Bigg Boss Season 19 Contestants Name List: Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 19 will begin streaming from August 24, and ahead of the show, excitement around the contestant lineup has been high. A few weeks ago, SCREEN reported that the makers had met with over 45 celebrities during the casting process. However, casting for the new season is still underway, largely because many celebrities are hesitant to commit to the show’s extended five-month run.
Earlier, it was reported that this season would not have any social media influencers. However, with the five-month duration meeting resistance from many celebrities, the makers had to also reach out to some content creators to join Bigg Boss 19.
Now, SCREEN has exclusively learned about two other names who have been added to the list of probable contestants. According to our source, Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actor Sailesh Lodha and social media influencer Payal Dhare aka Payal Gamingg have been approached to participate in Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 19. While Sailesh has not responded to the offer yet, Payal is in the final leg of discussions.
Here’s how the Bigg Boss 19 contestant list looks like as of now
1. Sailesh Lodha
Since quitting Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in 2022, Sailesh Lodha has received multiple offers to join Bigg Boss. Although Sailesh previously stated that he had no interest in participating in a show like Bigg Boss, it seems he may have had a change of heart. The actor was recently approached for Bigg Boss 19, though his participation is not confirmed yet.
2. Payal Dhare aka Payal Gamingg
Social media influencer Payal Dhare, fondly known as Payal Gamingg, has a fan following of 4 million on Instagram. She is the latest celebrity to be approached for the Salman Khan-hosted show. Payal, who is known for her gaming skills, has collaborated with Rohit Sharma, Chaitanya Akkineni, and Sonakshi Sinha.
3. Gurucharan Singh
This year, a lot of former actors from TMKOC have been approached for Bigg Boss 19. A few reports suggest that the former Sodhi, aka Gurucharan Singh, has been confirmed for the show. Gurcharan made headlines in 2024 after he disappeared from his home in Delhi for almost a month.
4. Mr Faisu
Another celebrity who is supposed to be almost confirmed for the show is social media influencer Mr Faisu. Mr Faisu was last seen as a finalist on Celebrity MasterChef Season 1. He was also in the news for his rumoured breakup with actress Jannat Zubair.
5. Sreerama Chandra
Singer Sreerama Chandra, who won Indian Idol in 2010, has participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5. He was last seen on Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa 11. Now, Sreerama is reportedly one of the confirmed contestants of Bigg Boss 19.
6. Dhanashree Verma
Social media influencer Dhanashree Verma, who is cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal’s ex-wife, was last seen on the big screen in Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf. She was also a finalist on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 and is now said to be an almost confirmed contestant of Bigg Boss 19.
7. Gaurav Khanna
Actor Gaurav Khanna, who rose to fame with Anupamaa, went on to win the first season of Celebrity MasterChef. And now, Gaurav is said to be in talks for participating in Bigg Boss 19.
8. Apoorva Mukhija
Social media influencer Apoorva Mukhija was in the news this year for being part of the controversial India’s Got Latent episode. Apoorva seems to be another confirmed contestant for Bigg Boss 19. When SCREEN had asked her about her participation in the Salman Khan-hosted show, Apoorva had said, “Never say never.”
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9. Hunar Gandhi
Actress Hunar Gandhi, who made her debut with Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii in 2007, has gone on to work on some interesting projects on TV. After her stint in the mythological show Veer Hanuman in 2024, Hunar is now reported to be exploring the reality space. She is also reportedly confirmed for Bigg Boss 19.
10. Amaal Malik
Music composer Amaal Mallik was also reportedly approached for the show, following a series of controversies earlier this year. From publicly announcing his separation from his family on social media to making shocking claims and accusations in a podcast, Amaal has remained in the spotlight.
On Sunday, SCREEN exclusively reported that Bigg Boss Season 19 will feature 15 contestants, with approximately three wild card entries joining in the later weeks. The show is set to run for five months and will stream first on JioHotstar, followed by a delayed telecast on Colors 90 minutes later.
