KBC's Amitabh Bachchan or Bigg Boss's Salman Khan, who is India's highest paid TV host? Their paychecks per episode compared

Amitabh Bachchan is all set to return to the television screen as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, which premieres on August 11, 2025. With this season, the legendary actor is not just reviving one of India’s most-loved quiz shows but also reportedly becoming the highest-paid host on Indian television.

A report from Siasat.com indicates that Bachchan will be earning approximately Rs 5 crore per episode for KBC 17. Given that the show is scheduled to air five days a week, his weekly earnings would add up to around Rs 25 crore. This marks a significant increase and officially places him ahead of Salman Khan in the race for the top-paid TV host title.

Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss Pay Compared

As per Siasat.com, Salman Khan, who commands a massive fan base and hosts Bigg Boss, had reportedly been paid Rs 12 crore per episode during Bigg Boss OTT 2. Since he appears twice a week, this would total around Rs 24 crore weekly. While still an enormous sum, Bachchan’s more frequent appearances and slightly higher per-week earnings have put him in the lead this season.


It’s also worth noting that while Salman’s hosting is limited to weekends, Bachchan’s role in KBC demands five consecutive days of filming each week, contributing to the higher overall payout.

Rumours of Bachchan’s Exit Proved False

Earlier this year, speculation circulated that Amitabh Bachchan might step down from KBC due to personal reasons. Some reports even suggested that Salman Khan was in advanced discussions to take over as the host of the show. However, these rumours were dismissed when Sony TV confirmed Bachchan’s return with an official promo. The actor himself also put the speculation to rest by sharing photos from his rehearsals and stating that work had begun on the new season.

Since its launch in 2000, KBC has become more than just a quiz show—it has evolved into a cultural staple. Hosted almost entirely by Amitabh Bachchan, except for the third season which was led by Shah Rukh Khan, the show has retained its charm for over two decades. Bachchan’s iconic greeting—“Namaste Deviyon aur Sajjanon”—along with his empathetic hosting style, has contributed significantly to the show’s emotional and intellectual appeal.

To celebrate 25 years of the franchise, Bachchan reflected on the milestone in a short note, acknowledging the journey that began on July 3, 2000. His involvement continues to be the backbone of the show's popularity, with viewers across generations tuning in not just for the questions, but for his presence.

While both Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan are among the most bankable names in Indian television, current figures suggest that Bachchan’s KBC paycheck has placed him ahead of Khan’s Bigg Boss remuneration—at least for now. With KBC 17 set to begin airing from Monday to Friday at 9 PM on Sony TV and SonyLIV, fans can look forward to another season with India’s highest-paid host at the helm.