Web desk: Bigg Boss returned on August 24 with its 19th season, this time kicking off unusually. Hosted by Salman Khan, the show has adopted a political flavour with the theme “Gharwalon Ki Sarkar”.
Unlike past seasons, this one has been launched on OTT before moving to television, the first time in 18 years that the tradition of airing on TV first has been broken.
What is the new concept of Bigg Boss 19?
In line with the new interesting concept, housemates have been given greater authority inside the house. Bigg Boss has promised minimal interference, leaving most decisions in the hands of the contestants themselves.
This season’s theme, “Gharwalon Ki Sarkar,” puts the power in the hands of the contestants, giving them control over how the show is run. However, the audience will continue to hold the right to vote.
Who will host Bigg Boss 2025?
Like usual, Salman Khan is hosting the fresh season of Bigg Boss. Reports suggest he will continue hosting duties for 15 weeks.
After that, other well-known names are expected to take over, with Anil Kapoor and Farah Khan being considered. Before this, many other names belonging to the Bollywood industry hosted Bigg Boss, yet Salman Khan remains the fan favourite.
Bigg Boss (TV version on Colors TV)
- Season 1 (2006–07): Arshad Warsi
- Season 2 (2008): Shilpa Shetty
- Season 3 (2009): Amitabh Bachchan
- Season 4 onwards (2010–present): Salman Khan has been the main host, except for a few short absences.
Bigg Boss OTT (digital streaming on JioCinema)
- Season 1 (2021): Karan Johar
- Season 2 (2023): Salman Khan
- Season 3 (2024): Anil Kapoor
Expected entries/wildcard entries
Adding to the buzz, there is talk that international icons like WWE legend The Undertaker and boxing star Mike Tyson could join the season as wild card entries.
The line-up this year brings together a mix of actors, influencers, singers and comedians. Among those entering the house are Ashnoor Kaur, Zeeshan Qadri, Tanya Mittal, Naghma Mirajkar, Awiz Darbar, Nihal Chidasma, Baseer Ali Bob, Abhishek Bajaj, Gaurav Khanna, Polish contestant Natalia Angel, stand-up comedian Preneet More, Farhana Bhatt, Neelam Giri, Konica Sadanand, Muridal, and singer Amal Malik.
Before the official launch, two names had already been revealed. YouTuber Muridal and Shahbaz, brother of actress Shahnaz Gul, were shortlisted to enter the show through public choice. But Shahbaz was unable to make it inside after failing to secure enough votes in “Janata Ki Choice”.
Who are the contestants of Bigg Boss season 19?
Meet the cast of Bigg Boss 19. This season is packed with actors, influencers, and Influencer couple
Gaurav Khanna
Gaurav Khanna has worked in several shows but became a household name after playing Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, a famous Indian television show. He also bagged the title of Celebrity Master Chef India.
Neelam Giri
A leading star in Bhojpuri films and television, Neelam Giri is already a fan favourite in regional cinema.
Amaal Malik
The Bollywood singer–composer, Amaal Malik, has given several hit songs. He is the son of Daboo Malik and nephew of Annu Malik, who is widely considered a Bollywood sensation. Annu Malik is also one of the most iconic reality TV judges in India.
Tanya Mittal
Influencer and entrepreneur Tanya Mittal, who won the title of Miss Asia 2018, is also a “spiritual storyteller.” She runs her lifestyle brand Handmade with Love by Tanya.
Awez Darbar & Nagma Mirajkar
This social media couple enjoys a combined following of more than 38 million. Their dance videos are widely popular on social media.
Mridul Tiwari
The YouTuber and comedian from Uttar Pradesh was the only contestant selected through public voting. He has a huge subscription of 19 million on YouTube and 4.5 million followers on Instagram.
Ashnoor Kaur
Ashnoor started her journey as a child actor in TV shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha. She has also appeared in films like Sanju and Manmarziyaan.
Kunickaa Sadanand
A familiar name from the 1980s and 1990s, Kunickaa has acted in iconic shows like Swabhimaan and films such as Gumraah and Hum Saath Saath Hain. She is also a law graduate, AIDS awareness activist, and entrepreneur.
Zeishan Quadri
Best remembered as Definite in Gangs of Wasseypur, Zeishan Quadri co-wrote the film with Anurag Kashyap. He has also written Halahal and directed Meeruthiya Gangsters.
Abhishek Bajaj
The actor was seen in Student of the Year 2 alongside Tiger Shroff and Ananya Panday. He has also acted in shows like Parvarrish and Silsila Pyaar Ka.
Baseer Ali
Baseer first appeared in MTV Roadies Rising, won Splitsvilla 10, and later hosted its 11th season, which are popular reality TV shows in India. He has also acted in Kundali Bhagya, a popular TV serial.
Natalia Janoszek
Natalia is a Polish actress, model, singer, and author. She has worked in a few Indian films and was part of the Netflix global hit 365 Days.
Nehal Chudasama
The model and fitness consultant was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2018 and represented India at the Miss Universe pageant. She has also appeared in web series like The Holiday and Tu Zakhm Hai.
Farhana Bhatt
The Kashmiri actress and model calls herself a peace activist. She was seen in Notebook (2019), which was produced by Salman Khan.
Pranit More
Pranit is a stand-up comedian and radio jockey. He recently made headlines earlier this year after being attacked during a set in Solapur, following a controversial joke about Veer Pahariya.
With its new “Ghar Wale Ki Sarkar” theme and an OTT-first release, Bigg Boss 19 has already broken away from its usual format. The fresh concept of giving housemates more power and limiting Bigg Boss’s control is expected to change the dynamics inside the house.
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