The glare of the spotlight on Bigg Boss 19 has shifted from just the drama inside the house to the serious threat looming over its iconic host, Salman Khan. In recent years, security concerns around the Bollywood superstar have escalated so much that the production team has had to rethink every aspect of safety on set.
Behind the cameras, Bigg Boss 19’s producers have quietly implemented one of the strictest security measures the show has ever seen. Rishi Negi, CEO of Endemol Shine India, explained how the threats to Salman have forced a security overhaul. “We have beefed up security because of threats to Salman Khan. We don’t get live audiences on the show now when Salman Khan is there,” he revealed. This means no cheering crowds during episodes featuring Salman a drastic change from previous seasons that relied heavily on audience energy to build excitement.
The risks are real. Verbal and physical threats have been reported against Salman, reportedly linked to notorious criminal figures. These threats have pushed Salman to take personal precautions too, including buying a bulletproof SUV and bulletproofing parts of his home. The production has followed suit by launching rigorous background checks on every staff member, vendor, and temporary worker joining the show. The sets act like a fortress, with heavily restricted access points coordinated closely with local law enforcement.
This security tightening is not just about protecting the star but safeguarding the entire Bigg Boss operation. The show runs on a 24/7 schedule with some 600 people working in shifts to keep production rolling smoothly. Negi emphasized that content security and on-ground logistics are non-negotiable priorities. There is also a significant female workforce presence, ensuring diverse eyes and ears help maintain safety protocols.
But this raises a cautionary note about the unintended consequences of threats on entertainment. The absence of a live audience impacts the show’s vibe and energy, altering the very experience viewers are accustomed to. Meanwhile, the increased security presence paints a sobering picture of the pressures celebrities face beyond the glitz and glamour.
As Bigg Boss continues to captivate millions on Colors TV and JioHotstar, the question lingers: how long before heightened security becomes the norm in Indian television? Balancing star safety with the spontaneity of live entertainment will remain a critical challenge. For now, the show’s producers are playing it safe because in today’s world, the risk is too high to do otherwise.
