For months now, rumours have been swirling around the upcoming season of Bigg Boss, and fans have been eager for solid details. Back in May, the makers confirmed that a new edition of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show would indeed air this year. But a lot has shifted behind the scenes since then, giving this season a completely fresh direction.
As per new information from SCREEN, Bigg Boss 19 is all set to begin in August. What makes this season stand out is not just its extended duration but also a major format update. This time, it won’t be Salman Khan hosting the entire show alone. While the superstar will open the season as always, his contract is limited to just three months. After that, other popular faces from the entertainment world will step in as hosts.
A reliable source close to the production revealed that the show will premiere on the last weekend of August, specifically on the 29th and 30th. Alongside this, there’s a significant change in how audiences will get to watch the episodes. According to the insider, “The makers are making this season as a digital-first property. This means the show will run simultaneously on TV and OTT; however, the fresh episodes will drop on Jio Hotstar first, and after one and a half hours, the same episode will appear on Colors TV.”
This move marks a major shift in strategy as the show embraces digital platforms while maintaining its television slot. The idea is to increase engagement by offering real-time viewing on OTT, then following it up on TV.
The length of the season is another talking point. For the first time in the history of Bigg Boss, the show will run for five months straight, making it the longest edition yet. Auditions for participants are underway, and contracts are reportedly being dispatched shortly. As usual, the contestant lineup is generating considerable buzz, with more than 20 well-known names approached so far.
Among the celebrities tentatively considered are actress Lataa Saberwal and veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi, whose names were recently added to the list. The format change with hosting duties has created a fresh wave of curiosity. According to the source, after Salman Khan’s three-month stint, the makers are considering bringing in popular celebrities like Farah Khan, Karan Johar, and Anil Kapoor to take over. While the core team is still finalizing whether it’ll be a single replacement host or multiple personalities rotating every two weeks, one thing is certain, Salman Khan will be back to host the grand finale.
This format tweak aims to bring variety to the hosting style, keeping the audience engaged over the five-month run. Though there’s no official confirmation on which names have signed the dotted line, the speculated contestant list has already got fans talking. The mix of film actors, television stars, and digital influencers hints at a season filled with dramatic clashes and unexpected friendships.
