Anil Kapoor

Anil Kapoor made a high-profile entry into the world of reality television as the host of Bigg Boss OTT Season 3, which premiered on June 21, 2024. Stepping into a role previously held by filmmaker Karan Johar and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, Kapoor brought his signature "Jhakaas" energy to the digital spin-off. The show, presented in the Hindi language, was streamed exclusively on JioCinema Premium. His tenure for this specific season lasted approximately six weeks, concluding with the grand finale on August 2, 2024. Kapoor's involvement was a significant shift for the franchise, as he expressed excitement about exploring the unscripted non-fiction format for the first time in his long and storied career.

During his hosting stint, Kapoor introduced several innovative elements to the show, most notably the "Baaharwala" twist. This role gave a chosen contestant access to real-time information and feedback from the outside world, effectively making them a mole within the house. Kapoor’s hosting style was characterized by a mix of veteran poise and directness; he notably "schooled" contestants like Sana Makbul for what he perceived as entitled behavior and attention-seeking tactics. He also made firm decisions during weekend segments, such as slamming influencer Elvish Yadav for disparaging remarks made about a contestant, reinforcing a standard of conduct within the house. His presence appeared to resonate with the digital audience, as reports indicated that the opening weekend of his season saw a significant jump in viewership compared to the previous edition.

Despite the initial buzz and Kapoor's energetic performance, his journey as a host remained limited to this single season. Following the conclusion of Season 3, which saw Sana Makbul emerge as the winner, official reports in early 2026 confirmed that the Bigg Boss OTT series would be scrapped and merged back into the main television version of the show. Consequently, Kapoor's tenure is currently defined by this unique 42-day window in mid-2024. While he faced the inevitable comparisons to Salman Khan, Kapoor maintained a respectful stance throughout, famously stating that while "nobody can replace Salman," he aimed to bring his own distinct flavor to the Bigg Boss legacy, a promise he fulfilled through his sharp interactions and charismatic Weekend Ka Vaar appearances.