19 August,2025 01:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bigg Boss contestants who died
Bigg Boss 19 is just around the corner, with the first episode all set to premiere on August 24, 2025. Returning as the host, superstar Salman Khan is all set to welcome a whole new set of contestants who will be locked in the house. In the past seasons, we have witnessed several contestants who entertained the audiences during their stay with friendships, emotions and a whole lot of drama. Unfortunately, some of these contestants who became fan favourites have passed away over the years.
Actress Shefali Jariwala, best known for her song Kaanta Laga, participated in Bigg Boss 13 as a contestant. She was known for her friendships in the house. The actress suddenly passed away on June 27, 2025 at age 42 due to a suspected cardiac arrest. Her sudden death left the industry in shock, and an investigation, including an autopsy, was launched.
TV actor Sidharth Shukla, who made a name for himself in the television space and also featured in the Bollywood movie Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, was seen in Bigg Boss 13. He went on to win the show and gain massive popularity on the show. He too passed away unexpectedly of a massive heart attack on September 2, 2021, at age 40.
Indian politician and former social media personality Sonali Phogat was seen entering Bigg Boss 14 as a wildcard entrant. She died in Goa on August 23, 2022, at the age of 42. Although initially reported as a heart attack, her family alleged she was murdered.
TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee earned fame quite early in life thanks to her hit TV serials like Balika Vadhu. She later participated in Bigg Boss 7 as a contestant in 2013. Three years later, in 2016, Pratyusha was found dead in her Mumbai home on April 1, 2016. She reportedly died by suicide at just 24 years old.
Swami Om Baba was one of the most controversial contestants in the history of Bigg Boss. He was seen on the show in its 13th season in 2019. He passed away in February 2021, due to complications from COVID-19, and reportedly a paralysis attack. He was 63 at the time of his death.
UK reality star from Bigg Brother 2, Jade Goody, was seen participating in Bigg Boss (Hindi) Season 2 in 2008. She entered the house on August 17th, but just two days late,r was told about her cervical cancer diagnosis, due to which she had to leave early. She succumbed a year later in 2009 at age of 34.
Comedian Raju Srivastava competed in Bigg Boss Season 3 in 2009. He suffered a heart attack in August 2022 and later died on September 21, 2022, after being hospitalised.
