Bigg Boss 17: The Crown Goes to... Not Munawar Faruqui

While many might assume the winner of Bigg Boss 17, Munawar Faruqui, also bagged the title of the highest-paid contestant, the truth is quite surprising! While Munawar did walk away with a hefty sum, it wasn't enough to secure him the top spot. So, who actually dethroned the champion in terms of earnings?

The Plot Twist: Ankita Lokhande Takes the Trophy

Brace yourselves, Bigg Boss fans! The contestant with the highest paycheck for Bigg Boss 17 goes to none other than the beloved television actress, Ankita Lokhande. Despite her exit in the fourth position, Lokhande reportedly raked in a whopping Rs. 12 lakh per week, translating to a grand total of around Rs. 1.8 crore for her 15-week stint!

Munawar's Impressive Earnings

Munawar Faruqui, the season's winner, certainly didn't leave empty-handed. He reportedly commanded a weekly fee of Rs. 8 lakh, bringing his total earnings to Rs. 1.2 crore. Additionally, he received the prize money of Rs. 50 lakh and a brand new car, pushing his overall earnings to a commendable Rs. 1.7 crore.

The Breakdown: A Look at Other Top Earners

While Ankita and Munawar secured the top two spots, other contestants also earned impressive fees. Here's a quick glimpse:

• Mannara Chopra: Rs. 10 lakh per week (approximately Rs. 1.5 crore for the season)
• Abhishek Kumar: Rs. 5 lakh per week (approximately Rs. 75 lakh for the season)
• UK07 Rider (Anurag Dobhal): Rs. 7.5 lakh per week (approximately Rs. 1.12 crore for the season)

Factors Influencing Payment

Several factors contribute to a contestant's pay in Bigg Boss. These include:

• Pre-existing popularity and fan base: Established celebrities often command higher fees due to their guaranteed viewership and engagement.
• Negotiation skills and management: Contestants and their representatives negotiate their fees with the show's makers.
• Controversial value and potential for drama: Contestants known for their fiery personalities or ability to stir controversy can attract higher fees.
• Duration of stay in the house: The longer a contestant stays, the more episodes they appear in, potentially justifying a higher fee.

Ankita's Edge: A Combination of Factors

Ankita Lokhande's high earnings can be attributed to a combination of these factors. Her established career in television, coupled with her strong fan following from shows like "Pavitra Rishta," likely played a significant role. Additionally, her outspoken nature and ability to engage in healthy debates within the house might have contributed to her value.

The Takeaway

While Munawar Faruqui's victory and prize money were noteworthy, the title of highest-paid contestant went to Ankita Lokhande. This highlights the diverse factors that influence contestant fees in Bigg Boss, making it an interesting game of popularity, strategy, and entertainment value.