We often think of Bigg Boss as a 3-month vacation in a fancy house where people scream for “footage.” We assume that once the cameras stop rolling, the fame fades, and these celebrities go back to waiting for the next casting call. But for a smart few, the reality show was just a free marketing campaign for something much bigger.
- 1. Aashka Goradia (Season 6): The Unicorn of the TV World
- 2. Sunny Leone (Season 5): The Masterclass in Branding
- 3. Prince Narula (Season 9): The Reality Kingpin
- 4. Sana Khan (Season 6): The Spiritual Pivot
- Quick Look: The “Side Hustle” Report
- 5. Shalin Bhanot (Season 16): The Silent Tycoon
- Why Do ‘Reality Stars’ Make Good Entrepreneurs?
- Conclusion: The “Winner” Doesn’t Take It All
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While most contestants are busy fighting in the comment sections of Instagram, a handful of them quietly took their paycheck, signed the right papers, and built legitimate business empires. We aren’t talking about “brand collaborations” or selling diet tea. We are talking about proper, revenue-generating startups.
If you think Bigg Boss is just about fighting over eggs and captaincy, this list will change your mind. Here are the contestants who proved they are better entrepreneurs than entertainers.
1. Aashka Goradia (Season 6): The Unicorn of the TV World
If there is one person who “won” life after Bigg Boss, it is Aashka Goradia. She participated in Season 6 and was known for her dramatic flair, but today, she is known for her balance sheet.
Aashka left the glitz of TV acting to co-found Renee Cosmetics. This wasn’t a small side hustle. She identified a gap in the Indian beauty market for affordable, high-quality, cruelty-free makeup.
The Business Logic:
Instead of just slapping her name on a white-labeled product (which many celebs do), she actually built a brand focused on innovation. Have you seen those “5-in-1 lipsticks” scrolling on your feed? That’s her brain at work.
Today, Renee Cosmetics is valued at over $100 Million (approx. ₹800+ Crores). She didn’t just build a business; she built a legacy that earns more in a month than most actors earn in a lifetime.
Lesson: Fame is temporary; equity is permanent.
2. Sunny Leone (Season 5): The Masterclass in Branding
Sunny Leone’s entry into Bigg Boss 5 was controversial, but her exit was a masterclass in business management. She knew the Bollywood hype might not last forever, so she diversified immediately.
She launched StarStruck by Sunny Leone, a cosmetic line that she owns 100%. Unlike other celebrity brands that are partnerships, Sunny (and her husband Daniel Weber) invested their own money to keep full control.
Why It Worked:
She used her massive social media following (50M+ on Instagram) to bypass traditional advertising costs. By selling directly to consumers (D2C), she kept the margins high. Her range of lipsticks and eyeliners isn’t just “merch”; it is a serious competitor to brands like Lakmé and Maybelline in the online space.
3. Prince Narula (Season 9): The Reality Kingpin
Prince Narula is the only man in history to win Roadies, Splitsvilla, and Bigg Boss. But winning trophies doesn’t pay the bills forever. Prince realized that his audience was young, fitness-obsessed, and wanted to look like him.
He smartly invested in Muscle & Strength India, a leading supplement retail chain. Instead of just being a “face” for the brand, he took a stake in the company.
The Strategy:
Prince knew that the supplement market in India is flooded with fakes. By attaching his “Winner” reputation to a brand that promised authenticity, he solved a trust issue for customers. He also runs a production house and has invested in music labels, ensuring he owns the content he creates.
4. Sana Khan (Season 6): The Spiritual Pivot
Sana Khan shocked the world when she announced she was quitting showbiz to follow a spiritual path. Most people thought she would disappear. Instead, she became a more successful entrepreneur than she ever was an actress.
She launched Hayat By Sana Khan, a premium modest clothing brand, and Face Spa by Sana Khan.
The Niche:
Sana tapped into the “Halal Beauty” and “Modest Fashion” market, which is massively underserved in India. Her brand offers luxury abayas and hijabs that appeal to modern women who want to be stylish yet traditional. By serving a specific community rather than the “general public,” she built a loyal customer base that buys everything she launches.
Quick Look: The “Side Hustle” Report
Here is a snapshot of other contestants who are silently making money while we watch their reels.
| Contestant | Season | Business Venture | Industry |
| Shalin Bhanot | Season 16 | Prime Land Pvt Ltd | Real Estate & Construction |
| Rakhi Sawant | Season 1 | Rakhi Sawant’s Beauty Lounge | Salon Franchise |
| Mohit Malik | Season 8 (Guest) | 1BHK & Homemade Cafe | Hospitality / Restaurants |
| Arjun Bijlani | Season 11 (Guest) | BCL Team Owner / Liquor Store | Sports & Retail |
| Ronit Roy | Season 3 (Host/Guest) | Ace Security & Protection | Security Agency for Stars |
5. Shalin Bhanot (Season 16): The Silent Tycoon
During Bigg Boss 16, everyone made fun of Shalin Bhanot for his “chicken obsession” and acting skills. But outside the house, Shalin is arguably one of the richest contestants.
He runs Prime Land Private Limited and Bhanot Creations. He is deeply involved in the real estate sector. While other actors wait for a producer to sign a check, Shalin is the one signing checks for construction projects.
The Reality Check:
Shalin didn’t need the prize money. His participation in the show was likely more about relevance than revenue. This is a classic move: use the TV screen to stay famous, so your business meetings go smoother.
Why Do ‘Reality Stars’ Make Good Entrepreneurs?
It is not a coincidence that these people succeeded. Bigg Boss trains you in three skills that are essential for business:
- Thick Skin: If you can handle Salman Khan scolding you on national TV, you can handle a customer complaint.
- Personal Branding: They know exactly how to sell a narrative. Aashka sells “empowerment,” Sunny sells “glamour,” and Prince sells “fitness.”
- Crisis Management: In the BB house, one wrong word can ruin you. In business, one wrong tweet can crash your stock. They are trained to walk on eggshells.
The Social Proof
Don’t just take our word for it. Aashka Goradia frequently shares her “Boss Lady” life on Instagram, proving she is more corporate than creative these days.
- Aashka Goradia on Instagram: @aashkagoradia
- Sunny Leone on X (Twitter): @SunnyLeone
Conclusion: The “Winner” Doesn’t Take It All
The next time you vote for your favorite contestant, remember this: The real winner isn’t the one holding the trophy in the finale. The real winner is the one who uses that 15 minutes of fame to build a 15-year career.
Aashka Goradia didn’t win Bigg Boss. Sunny Leone got evicted early. But look at their bank accounts today. They realized that the show is a launchpad, not the destination.
So, if you are planning to start a business, maybe you don’t need an MBA. Maybe you just need to survive 100 days in a house with 15 strangers fighting over ration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which Bigg Boss contestant is the richest entrepreneur?
Currently, Aashka Goradia holds the top spot. Her brand Renee Cosmetics has a valuation crossing $100 Million, making her one of the most successful businesswomen to emerge from the TV industry.
Q2: Does Salman Khan own a stake in these businesses?
No. While Salman Khan promotes many brands, he does not publicly own stakes in the personal businesses started by contestants like Sunny Leone or Prince Narula.
Q3: Is Sana Khan’s business active after she quit acting?
Yes, it is thriving. In fact, her business grew after she quit acting because her rebranding as a modest lifestyle influencer attracted a very specific, high-spending target audience.
Q4: Did Rakhi Sawant really open a salon?
Yes, she launched Rakhi Sawant’s Beauty Lounge years ago as a franchise model. While it didn’t scale as huge as Renee Cosmetics, it was one of the early attempts by a reality star to monetize their name.
