone cries, he consoles them. If someone crosses the line, he scolds them. That emotional honesty is what viewers love,” Negi said.
Bigg Boss and Its Ongoing Evolution
Bigg Boss has now completed nearly two decades on Indian television, and its success shows no signs of slowing down. Rishi Negi credited this longevity to the show’s ability to adapt and evolve with time — and to Salman Khan’s consistent presence.
“Bigg Boss is not just a TV show anymore; it’s a social mirror,” he said. “People see a reflection of real emotions, conflicts, and human behaviour inside the house. Salman Khan brings that raw emotion to life through his hosting.”
Negi also acknowledged the growing role of social media in shaping public opinion about the show. “Social media magnifies every moment. Even a small argument becomes a trending topic. That’s both a challenge and a strength for Bigg Boss,” he admitted.
The Voting Process and Transparency
Addressing another frequent concern among viewers — the fairness of voting and eliminations — Rishi Negi assured that the process is transparent. “We have independent teams managing the vote count. There is no manipulation. The results are genuine,” he confirmed.
He also pointed out that Bigg Boss aims to maintain a balance between entertainment and ethics. “The show may be dramatic, but it’s built on real emotions and human reactions. That’s what sets it apart from other reality formats,” he added.
Salman’s Long-Term Bond with Bigg Boss
Salman Khan has been hosting Bigg Boss since Season 4, and despite his busy film schedule, he continues to return year after year. Rishi Negi believes this commitment comes from Salman’s genuine affection for the show.
“Salman sir sees Bigg Boss as more than a hosting job. He feels connected to the audience and the contestants. He enjoys guiding people and helping them learn from their mistakes,” Negi shared.
The producer added that Salman’s loyalty to the show is one of its biggest strengths. “Even after so many years, his energy has not faded. He brings the same passion to every season,” he said.
Conclusion
The Bigg Boss 19 producer’s revelations give fans a better understanding of what really happens behind the cameras. Whether it’s the massive ₹150-crore salary buzz or the ongoing claims of bias, Rishi Negi’s statements make it clear that Salman Khan’s role in Bigg Boss is much more than just hosting.
He is deeply involved, emotionally connected, and completely fair in his approach. His honesty and straightforwardness are what have kept audiences loyal for years. As Bigg Boss 19 continues, one thing remains constant — Salman Khan’s charisma and his powerful hold over both the contestants and millions of fans watching from home.
