Salman Khan to take pay cut for ‘Big Boss’ season 14

Actor Salman Khan revealed on Thursday that he has taken a pay cut for the upcoming season of reality show, ‘Big Boss’ in order to help ease the financial burden on the channel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, reported PTI.

During a virtual press conference of the show’s season 14, host Salman said that his decision to return to the show amid the pandemic was fuelled by the desire to help those in need. He said, “This is the reason why I am doing this season of ‘Bigg Boss’. It’ll provide employment to people – there’s a very large unit – they will start getting their salary, they’ll be able to get ration for their homes.”

Also present during the event, CEO of Endemol Shine India, Abhishek Rege said that due to the latest guidelines, people will be working in shifts so that the employment number isn’t reduced. However, this has resulted in an increased production cost. Rege said, “Obviously you might not see huge increments, but we are paying full salary.”

Adding to this, Khan said, “Obviously you might not see huge increments, but we are paying full salary. I hope you have even bigger success, hope you divert people’s mind, from 9 pm to 10:30-11 and give them a great show. So that they get to see something good during these two hours.”

According to the actor, the show’s arrival is also a good news for all the contestants. He said, “Nowhere work is resuming. Even if it is, cases of COVID-19 are being reported. These contestants would be getting inside after being quarantined. So they’d be safe.”

He added, “But those who are working outside will have to be careful. I am happy that Colors, Viacom 18 and ‘Bigg Boss’ are giving employment to many people. I am very happy with the fact that the show is happening.”