Bigg Boss Diaries: When Bollywood Took Over the Weekend Throne,,
Bigg Boss: Not only Salman Khan but THESE Bollywood stars have hosted the show too
Bigg Boss, the Indian version of the international reality TV series Big Brother, has become one of the most popular and controversial shows in the country since its launch in 2006. Known for its dramatic twists, emotional breakdowns, heated arguments, and unexpected friendships, Bigg Boss has managed to keep viewers hooked season after season. But while the format of the show has remained mostly consistent, one of the major attractions of Bigg Boss has always been its host.
When people think of Bigg Boss, Salman Khan is the name that instantly comes to mind. And rightly so — he has hosted the show for more than a decade and has become the face of the franchise. His charismatic screen presence, unique hosting style, and the way he handles contestants — sometimes with affection, sometimes with blunt criticism — have earned him a massive fan following. Salman brings a mix of humor, discipline, and emotional connect that audiences have come to expect from the show. For many, watching Salman Khan on weekends has become as important as following the drama inside the house during the weekdays.
However, not many know that Salman Khan was not the original host of Bigg Boss. In fact, several other Bollywood stars have taken up the hosting duties before and even during his time. These stars brought their own personality and flavor to the show, and while they may not have had the same long-term impact as Salman, they certainly left their mark.
The first season of Bigg Boss, which aired in 2006, was hosted by none other than Arshad Warsi. Known for his comic timing and versatile acting skills, Arshad tried to bring a casual and fun approach to the show. While the season did generate attention, the show was still finding its footing in the Indian television landscape. Arshad’s performance was appreciated, but it lacked the larger-than-life feel that later hosts would bring.
For the second season, the makers of Bigg Boss brought in a much bigger name — Shilpa Shetty. Fresh off her international fame after winning the UK reality show Big Brother, where she faced and overcame racism and bullying, Shilpa was a fitting choice. Her popularity was at a high point, and her graceful presence as a host added a certain class to the show. She brought warmth and elegance to the screen, and her experience as a contestant on the original show added authenticity to her hosting style.
The third season saw another major shift as Amitabh Bachchan took over as the host. Yes, the legendary actor, the Shahenshah of Bollywood, brought his baritone voice and dignified personality to the show. It was perhaps the most formal season in terms of tone. Big B brought a kind of gravitas that made the show feel almost like a family gathering with a respected elder. His polite demeanor and careful choice of words gave the show a very different vibe, which some appreciated, while others found it too subdued for a show known for its fiery content.
Then came Salman Khan, who started hosting from Season 4 onwards. His entry marked a turning point for the show. TRPs skyrocketed, and Bigg Boss began to be seen as a mass entertainer. His style was a mix of entertainment and discipline. He joked with the contestants, danced, shared his personal opinions, and also gave strong feedback when someone crossed the line. His chemistry with the audience and ability to connect with the contestants on a human level turned him into the most beloved host the show has ever had.
But even during Salman’s tenure, there were seasons where he was either joined by or briefly replaced by other stars. One notable name is Sanjay Dutt, who co-hosted Season 5 with Salman. Their camaraderie and friendly banter added a different flavor to the weekend episodes. However, it was clear that Salman was the dominant personality, and eventually, he continued hosting solo.
For Season 7, there was also a brief appearance by actor Farhan Khan (not to be confused with Farhan Akhtar), but it didn’t make much of an impact.
One of the most surprising choices for a host came during Bigg Boss OTT, the digital-only version of the show. This version was hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar. Known for his glamorous image and popular talk show Koffee with Karan, Karan brought a high dose of drama, sarcasm, and quick wit to the OTT platform. While some fans appreciated his unique style and bold opinions, others felt he lacked the balance that Salman brought. Nevertheless, Karan Johar’s stint as a Bigg Boss host showed that the makers were willing to experiment and adapt to new platforms and audiences.
Even though Salman Khan remains the iconic face of Bigg Boss and is expected to continue hosting in the near future, the contributions of other Bollywood celebrities should not be forgotten. Each host brought something different — be it Arshad’s casual tone, Shilpa’s elegance, Amitabh Bachchan’s wisdom, Sanjay Dutt’s swag, or Karan Johar’s drama.
Over the years, Bigg Boss has evolved not just because of its contestants or controversies, but also because of its hosts. While the contestants change every season, the host becomes the anchor, the guiding force, and the emotional bridge between the housemates and the audience. And although Salman Khan has owned that role like no other, it’s interesting to look back and remember the many faces that have shaped the journey of Bigg Boss.