Ashneer Grover indirectly targets Salman Khan Bigg Boss, criticises host-centric reality shows

Ashneer Grover, businessman and television host, recently expressed that Indian reality shows should focus on contestants rather than hosts. In an interview with News18, Grover did not mention Salman Khan or ‘Bigg Boss’ by name, but his remarks were widely seen as a reference to the show and its celebrity host.

Grover, who’s hosting reality show ‘Rise & Fall’ these days, stated, “Reality shows have to be about contestants. Fortunately, or unfortunately, in India we have had a very big show which has had a very big superstar. And therefore, its become more about him than the contestants right. But the fact is, who is putting in the hours? Bhai aap to ek weekend mein aa rahe ho. Jo 24 ghante lage hain woh to contestant lage hue hain,” highlighting his view that contestants invest more time and commitment than the host, who appears only on weekends.

He continued, “The balance of power has to go back to the contestants and the content that comes out of the contestants. Rather than it being hijacked by someone you know who comes over weekend.”

Grover and Salman Khan have had public disagreements in the past. Tension reportedly began when Grover claimed he was denied a photo with Khan during a sponsored ad shoot, which contributed to their differences.

In 2024, Grover appeared as a guest on ‘Bigg Boss 18’, where Salman Khan addressed the issue. Khan said, “Meeting was not held with you but with your team. Maybe you were also present there. We have not had any discussions. I saw what you said. You presented that we befooled you. This is wrong. Those numbers were wrong.” Grover later apologised, saying he did not intend disrespect.

While Salman Khan continues to host ‘Bigg Boss 19’, Ashneer Grover is now hosting his own reality show ‘Rise & Fall’. Grover’s recent statements come as his show gains attention, reigniting debate about the focus of reality television in India.

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