Bigg Boss producer Rishi Negi on Salman Khan charging Rs 150–200 Crore for hosting: He is worth every penny; he is there on weekend...

Bigg Boss producer Rishi Negi on Salman Khan charging Rs 150–200 Crore for hosting: He is worth every penny; he is there on weekend...

The buzz around Salman Khan’s fee for hosting Bigg Boss 19 has been as dramatic as the show itself. Reports have claimed that the Bollywood superstar is being paid between Rs 150 and Rs 200 crore per season, a staggering figure that has fueled endless speculation among fans. Now, producer Rishi Negi of Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India has broken his silence.

In a conversation with India Today, Negi addressed the rumours head-on. “This contract is between him and JioHotstar, so I am not privy to that,” he clarified, adding that while he cannot confirm the numbers being discussed, he sees no reason to doubt Salman’s worth. “Whatever the rumour is, whatever it is, he is worth every penny. For me, as long as he is there on my weekend, I am a happy person.”

The producer’s response effectively shuts down speculation while subtly acknowledging the immense value Salman brings to the show. For over a decade, Bigg Boss has thrived on his charisma — a blend of authority, empathy, and unpredictability that keeps contestants and viewers hooked alike.

Negi also reflected on Salman’s deep connection with the show, noting how his involvement goes beyond contractual obligations. “I think now even he has a huge emotional connection with this show. You see it play out when he is on stage — the way he gets involved in a discussion or in a mudda (issue), as we call it, comes from within,” Negi said.

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He added that although rumours about Salman wanting to quit surface almost every year, the host’s passion for the format remains intact. “While, you know, some seasons he has been like, ‘I can’t do any more,’ I think till now we have been lucky that he has always said yes,” he revealed. “But much before we go on the floor, we go sit with him, talk to him, brief him on the broadcasting that we are doing — all of that.”

Whether the exact number is Rs 150 crore or not, it’s clear that Salman Khan’s presence is invaluable to Bigg Boss 19. His influence has shaped the show’s identity, turning weekend episodes into must-watch television.

Hosted by Salman Khan, Bigg Boss 19 streams daily at 9 PM on JioHotstar and airs on Colors TV at 10:30 PM.