Here we’ll take a deep dive into the highest-paid Bigg Boss contestants across seasons, highlighting their reported salaries, fame, and how they set benchmarks for others.
Pamela Anderson – The Global Star Who Set Records
Pamela Anderson’s brief but iconic appearance in Bigg Boss Season 4 (2010) remains unforgettable. She was paid a jaw-dropping ₹2.5 crore for just three days inside the house. This record-breaking deal turned heads and established Bigg Boss as a platform willing to spend big bucks on international stars. Her entry added a global appeal to the show, drawing massive TRPs at the time.
Gaurav Khanna – The Big Name of Bigg Boss 19 (2025)
In the latest season, Bigg Boss 19 (2025), television star Gaurav Khanna is rumoured to be the highest-paid contestant. While the exact amount has not been publicly confirmed, reports suggest he is among the top earners due to his immense popularity from the hit TV show Anupamaa. His presence boosted the season’s star power, continuing the trend of TV actors dominating remuneration lists.
Vivian Dsena – Consistent Performer in Bigg Boss 18 (2024)
When Vivian Dsena entered Bigg Boss 18 (2024), fans were excited to see the charismatic actor in a new avatar. Reportedly, he earned around ₹5 lakh per week, making him one of the highest-paid contestants of his season. His popularity and loyal fanbase ensured he remained a strong player throughout.
Ankita Lokhande & Aishwarya Sharma – The Bigg Boss 17 Queens (2023)
Season 17 was dominated by popular TV actresses.
Ankita Lokhande reportedly charged around ₹12 lakh per week, making her one of the highest-paid female contestants in Bigg Boss history.
Aishwarya Sharma was close behind, taking home ₹11–12 lakh per week.
Their strong personalities and loyal audiences made Season 17 a much-talked-about edition.
Sumbul Touqeer Khan – Bigg Boss 16’s Top Earner (2022)
At just a young age, Sumbul Touqeer Khan became one of the most expensive contestants of Bigg Boss 16 (2022). She reportedly earned ₹12 lakh per week, which highlighted her rising fame and dominance in the TV industry.
Dipika Kakar – The Big Winner of Bigg Boss 12 (2018)
The winner of Bigg Boss 12 (2018), Dipika Kakar, was not only crowned champion but was also among the highest-paid contestants of that season. She reportedly received ₹15 lakh per week, which was considered groundbreaking for a TV actress at the time.
Rimi Sen – Bigg Boss 9’s Surprise High-Payer (2015)
Bollywood actress Rimi Sen participated in Bigg Boss 9 (2015) and made headlines for her massive upfront deal. She reportedly bagged between ₹2 crore to ₹2.25 crore as a lump sum payment, setting her apart from most contestants who are usually paid weekly.
The Great Khali – Wrestling Fame in Bigg Boss 5 (2011)
International wrestler The Great Khali entered Bigg Boss 5 (2011) and was paid a whopping ₹40 lakh per week. His towering presence and global fame ensured that he became one of the highest-paid non-Bollywood stars in the show’s history.
Other Notable High-Paid Contestants
Rubina Dilaik, who later won Bigg Boss 14, reportedly secured a strong fee and is remembered as one of the most popular winners.
Shilpa Shirodkar, a well-known actress, also commanded substantial paychecks in her season.
Several other television stars, thanks to their dedicated fanbases, have negotiated premium contracts, proving the importance of star power in Bigg Boss.
Why Contestants Get Paid Differently
The remuneration in Bigg Boss Hindi isn’t the same for everyone. Payments vary depending on:
Popularity & Fan Following – TV and Bollywood stars with large audiences demand higher fees.
Negotiation Skills – Celebrities who know their worth often secure better deals.
Season Dynamics – TRP expectations, rival contestants, and the production budget all influence pay.
International Fame – Foreign stars like Pamela Anderson set unique benchmarks.
Conclusion – Bigg Boss and Its Millionaire Contestants
From Pamela Anderson’s record-breaking deal to Dipika Kakar’s groundbreaking weekly fees and The Great Khali’s international appeal, Bigg Boss has consistently attracted stars with lucrative contracts. Every season brings fresh surprises about who tops the earning chart, keeping fans curious.
The show isn’t just about drama—it’s a stage where celebrity fame, TRPs, and massive salaries collide, making it one of the most exciting and profitable reality shows on Indian television.
