In a move that promises to electrify Bengali television, the former Indian cricket team captain, Sourav Ganguly, has signed a monumental four-year agreement with the leading entertainment channel, Star Jalsha.
Industry sources have revealed the staggering value of the deal to be ₹125 crore, marking one of the most significant celebrity endorsements in the history of Bengali regional television. This high-profile collaboration will see the beloved “Dada” anchor two flagship non-fiction shows, including the highly anticipated Bengali adaptation of the global reality sensation “Bigg Boss,” aptly titled “Bigg Boss Bangla,” and an innovative new quiz program.
This strategic acquisition of Ganguly’s charismatic presence represents a major coup for Star Jalsha, signalling the channel’s aggressive intent to fortify its programming lineup with premium content and unparalleled star power. Both “Bigg Boss Bangla” and the currently under wraps quiz show are slated for a primetime launch in July 2026, with robust production schedules commencing in early July 2025. This ambitious timeline underscores the substantial investment Star Jalsha is committing to ensure top-tier production quality and captivating viewer experiences for these pivotal shows.
Expressing his enthusiasm for this exciting new venture, Sourav Ganguly said, “Television has always given me a special way to connect with people, and it gives me great pleasure to associate with Star Jalsha as we begin a new chapter of storytelling through innovative non-fiction programming. I’m thrilled to be hosting two exciting shows that celebrate both entertainment and intellect. I’ve always believed in the power of connecting with audiences beyond the cricket field, and this collaboration allows me to do just that by exploring fresh formats and real stories that inspire and engage. It’s a new inning, and I’m ready to play it with the same passion I brought to the game.”
This significant partnership also marks the conclusion of Ganguly’s successful stint as the host of the popular quiz show “Dadagiri” on Zee Bangla. His strategic move to Star Jalsha underscores the latter’s ambition to dominate the competitive regional entertainment landscape by capitalising on Ganguly’s immense popularity, widespread appeal across demographics, and proven track record as a compelling television personality.
Industry analysts predict that this ₹125 crore agreement will have a transformative impact on Bengali television. By securing a figure of Sourav Ganguly’s stature to spearhead the Bengali debut of a globally acclaimed and highly successful format like “Bigg Boss,” alongside a novel quiz show designed to engage and entertain, Star Jalsha is strategically positioned to attract a diverse and expansive viewership. This bold move is expected to further solidify the channel’s market leadership and set a new benchmark for non-fiction programming in the region. The anticipation surrounding “Bigg Boss Bangla” and Ganguly’s new quiz show is already palpable, promising a thrilling new chapter for Bengali television enthusiasts.