Bigg Boss, a popular reality TV show in India, has had multiple hosts since its debut in 2006. However, Salman Khan became the host from season 4 onwards and has captured the audience’s attention with his charming presence.
Salman’s earnings from hosting the show have become a topic of discussion. Although he often jokes about payments on-screen, it is clear that Salman earns a substantial income from the immensely popular show.
Salman took over from Amitabh Bachchan as the host in season 4. According to Hindustan Times, he was paid INR 2.5 crore ($25 million) per episode for seasons 4 to 6, even though the fifth season also had Sanjay Dutt as a host. Season 7 saw Salman doubling his fee to INR 5 crore ($50 million) per episode, with Gauahar Khan winning that season. For season 8, won by Gautam Gulati, Salman hiked his fee to INR 5.5 crore ($55 million).
For seasons 9 and 10, Salman charged between INR 7 crore to INR 8 crore ($70 to $80 million) per episode, with Prince Narula and Manveer Gurjar as the respective winners. The exact fee for seasons 11 and 12 remains undisclosed, but reports speculate around INR 11 crore ($110 million) per episode. Season 13 saw Salman charging INR 15.50 crore ($155 million) per episode, won by Siddharth Shukla. For season 14, Salman reportedly charged INR 20 crore ($200 million) per episode, with Rubina Dilaik as the winner.
In season 15, Salman earned INR 15 crore ($150 million) per episode, totaling around INR 350 crore ($3.5 billion) for the season won by Tejasswi Prakash. The fee for season 16, won by MC Stan, was reported to be significantly higher, but exact details vary in different sources.
Salman’s association with Bigg Boss has been crucial to the show’s success. Not only has he entertained the audience, but he has also actively participated in the dynamics of the house, making it one of the most-watched shows on Indian television.