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Economic Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Big Boss 19, to be hosted by Salman Khan, could set a new record for reality show. What we know so far
Synopsis Bigg Boss 19 is set to premiere with Salman Khan returning as host. This season introduces Habubu, an AI robot doll, as a contestant, marking a franchise first. The show will feature a 'Rewind' theme, the return of the Secret Room, and a longer runtime of 5.5 months. Apoorva Mukhija has been approached, while Ram Kapoor has declined participation. Salman Khan will be back to host one of the most popular TV shows, Bigg Boss 19. Bigg Boss is back — and this time, it's pushing boundaries like never before. The iconic reality show, hosted once again by Salman Khan, is all set for its 19th season with a format shake-up, a record-breaking runtime, and its most unconventional contestant yet: an AI-powered robot doll named Habubu. Bigg Boss 19 is shaping up to be a season like no other. In a groundbreaking first for the franchise, Bigg Boss 19 will welcome Habubu, an interactive AI robot doll developed by UAE-based company IFCM. Known for her expressive face, traditional Arabic attire, and multilingual capabilities (including Hindi), Habubu has already built a massive fan base in the Gulf. She's equipped with conversational intelligence, emotional recognition, and domestic functionality — features that could give her an unexpected edge in a high-pressure social experiment like Bigg Boss. IFCM, notably, also managed former contestant Abdu Rozik, further fueling curiosity around Habubu's performance inside the house. Social media personality Apoorva Mukhija, aka, Rebel Kid, confirmed in a Pinkvilla interview that she was approached for the show. While she didn't give a definitive yes or no, she said, 'Never say never.' However, Apoorva added that being in a confined space could trigger anxiety for her. 'As someone who already overthinks, it's a tough space,' she said, but didn't rule it out completely, admitting that 'paise se kya hai upar duniya mein?' Superstar Salman Khan will return as the host of Bigg Boss 19, reaffirming his position as the franchise's anchor. As per a Pinkvilla report, the teaser shoot is scheduled between July 8 and 12. The show, produced by Banijay Asia, will debut directly on television in August before transitioning to its OTT version later in the season. This dual-format run is expected to last 5.5 months, making it the longest season in Bigg Boss history. Business Standard, citing a source who spoke to SCREEN, shared that this year's tentative theme is titled Rewind, suggesting a nostalgic throwback to earlier seasons. The show will also bring back the beloved 'Secret Room' — a hidden chamber where the bottom two contestants are placed in isolation to observe the game unfold from afar. This element was a fan favourite in earlier seasons and is expected to introduce unexpected twists to the gameplay. In an interview with Filmibeat, actor Ram Kapoor firmly dismissed rumours of joining Bigg Boss 19. He stated that reality shows like Bigg Boss aren't for him, saying even an offer of ₹20 crore wouldn't persuade him. He believes such shows are mostly about voyeurism, and it's about people watching others living their lives. He also added that he prefers to remain a private person and believes he wouldn't be a good fit for the names have surfaced as potential housemates this season- Tiger Shroff's sister, Krishna Shroff, who was last seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, Shilpa Shetty Kundra's husband, Raj Kundra, actresses Tanushree Dutta, Mamta Kulkarni and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame, Babitaji, aka Munmun Dutta. Names of Sharad Malhotra and Gaurav Taneja, aka Flying Beast, have also cropped up.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Big Boss 19, to be hosted by Salman Khan, could set a new record for reality show. What we know so far
Bigg Boss is back — and this time, it's pushing boundaries like never before. The iconic reality show , hosted once again by Salman Khan , is all set for its 19th season with a format shake-up, a record-breaking runtime, and its most unconventional contestant yet: an AI-powered robot doll named Habubu. Bigg Boss 19 is shaping up to be a season like no other. UAE's viral AI doll Habubu to enter Bigg Boss 19 house In a groundbreaking first for the franchise, Bigg Boss 19 will welcome Habubu, an interactive AI robot doll developed by UAE-based company IFCM. Known for her expressive face, traditional Arabic attire, and multilingual capabilities (including Hindi), Habubu has already built a massive fan base in the Gulf. She's equipped with conversational intelligence, emotional recognition, and domestic functionality — features that could give her an unexpected edge in a high-pressure social experiment like Bigg Boss. IFCM, notably, also managed former contestant Abdu Rozik, further fueling curiosity around Habubu's performance inside the house. Apoorva Mukhija reacts to Bigg Boss approach Social media personality Apoorva Mukhija, aka, Rebel Kid, confirmed in a Pinkvilla interview that she was approached for the show. While she didn't give a definitive yes or no, she said, 'Never say never.' However, Apoorva added that being in a confined space could trigger anxiety for her. 'As someone who already overthinks, it's a tough space,' she said, but didn't rule it out completely, admitting that 'paise se kya hai upar duniya mein?' Salman Khan returns as host, teaser shoot in July Superstar Salman Khan will return as the host of Bigg Boss 19, reaffirming his position as the franchise's anchor. As per a Pinkvilla report, the teaser shoot is scheduled between July 8 and 12. The show, produced by Banijay Asia, will debut directly on television in August before transitioning to its OTT version later in the season. This dual-format run is expected to last 5.5 months, making it the longest season in Bigg Boss history. Rewind theme and the return of the Secret Room Business Standard, citing a source who spoke to SCREEN, shared that this year's tentative theme is titled Rewind, suggesting a nostalgic throwback to earlier seasons. The show will also bring back the beloved 'Secret Room' — a hidden chamber where the bottom two contestants are placed in isolation to observe the game unfold from afar. This element was a fan favourite in earlier seasons and is expected to introduce unexpected twists to the gameplay. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Is Ram Kapoor going to be a part of Bigg Boss 19? In an interview with Filmibeat, actor Ram Kapoor firmly dismissed rumours of joining Bigg Boss 19. He stated that reality shows like Bigg Boss aren't for him, saying even an offer of ₹20 crore wouldn't persuade him. He believes such shows are mostly about voyeurism, and it's about people watching others living their lives. He also added that he prefers to remain a private person and believes he wouldn't be a good fit for the format. Tentative list of contestant names Several names have surfaced as potential housemates this season- Tiger Shroff's sister, Krishna Shroff, who was last seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, Shilpa Shetty Kundra's husband, Raj Kundra, actresses Tanushree Dutta, Mamta Kulkarni and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame, Babitaji, aka Munmun Dutta. Names of Sharad Malhotra and Gaurav Taneja, aka Flying Beast, have also cropped up.
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Bigg Boss 19: After Gadharaj, Salman Khan's show to include first AI contestant Habubu, who can ‘cook, clean and sing'
After introducing Gadhraj (a donkey) in the house last season, Bigg Boss 19 is likely to introduce first AI contestant in the show's history. According to reports, Bigg Boss 19 is set to welcome Habubu, a viral AI doll from the UAE. The AI doll will be reportedly one of the 17 contestants. X handle, BiggBoss24*7 shared, 'Bigg Boss 19. India's biggest reality show just got its wildest twist ever! Say hello to Habubu–the first ever interactive Emirati robot doll from UAE — and guess what… she is entering the Bigg Boss house.' The page further claimed, 'Forget drama queens and gym bros–this time, the competition includes a golden-masked, pink-lehnge-wearing, AI-powered doll with Big eyes and even bigger surprises!' Habubu reportedly speaks in 7 languages including Hindi. She can also sing, cook, clean and slay. 🚨 BIGG BOSS 19 🚨 India's biggest reality show just got its wildest twist ever! 🤖 Say hello to HABUBU – the first-ever interactive Emirati robot-doll from UAE – and guess what… SHE'S ENTERING THE BIGG BOSS HOUSE! 🏠👁️🗨️ Forget drama queens and gym bros—this time, the… — BiggBoss24x7 (@BB24x7_) July 1, 2025 Habubu became an online sensation for her strikingly human-like features, emotional intelligence, and ability to hold meaningful conversations. According to the International Federation for Cultural Management, Habubu's AI is equipped with advanced tech that enables her to respond to emotions, assist in household tasks, and adapt to social settings. ALSO READ | Naseeruddin Shah deletes 'I stand firmly with Diljit' post after backlash, pens cryptic note: 'Impossible to carry the torch of truth' Reportedly, Habubuu is managed by the same agency as Bigg Boss 16 star Abdu Rozik–IFCM. An official confirmation about Habubu's entry is awaited. The new season is all set to premiere in August. Last year, Gadharaj had entered the show as the unique contestant. Gadharaj soon became the centre of attention but for all the wrong reasons. Soon after the show premiered, people accused the makers of animal abuse. The PFA (People for Animal) complained against Gadharaj's stay in the house. Apart from PFA, Peta too wrote a letter to the show host, Salman Khan. Gadharaj was tied up in a spot and given food from time-to-time. The organisations complained that the donkey was kept in distressing conditions for the sake of entertainment. It needs to be seen how people accept Habubu in the show.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
UAE's viral AI doll Habubu to join Bigg Boss 19? A historic first for reality TV
UAE's AI doll Habubu may become Bigg Boss 19's first-ever non-human contestant. (Photo : File) Bigg Boss 19 is gearing up for a sensational return this August 2025, and it looks like the show is about to make television history with a bold and futuristic twist. A latest report by India Forums suggests that UAE's first interactive AI robot doll, Habubu, will be entering the Bigg Boss house as one of the 17 contestants, marking the first time a non-human has joined the reality franchise. This surprising move has sparked global curiosity, especially across the UAE where Habubu has already become a viral phenomenon. Who is Habubu and Why is the UAE Talking About Her? Habubu is not your average robot. Designed as an interactive AI doll, she's built with state-of-the-art conversational intelligence, emotional recognition, and basic domestic functionality. According to IFCM, the UAE-based company behind her, Habubu can speak up to seven languages, including Hindi, which gives her an edge in a show like Bigg Boss that thrives on communication and drama. What truly sets Habubu apart is her appearance and charm. With large expressive eyes, a warm and engaging personality, and dressed in traditional Arabic attire, she has captured attention across social media platforms. Her growing fan base in the Gulf sees her as more than just a tech novelty, she's being celebrated as a cultural bridge between the Arab world and mainstream South Asian entertainment. Notably, IFCM, which also managed former Bigg Boss contestant Abdu Rozik, is handling Habubu's participation. This strategic backing adds credibility to the reports and indicates the move is well-planned, not a publicity stunt. A New Era for Bigg Boss: AI Enters the Game Bigg Boss, hosted once again by Salman Khan , is known for reinventing itself each season. But Season 19's theme, reportedly titled "Rewind", suggests a nostalgic return to classic rules, legendary tasks, and dramatic moments from past editions. Within this context, the inclusion of an AI contestant like Habubu stands out as both retro and futuristic, a combination sure to intrigue audiences. As reported by Siasat, Habubu is expected to be specially reprogrammed for the show to ensure a balanced dynamic among the 17 expected contestants, 16 human and one AI. This means she will not overshadow her co-contestants but instead enhance the show's entertainment quotient in unique ways. Her multilingual abilities and AI-driven emotional responses could make her a central figure in house dynamics. Why This Matters for the UAE For UAE residents and tech enthusiasts, Habubu's participation is more than just reality TV news, it's a significant cultural moment. It showcases homegrown innovation on one of the biggest entertainment platforms in South Asia, watched by millions across India, the Middle East, and beyond. Her entry into Bigg Boss also aligns with the UAE's vision to be a global leader in AI and smart technologies. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi already hosting several robotics and AI expos annually, Habubu's rise reflects how far the nation has come in integrating tech with everyday life and now, with global pop culture. As interest surges, fans in the UAE are keenly watching how this historic experiment unfolds. Will Habubu win hearts or even the trophy? One thing's certain: this season of Bigg Boss is set to spark conversations far beyond the walls of the house.
