Bigg Boss 20 finally has its first wildcard. In Episode 35, the Weekend Ka Vaar that streamed on JioHotstar on Saturday, October 10, 2026, host Salman Khan brought television actor Manish Goel on stage and, after a little teasing, told the housemates that he was not there to promote a show. He was moving in.
Times Now reported that Salman first introduced Goel as someone "coming with a new show" and pulled the contestants' legs before revealing that he would be the season's first wildcard contestant. The housemates welcomed him with a lot of enthusiasm, according to the same recap.
Who is Manish Goel?
For many viewers, Goel is a familiar face from two decades of Hindi television. ABP Live described him as known for shows such as Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and mid-day noted that he was most recently seen in Anupamaa. Times Now listed other credits including Ghar Ek Mandir, Saara Akaash and Meri Awaz Ko Mil Gayi Roshni, plus early appearances in CID and Hip Hip Hurray.
Bigg Boss is not his first reality show. According to Times Now, he previously took part in Nach Baliye season 1 and Zara Nachke Dikha. He is married to Poonam Goel.
What he said before entering the house
In an exclusive interview with mid-day published on Saturday night, Goel said he had been approached only for the wildcard slot. "I was not called for the initial part. I was specially called for the wildcard only, and yes, I wanted to explore it," he said.
He framed the show as a chance to step out from behind his characters. "It's been 20-25 years since I have been working in television, and I feel that people don't know the real side of Manish Goel. They know my characters," he told mid-day. "I have been very secluded in my life. I have been very private. So, I think this is the time when people will actually get to know me."
mid-day also reported that he spoke about around 100 failed auditions between 2011 and 2015, starting out as a spotboy at 17, and meeting Salman Khan again after 15 years. The publication's headline added one more detail that will interest fans: he says he has not watched a single episode of this season. That means he walks in without the usual wildcard advantage of having studied the house from outside.
Why a wildcard now?
The timing is deliberate. Times Now noted that the season, which premiered on September 6, had already seen three evictions before Goel's entry. A fresh face usually shakes up the groups that have formed by week five, and this house has plenty of fault lines. Our earlier report, "Bigg Boss 20: Amrapali Dubey Takes On Kanika Mann Over 'Face' Remarks as Love Gill Breaks Down in Tears," covers one of the feuds he is walking into, and "Bigg Boss 20: Aasif Khan Is the New Captain After Love Gill's Power Twist Wins the House Only 25% Ration" explains the current power balance.
The rest of Episode 35 was light by Weekend Ka Vaar standards. Rannvijay Singha, Neha Dhupia, Prince Narula and Abhishek Malhan came in to promote Roadies, while Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi promoted their film Prahaar. Qazi Touqeer was named the sponsor's style icon and won Rs 5 lakh. Salman told viewers that Saturday was for fun and that he would take the contestants' class in the Sunday episode.
Another wildcard is reportedly on the way
Goel may not be the only new face this weekend. ABP Live reported that a promo released after the episode hinted at another participant entering the next day, without revealing a name. Social media creator Nakul Dhull, also known as Mitthu Don, has been reported as the likely entrant. ABP Live stressed that his entry should be treated as reported, not confirmed, until the makers announce it. The outlet also noted that Dhull has faced criticism over past remarks about women.
If a second wildcard does arrive on Sunday, the house will have two newcomers at once, and both will be judged on how quickly they pick sides.
FAQ
Who is the first wildcard contestant of Bigg Boss 20? Television actor Manish Goel, introduced by Salman Khan in the Weekend Ka Vaar episode on October 10, 2026.
What shows is Manish Goel known for? Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kasautii Zindagii Kay and, most recently, Anupamaa, among others.
Is there a second wildcard in Bigg Boss 20? A promo hinted at another entry. Social media creator Nakul Dhull has been reported as the next wildcard, but the makers have not confirmed it.
Where can I watch Bigg Boss 20? Episodes stream on JioHotstar at 9 PM IST and air on Colors TV later the same night.
Cover photo: Bollywood Hungama / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0