Riteish Deshmukh to host Marathi 'Bigg Boss'?

Riteish Deshmukh and politician Narayan Rane’s son, Nitesh, are coming together to produce the Marathi version of the popular reality show Bigg Boss. A source says that the duo is in talks with Endemol and Viacom 18 for the rights of the show. If all goes well Riteish is likely to host the show a la Salman Khan.

Confirms Nitesh, “It was my idea to do the show in Marathi. It’s a popular format and I thought it will give a boost to the Marathi film industry. I approached Riteish because he is technically sound and has produced the critically-acclaimed Balak Palak. I needed his expertise. He liked the idea and now we are structuring the deal with Endemol which has already agreed in-principle.”

About Riteish hosting the show, Nitesh says that he has persuaded the actor for the  same. “He is popular and has a great appeal among the youth. He is also doing a Marathi film now. In my opinion, he is the best person to host the show.”

However, will the show, known for its controversial content, appeal to the Marathi manoos who is sober and culturally conscious? “I am aware of that and will see to it that it is not all that loud or controversial. We are not doing this show with the aim of getting high TRPs (Television Rating Points), the motive is to upgrade and upscale the Marathi industry and give its actors due recognition,” reckons the savvy politician.

He further informs that the contestants will not just be from TV and film fraternity, “We will have people representing various fields.
Besides actors, there will be politicians and people from the field of literature.” Nitesh wants to get the show on air as soon as possible but is clear that it shouldn’t clash with the Hindi one.