Bigg Boss has always been unpredictable, but this time, the show has pulled off something that no one saw coming. Just days before the grand premiere of Bigg Boss 19, Salman Khan announced a twist that has set the internet on fire — the Mridul vote entry.
For the first time in the history of Bigg Boss, fans themselves are deciding who gets to step inside the house on opening night. And the choice is between two very different personalities: Mridul Tiwari, a YouTube comedy star, and Shehbaz Badesha, brother of Shehnaaz Gill and a quirky fan favorite from earlier seasons.
Who is Mridul Tiwari?
If you’ve ever scrolled YouTube India’s comedy scene, chances are you’ve seen Mridul Tiwari’s channel “The MriDul”, which boasts over 18 million subscribers. Known for relatable, small-town humor and sketches about everyday life, Mridul has built a loyal following across India and even among NRIs.
For his fans, Bigg Boss is more than just a reality show entry — it’s Mridul’s chance to prove he’s more than an online entertainer. He has openly said that Bigg Boss will allow him to show his “real side,” beyond scripted comedy.
This confidence has excited fans who believe he could shake up the house with authenticity and grounded energy.
Who is Shehbaz Badesha?
On the other side, we have Shehbaz Badesha, brother of Bigg Boss 13 legend Shehnaaz Gill. Audiences remember him for his guest appearances, comic timing, and Punjabi one-liners that became instant memes on social media.
Shehbaz brings a strong legacy with him. With Shehnaaz’s fanbase still massive years after her season, Shehbaz has a ready-made army of supporters. Social media has been buzzing with hashtags like #ShehbazInBB19 and fans promising to make him the audience’s choice.
Fans Ka Faisla: How Does It Work?
The twist is officially titled “Fans Ka Faisla”. Viewers have been given the power to vote between Mridul and Shehbaz on the JioCinema app until 11:59 PM on August 21, 2025.
The contestant with the highest votes will make a dramatic entry during Salman Khan’s grand premiere night on August 24, 2025.
This is a masterstroke by the makers. Not only does it build massive pre-show buzz, but it also guarantees that whichever contestant enters will already come with an army of engaged fans ready to back them up inside the house.
Social Media War: Mridul vs Shehbaz
Twitter (X), Instagram, and YouTube comments are flooded with debates.
- Team Mridul says he represents the youth, digital India, and deserves a chance to prove that content creators can shine beyond the internet.
- Team Shehbaz believes he has the entertainment factor, the Punjabi energy, and the emotional pull of being Shehnaaz Gill’s brother.
Memes, polls, and fan-campaigns are going viral daily. It feels less like a simple vote and more like a battle of two fanbases.
Why This Twist Matters for Bigg Boss 19
This season is already being hyped as one of the boldest yet. The Mridul vote entry twist sets the tone: Bigg Boss 19 will be shaped not just by the contestants but also by the audience’s choices.
As we revealed in our earlier coverage of [Bigg Boss 19 premiere night expectations], the makers are pulling every trick to keep viewers glued. This twist ensures that fans feel emotionally invested right from the start.
And let’s not forget: whoever wins the vote will enter the house carrying both pressure and power. Pressure, because millions expect them to deliver. Power, because they will walk in with the confidence of knowing the public put them there.
Possible Outcomes
- If Mridul wins: It will be a symbolic win for digital creators. His journey could inspire countless other YouTubers and influencers dreaming of mainstream recognition. Expect him to connect with the youth and bring raw honesty.
- If Shehbaz wins: Entertainment will be guaranteed. His bond with Shehnaaz will always linger in viewers’ hearts, and his larger-than-life personality could dominate the early weeks.
Either way, Bigg Boss 19 gets a headline-making start.
Fans Are Already Divided
Scrolling through fan pages feels like a warzone. Some are predicting that Shehbaz will get the sympathy and star-power advantage, while others argue that Mridul’s YouTube fandom is so strong that TV audiences might underestimate it.
As we saw in [our coverage of past wildcard entries], underdogs often surprise the audience. Could Mridul be this season’s unexpected gamechanger?
Salman Khan’s Role
Salman Khan has teased that he is excited to see who the audience picks. As we noted in [our report on Salman’s weekend interactions], he loves stirring drama from day one. Expect him to milk this twist for maximum entertainment on premiere night.
Final Thoughts
The Mridul vote entry isn’t just about one contestant. It’s about the changing face of Indian entertainment. From YouTubers to TV legacy names, Bigg Boss 19 is bringing everyone onto the same stage.
Now, the power lies with fans. Whether Mridul or Shehbaz walks through those iconic doors on August 24, the audience has already won — because Bigg Boss has never been this interactive before.