Bigg Boss 19 continues to spark massive buzz, not only for its whirlwind of on-screen drama but also for an intense behind-the-scenes discussion: the contestants’ paycheck. At the heart of the latest controversy is Anupamaa star Gaurav Khanna, whose reported fee has shocked fans and industry insiders alike.
According to multiple reports, Gaurav Khanna is pulling in a staggering Rs 17.5 lakh per week to stay inside the Bigg Boss house that’s about Rs 2.5 lakh daily. This rate doesn’t just make him the highest earner among this season’s participants; it also positions him as one of the top-paid regular contestants in the show’s history. To put it in perspective, Gaurav’s remuneration even overshadows that of music maestro Amaal Mallik, who reportedly earns around Rs 8.75 lakh weekly, which is roughly half of Gaurav’s figure. This pay disparity between an actor and a celebrated composer is raising eyebrows and inviting probing questions about value and star power in reality TV economics.
Gaurav’s escalating worth is no fluke. Since his breakout role as Anuj Kapadia in the hit TV serial Anupamaa, he has cultivated a dedicated following and proven his TV mettle. His recent victory on Celebrity MasterChef further boosted his profile and bank balance, reportedly making around Rs 30 lakh plus a Rs 20 lakh prize from the competition. Now, Bigg Boss 19 seems to have catapulted him to a league where his daily paycheck rivals what some stars earn over months of work.
Behind these hefty fees lies a strategic calculation by the show’s producers: casting personalities who can draw crowds and fuel TRPs. Gaurav’s appeal combines established TV fame with a relatable charm, factors that translate into viewership spikes and juicy advertising revenue. Meanwhile, Amaal Mallik’s fee, though respectable, reflects the nuanced dynamics of casting singers and composers who may not generate the same direct fan engagement on-screen.
The salary comparison also underscores the changing contours of reality TV celebrity. Traditional actors like Gaurav, crossing over into reality formats, can leverage their core fan base for big paydays, while other celebrities’ value often hinges on their on-screen magnetism and the format’s demand.
As Bigg Boss 19 heats up with its usual cocktail of conflicts, alliances, and unexpected twists, Gaurav Khanna’s pay packet adds another layer of intrigue. It reminds us that beneath the chaos, there is a calculated business machinery measuring star power in lakhs per day.
For viewers and industry watchers alike, the key takeaway is clear: in the arena of reality television, star appeal translates directly into hefty paychecks. Whether this steep wage gap will fuel tension inside the Bigg Boss house or outside is a story that’s still unfolding.
