'Bigg Boss 18' Host Salman Khan Becomes India's Highest Paid TV Star - Income Per Episode Revealed

The highly anticipated reality show 'Bigg Boss 18' has finally premiered on Colors TV, and with it comes the revelation of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's astonishing fee for hosting the show.

Salman, who has been the face of the popular reality series for over a decade, remains one of India's highest-paid television personalities, with reports indicating that his earnings this season are nothing short of remarkable.

Salman Khan's Astonishing Fee for 'Bigg Boss 18'

According to several media outlets, Salman Khan is being paid an estimated Rs 60 crore per month to host 'Bigg Boss 18', making him the highest-paid television star in India.

A source close to the production team told Hindustan Times that Salman's remuneration is a combination of a per-episode payment and a lump-sum contract, aligning with the reported Rs 60 crore monthly figure. If the season runs for its usual 15 weeks, as in previous years, the actor could take home an impressive Rs 250 crore by the end of the series.

Salman's fee surpasses the budgets of some of India's biggest blockbusters, including SS Rajamouli's 'Baahubali' (Rs 180 crore), Shah Rukh Khan's 'Dunki' (Rs 120 crore), and Rajinikanth's 'Jailer' (Rs 200 crore). This highlights his unparalleled star power, not only in cinema but also on television.

In comparison to other Indian television stars, Salman's pay far exceeds that of his peers. Kapil Sharma, for instance, reportedly earned Rs 60 crore for the first season of 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' on Netflix, while Amitabh Bachchan, the host of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', is in a similar bracket. However, Salman's earnings for 'Bigg Boss' place him firmly at the top of the list.

Salman's Longstanding Association with 'Bigg Boss'

Salman Khan has been the host of 'Bigg Boss' for over 15 years, becoming synonymous with the show. While previous seasons featured hosts such as Arshad Warsi and Amitabh Bachchan, it was Salman's involvement that truly transformed the series into a nationwide sensation. His presence as host has become a crucial factor in the show's success.

In recent years, whenever Salman has had to step away from hosting due to legal obligations or film projects, the show's ratings have noticeably dropped, underscoring the impact he has on its popularity. One insider remarked, "Salman is the heart of 'Bigg Boss'. While the contestants and the drama attract viewers, it's Salman who holds it all together."

This season of 'Bigg Boss' has already garnered attention, not just because of Salman's involvement but also due to its distinctive concept. The theme this year revolves around "time ka tandav" (the dance of time), integrating elements of the past, present, and future.

A promotional clip even featured a humorous interaction between Salman's younger self (created using AI) and his future self, reflecting the time-centred theme of the series.

During the filming of 'Bigg Boss 18', Salman Khan was also presented with a special gift from spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya, who gifted him a copy of the 'Bhagavad Gita'. This moment was widely shared on social media, with fans expressing their admiration for Salman's gesture of respect towards the spiritual leader.