The 19th season of Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan, has taken the entertainment world by storm with its mix of drama, glamour, and star-studded contestants. Premiering on August 24, 2025, the show features 16 contestants from diverse backgrounds, but one name has been making headlines not just for his on-screen presence but also for his staggering paycheck—Gaurav Khanna, the Anupamaa star, is reportedly the highest-paid contestant of Bigg Boss 19.
Gaurav Khanna’s Massive Paycheck
According to multiple reports, Gaurav Khanna, known for his role as Anuj Kapadia in the hit TV show Anupamaa, is earning a whopping ₹17.5 lakh per week for his stint in the Bigg Boss house. This breaks down to approximately ₹2.5 lakh per day, making him one of the top earners in the show’s history. His paycheck places him at the sixth spot among the highest-paid contestants across all seasons of Bigg Boss. Khanna’s lucrative deal doesn’t stop at his weekly earnings; sources suggest he has also secured a promise for a new project with either Star or Colors TV once his Bigg Boss journey concludes.
Khanna, who was one of the last contestants to be confirmed for the season, addressed the buzz about his earnings in an interview with India Today. He neither confirmed nor denied the reports, stating, “It can be a rumour, or maybe not. People say a lot of things, and I don’t believe in hearsay. Also, I never judge an actor by the pay cheque he or she gets. It’s all about what you bring to the table.” His focus, he emphasized, is on delivering his best in the Bigg Boss house rather than on the financial speculation surrounding his participation.
Who Else Is Earning Big?
While Gaurav Khanna tops the salary charts, other contestants are also commanding impressive fees. Music composer Amaal Mallik is the second-highest-paid contestant, reportedly earning ₹8.75 lakh per week (approximately ₹1.25 lakh per day), placing him among the top three earners this season. Social media influencer Awez Darbar and TV actress Ashnoor Kaur are each said to be taking home ₹6 lakh per week, while contestants like stand-up comedian Pranit More and YouTuber Mridul Tiwari are reportedly among the lowest-paid, earning significantly less than their co-contestants.
Comparing to Bigg Boss History
Gaurav Khanna’s earnings are substantial, but they pale in comparison to the all-time highest-paid Bigg Boss contestant, Pamela Anderson, who reportedly pocketed ₹2.5 crore for a mere three-day appearance in Bigg Boss 4. Other notable high earners include Karanvir Bohra, who earned ₹20 lakh per week in Bigg Boss 12, and Sumbul Touqeer Khan, who took home ₹12 lakh per week in Bigg Boss 16. Despite these hefty figures, Khanna’s paycheck solidifies his status as a major draw for Bigg Boss 19.
Why Gaurav Khanna?
Gaurav Khanna’s journey from a corporate job in an IT firm to becoming a household name in Indian television is inspiring. After completing his MBA in Marketing, he transitioned into acting with roles in shows like Bhabhi, Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, and CID, before gaining widespread fame as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa. His recent win on Celebrity MasterChef India, where he earned a ₹20 lakh cash prize, further boosted his popularity. Khanna’s charisma, versatility, and massive fan base likely contributed to his high remuneration and the buzz around his Bigg Boss stint.
In the Bigg Boss house, Khanna has already made an impact with his strong opinions and alliances, particularly with fellow contestant Pranit More. His participation is seen as a chance to showcase a new side of his personality, beyond the scripted roles he’s known for. As he told India Today, his goal is to challenge himself and reconnect with the “young Gaurav who first came to Mumbai years ago.”
The Bigg Boss 19 Line-Up
This season’s diverse cast includes TV actors like Ashnoor Kaur and Abhishek Bajaj, music composer Amaal Mallik, digital influencers Awez Darbar and Nagma Mirajkar, and others like Zeishan Quadri, Nehal Chudasama, and Natalia Janoszek. The show, streaming 24/7 on JioHotstar and airing on Colors TV, has already seen its share of drama, with heated arguments and group divisions. Wild card entries like Shahbaz and Flora Saini have further spiced things up.
Final Thoughts
Bigg Boss 19 is proving to be a season of big drama and even bigger paychecks. Gaurav Khanna’s reported ₹17.5 lakh per week fee has set a new benchmark for the show, reflecting his star power and the makers’ confidence in his ability to draw audiences. As the season progresses, fans are eager to see how Khanna navigates the challenges of the Bigg Boss house and whether his high-profile presence will translate into a winning stint.
Stay tuned to Bigg Boss 19 on JioHotstar and Colors TV for more drama, evictions, and updates on your favorite contestants!
