Mithun Chakraborty

Mithun Chakraborty, the legendary "Disco Dancer" of Indian cinema, made a significant foray into reality television as the host of the inaugural season of Bigg Boss Bangla. Launched on June 17, 2013, the show marked the expansion of the popular Bigg Boss franchise into the Bengali-speaking market. Broadcast on ETV Bangla, the season ran for approximately 91 days, concluding on September 14, 2013. Chakraborty's involvement was a major draw for the regional audience, leveraging his massive stardom and "Grandmaster" persona to establish the show’s footprint in West Bengal.

During his tenure, Chakraborty acted as the vital link between the housemates and the outside world, bringing his signature charisma and empathetic hosting style to the "Weekend Stories" episodes. The season featured 15 celebrity contestants, including actors, singers, and models, and was filmed at the traditional Bigg Boss house in Lonavala. Notable participants included singer Aneek Dhar, who eventually emerged as the winner, and actor Rudranil Ghosh, the runner-up. Chakraborty's role involved navigating the unscripted drama of the house and conducting the eviction process, which relied on public voting.

While Chakraborty's season was considered a successful cultural introduction for the format in the region, his direct involvement with the show was limited to this debut season. When the series returned for its second season nearly three years later in 2016, the hosting duties were handed over to popular Bengali film star Jeet. This transition coincided with the show's move to Colors Bangla. Consequently, Chakraborty's legacy within the Bigg Boss franchise remains tied to its high-profile Bengali launch, where he successfully transitioned from a cinematic icon to a household television presence.