The much-awaited Bigg Boss 18 has kicked off with a bang, promising a season full of high drama, entertainment, and unexpected twists. Hosted once again by the charismatic Salman Khan, the show returned to screens on October 7, 2024, with a theme that already has fans talking: “Time Ka Taandav.” Over the next three months, 18 contestants from diverse backgrounds will compete for the coveted Bigg Boss trophy, battling through tasks, challenges, and mind games. With the promise of chaos, shocking revelations, and plenty of celebrity drama, Bigg Boss 18 is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet.
The Theme: “Time Ka Taandav” and Its Twists
This season’s theme, “Time Ka Taandav,” takes a unique twist, as Bigg Boss claims to know the future of the contestants. The tagline “Iss baar ghar mein bhuchaal aayega, kyunki Bigg Boss mein Time Ka Taandav chaaeyga!” (Chaos will strike the house as the wrath of time will reign in Bigg Boss) hints at how the past, present, and future will collide inside the house.
During the premiere, a BTS clip released by Colors TV showcased the voiceover teasing this season’s special feature—Bigg Boss predicting the contestants’ futures. Whether through tasks, house dynamics, or eliminations, time will play a key role in shaking things up. This adds an exciting layer to the usual drama, as contestants might face unexpected challenges based on these “predictions” from Bigg Boss. With the contestants’ fate seemingly set, how they handle the pressure and unexpected twists will be a big part of the season’s appeal.
Salman Khan: The Timeless Host and His Massive Earnings
Salman Khan’s return as the host was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a time travel skit where he humorously interacted with his past and future selves. The future version of Salman, complete with AI technology, joked about how he would be hosting Bigg Boss 38 in the coming years, while his past self was urged to work hard and make “Prem,” a nod to his early acting career. This playful banter immediately set the tone for a season full of humor and surprises, with Salman at the helm to guide viewers through the chaos.
Salman Khan’s Paycheck: One of India’s Highest-Paid TV Hosts
Salman Khan has become synonymous with Bigg Boss over the last decade, and his fees have surged to reflect his integral role in the show’s success. For Bigg Boss 18, Salman Khan’s earnings have reportedly skyrocketed, with his monthly pay now standing at a massive ₹60 crore. Over the course of the 15-week show, this could amount to an estimated ₹250 crore, making him one of India’s highest-paid TV hosts.
Salman’s association with Bigg Boss began 15 years ago, at a time when he was earning between ₹5-10 crore per Bollywood film. Today, he commands up to ₹150 crore per film, and his earnings from Bigg Boss now rival those from his movies. Reports suggest that Salman’s per-episode fee during the previous season was around ₹12 crore, and this year, the producers have increased his pay to ensure his continued presence on the show.
Salman Khan’s hosting has been pivotal to Bigg Boss’ success, with insiders pointing out that the show’s ratings dip when he steps away due to legal or film commitments. His popularity and anchoring style are why the producers increase his pay year after year, solidifying his position as the main driving force behind the show’s appeal.
Top Contestants Revealed: A Star-Studded Lineup with Staggering Net Worths
One of the most exciting parts of the Bigg Boss 18 premiere was the star-studded lineup of contestants introduced by Salman Khan. This year’s cast includes actors, politicians, viral sensations, and even a surprise non-human contestant—a donkey named Gadhraj! Here’s a look at some of the standout contestants, along with their impressive net worths:
1. Vivian Dsena
A television heartthrob, Vivian’s entry into Bigg Boss 18 was highly anticipated. Known for his intense roles and private personal life, Vivian revealed that it was a tough decision to join the show after declining previous offers. His estimated net worth is between Rs 10 to 14 crores, adding a substantial amount of star power to the house.
2. Alice Kaushik
Popular for her role in “Pandya Store,” Alice Kaushik made a strong entry and is already marked as one of the predicted finalists by Bigg Boss. With an estimated net worth of $23 million, Alice is one of the wealthiest contestants in the house, a fact that could impact her gameplay.
3. Shilpa Shirodkar
A Bollywood veteran from the 90s, Shilpa brings nostalgia and charm to the show. During her introduction, she shared her excitement about finally being part of Bigg Boss, having watched several seasons as a fan. Shilpa’s net worth stands at a whopping Rs 237 crores, making her the richest contestant this season.
4. Shehzada Dhami
Known for his charming role in “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,” Shehzada’s entry brought youthful energy to the house. His net worth is estimated between Rs 5-6 crores. Given his past controversies, he could be a key player in stirring up house dynamics.
5. Chahat Pandey
The first contestant introduced, Chahat made a dramatic entry, performing to a popular Bollywood track. She dedicated her success as an actor to her mother. Chahat, who has been part of several TV shows, has an estimated net worth of around Rs 7 crores.
6. Tajinder Bagga
The politician entered the house with bold statements, aiming to use the Bigg Boss platform to boost his public presence. Known for being outspoken, Tajinder is expected to spark debates and confrontations. Bagga’s net worth is estimated to be around INR 18 lakhs (about $22,000 USD). Despite not being among the wealthiest politicians, his business ventures and strong social media presence hint at potential financial growth.
7. Hema Sharma (Viral Bhabhi)
Hema, known for her viral dance videos, shared her journey from social media fame to reality TV stardom. Her past clash with Salman Khan’s security team adds tension to her relationship with the host, which could be an entertaining aspect of the show. Her estimated net worth is around ₹6 crores. Her monthly income ranges from INR 1-2 lakhs, largely derived from acting roles, social media, brand endorsements, and modelling gigs. She has a huge fanbase of 300,000 followers on social media.
8. Avinash Mishra
Avinash, known for his roles in “Yeh Teri Galiyan” and “Ishqbaaaz,” is a rising star in the Indian TV industry. His net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, and fans are excited to see how he’ll navigate the Bigg Boss challenges.
9. Karan Veer Mehra
Known for his daring persona as the winner of “Khatron Ke Khiladi 14,” Karan is bringing his adventurous spirit to the Bigg Boss house. His net worth is around Rs 12 crores, ensuring he’s one of the wealthier contestants this season.
10. Chum Darang
Actor and beauty pageant titleholder Chum Darang, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, has an estimated net worth of Rs 2 to 3 crores. Known for her performance in “Badhaai Do,” she’s expected to add diversity and flair to the house.
Other notable contestants include Muskan Bamne, known for her role in “Anupamaa” (with a net worth between $2-5 million), and Nyrraa M Banerji, a well-known face in multiple film industries, whose net worth is around $1 million.
Net Worth of Bigg Boss 18 Contestants (Summarized):
- Vivian Dsena: Rs 10 to 14 crores
- Alice Kaushik: $23 million
- Shilpa Shirodkar: Rs 237 crores
- Shehzada Dhami: Rs 5-6 crores
- Chahat Pandey: Rs 7 crores
- Avinash Mishra: $3 million
- Karan Veer Mehra: Rs 12 crores
- Chum Darang: Rs 2-3 crores
- Muskan Bamne: $2-5 million
- Nyrraa M Banerji: $1 million
- Tajinder Bagga : INR 18 lakhs (about $22,000 USD).
- Hema Sharma (Viral Bhabhi) : ₹6 crores
Also Read-
- Rajesh Rawani: Family, Background, Education, Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Purav Jha: Age, Net Worth, Family, Biography & More
Premiere Highlights: Time Travel, Drama, and Donkey Surprise
The Bigg Boss 18 premiere was packed with memorable moments and surprises. Salman Khan’s time travel skit was a humorous introduction to the new season’s theme, while the grand tour of the house revealed exciting new features. The jail, modeled as a cave, is sure to be a setting for intense punishments and drama throughout the season.
One of the biggest shocks of the night came when Gadhraj, a donkey, was introduced as the 19th contestant. Salman playfully interacted with Gadhraj, leaving fans laughing and wondering what role the animal would play in the house dynamics.
Other standout moments included Salman teasing Karan Veer Mehra about his two failed marriages and Shilpa Shirodkar sharing that despite being in the industry together, she and Salman had never worked on a film. The premiere was packed with laughter, surprises, and plenty of foreshadowing for the drama to come.
Predictions: Bigg Boss Already Knows the Future?
In a bold move, Bigg Boss predicted that Vivian Dsena and Alice Kaushik would be the top two finalists of the show. This unexpected twist plays directly into the “Time Ka Taandav” theme, adding an air of mystery to the season. How will the other contestants react to this prediction? Will it create friction or alliances?
Fans are already speculating that the prediction could lead to future eliminations and strategies being influenced by Bigg Boss’s supposed knowledge of what’s to come. If the theme holds, viewers should expect more futuristic elements and time-related surprises in tasks and challenges.
What to Expect This Season: Chaos, Drama, and Unexpected Twists
With such a diverse mix of contestants, from viral stars to seasoned actors, Bigg Boss 18 promises a season full of chaos, emotional moments, and intense drama. The Time Ka Taandav theme is likely to influence how the game unfolds, with time-based tasks, predictions, and eliminations creating an unpredictable atmosphere.
The contestants’ varied backgrounds and strong personalities suggest that alliances and rivalries will form quickly. Whether it’s Vivian’s calm demeanor, Tajinder’s political intensity, or Hema’s viral energy, each contestant brings something unique to the house. As in previous seasons, viewers can expect shocking twists, secret tasks, and explosive confrontations that will keep them hooked.
Conclusion: A Season to Watch
With a gripping theme, a mix of high-profile contestants, and Salman Khan’s massive star power, Bigg Boss 18 is set to deliver three months of non-stop entertainment. With Salman Khan earning a mind-blowing ₹250 crore for hosting, the stakes are higher than ever. As the contestants settle into the house and the Time Ka Taandav takes hold, fans are in for a rollercoaster ride of surprises, drama, and unexpected alliances. Don’t miss a second of this thrilling season—Bigg Boss 18 has only just begun, and the chaos is just around the corner!