Mumbai: Actor Manish Goel has become the first wild-card contestant of Bigg Boss 20, with host Salman Khan revealing the surprise during the show’s Weekend Ka Vaar episodes on October 9 and 10.
Manish initially entered the house as though he had come to promote a project. However, the housemates were caught off guard when Salman revealed that the actor would not be leaving after his introduction and would instead remain in the competition as a wild-card contestant.
His entry comes as contestants continue to navigate disagreements, shifting alliances and the challenges of living together under constant camera surveillance.
The surprise may not be the last change to the house. At the end of the episode, the makers released a promo for Sunday’s show, hinting at the arrival of another wild-card contestant. While speculation has emerged online about content creator Nakul Dhull potentially joining the show, the identity of the possible second entrant has not been officially confirmed.
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Manish Goel enters Bigg Boss 20
Manish’s entry added a new contestant to a house where existing relationships and rivalries have already begun to take shape.
The actor’s initial appearance appeared to be a routine visit to promote a project. Salman’s announcement, however, changed the situation, revealing that Manish would stay on as the season’s first wild-card entrant.
Wild-card contestants often enter after the original group has spent time together, bringing fresh personalities and potentially changing the dynamics among housemates. Manish will now have to find his place within the existing group while competing for audience support.
His experience in television and films could help him navigate the demands of reality television, but his journey will also depend on how he handles disagreements, tasks and relationships inside the house.
Who is Manish Goel?
Manish Goel has worked in Indian television and films for several years. He first gained wider attention in 1998 when he appeared as the lead model in the Punjabi music video Dil Le Gayi Kudi Gujarat Di.
He subsequently became a familiar face on television through roles in popular serials. His credits include playing Tilak Chopra in Bhabhi and Tushar Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay. He has also appeared in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and several other television productions.
More recently, Manish appeared in the television series Anupamaa, playing Raghav Singh.
His work outside television includes portraying Vikas Dubey in the crime film Hanak. He has also acted in and produced the short film Azaan, adding production experience to his career.
His entry into Bigg Boss 20 marks a different kind of appearance for the actor, who will now be seen in an unscripted setting rather than a fictional role.
Second wild-card contestant teased
Manish’s arrival was accompanied by a teaser that suggested another contestant could soon enter the house.
The promo released at the end of the episode hinted at a possible second wild-card entry in Sunday’s show. The makers did not confirm the identity of the person featured in the teaser.
Some viewers have speculated that content creator Nakul Dhull could be the next entrant. However, that remains unconfirmed, and the speculation should not be treated as an official announcement.
If another contestant enters, the addition could further alter the house dynamics, particularly as the existing contestants adjust to Manish’s presence.
Bigg Boss 20: What has happened so far?
Bigg Boss 20 premiered on September 6, 2026, with Salman Khan returning as host for his 17th consecutive season.
The season has already seen the exits of Rohed Khan, Isha Rikhi and Rhiti Tiwari, according to the information provided about the show.
With Manish now joining the contestants, the competition has entered a new phase. A wild-card entrant can bring a different perspective to ongoing disputes and alliances, while also having to adapt quickly to the rules and social environment of the house.
The possibility of another entry has added to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming episode, although viewers will have to wait for an official reveal to learn whether a second contestant is joining.
Where to watch Bigg Boss 20
Bigg Boss 20 streams daily at 9 pm on JioHotstar and airs on Colors TV at 10.30 pm, according to the programme schedule provided.
Manish’s arrival and the teaser for another possible entrant are expected to be key talking points in the coming episodes as contestants adjust to the latest developments.