On January 28, 2024, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan hosted the Bigg Boss 17 grand finale, in which stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui triumphed. The seasoned comic won against some formidable competitors, including Arun Srikanth Mashettey, Abhishek Kumar, Mannara Chopra, and Ankita Lokhande. Though some spectators referred to Faruqui as a “fixed winner,” his victory was not without controversy. Munawar Faruqui responded to the rumors about these allegations in a composed manner, highlighting the difficulties he encountered during the season.
The rise to a net worth of Rs 8 crore for Munawar Faruqui is evidence of his varied professional background. In addition to his success on reality shows, Faruqui is a well-known stand-up comedian who, according to sources, commands remuneration of between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh every gig. In addition, he makes a good living from Instagram, where he leverages his large 11.6 million followers to sell sponsored posts for an estimated Rs 15 lakh apiece.
Faruqui’s participation in Bigg Boss 17 was a strategic move, with a reported weekly fee ranging between Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. Over the 12-week duration, his earnings from the show alone ranged from Rs 84 lakh to Rs 96 lakh. Adding the prize money of Rs 50 lakh and the Hyundai Creta valued between Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20.5 lakh, Munawar Faruqui’s total earnings from Bigg Boss 17 reached an impressive range of Rs 1.34 crore to Rs 1.46 crore.
Beyond Bigg Boss 17, Munawar Faruqui has achieved success in reality TV. In 2022, he won the Kangana Ranaut-hosted Lock Upp. His reward package includes a vehicle, Rs 20 lakh, and a fully funded trip to Italy. The stand-up comedian’s weekly Lock Upp participation fee varied from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh, which went toward his overall profits of Rs 61 lakh to Rs 64.5 lakh from the program.
In an interview, Munawar Faruqui remained composed in response to the claims that he was a “fixed winner.” He said he was a victim of criticism and would have had an easier time if he had been a fixed winner. He asked critics to watch the full season. Faruqui expressed thanks for the affection he got and accepted that not everyone’s opinion can be altered, while also acknowledging the difficulties that come with having a large fan following and appearing in reality shows.
Resilience and adaptability are hallmarks of Munawar Faruqui’s career from stand-up comedian to double reality show champion. His many income sources, calculated professional decisions, and constant dedication to his work have all contributed to his financial success. In reaction to the allegations of a “fixed winner,” Faruqui demonstrates both a sober grasp of how the public views him and an appreciation for the help he had along the way. Munawar Faruqui’s narrative continues to be a distinctive and inspirational chapter in the history of Indian entertainment, even as the spotlight continues to shine on this unlikely champion.
