Sep 07, 2026 5:59pm IST
‘Bigg Boss’ Art Director Shyam Bhatia On How Salman Khan, Sourav Ganguly, Kamal Haasan, Kichcha Sudeepa Share An Eye For Detail (Exclusive)
Architect and art director Shyam Bhatia has made sets for over 20 seasons of “Bigg Boss” across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada languages. “Bigg Boss Bangla” which is hosted by Sourav Ganguly has sets designed by Bhatia. He worked on the same for past three months. This is not his first association with Ganguly. He has made the sets for “Dadagiri Unlimited” the iconic show hosted by the former India cricket captain.
Bhatia tells Variety India, “See, the idea was to catch the attention of people. I am very happy with the final look of the 'Bigg Boss Bangla' sets for two reasons. I love working in Kolkata and my team knows Sourav Ganguly. There was no pressure as we understand the pulse of the Bengali audience. They know, understand and enjoy art. It is tough to make something artistic for an audience that is not interested in it. But having a visual conversation with the Bengali audience is a real joy.” Around 200 people worked on the sets for a month and a half.
Describing host Sourav Ganguly as a man with an inclination towards the visual arts, Bhatia states, “He really liked the design. His upbringing is such that he is aware of a wide range of subjects. He has a huge library at home and is incredibly well read. Ganguly understands the elements.”
Related Stories
Bhatia further says that he did not wish to use standard iconography related to cricket just because Ganguly was the host of “ Bigg Boss Bangla.” Instead, he opted for aesthetics that capture the state while incorporating the image of Ganguly. “He was known as the Bengal Tiger for his aggressive streak on the cricket field. In the captain’s room, you can see a huge bed. The footboard of the bed has the head of a Royal Bengal Tiger. It has a huge tail that goes around the windows. The carpet of the room has motifs from the Sundarbans,” he explains.
Another highlight is the “Toilet Adda,” which has areas designed with windows. “Bengalis love their gossip sessions, often they are conversations across windows. It is a cherished part of their lives. Also, washroom areas of 'Bigg Boss' houses are generally neglected but it is also a spot where people tend to be most relaxed and off guard. I wanted to create a zone where they can bring out their unfiltered selves,” he adds.
The touch of Kolkata is also there in the confession room, which is designed in the shape of Ambassador cars, which are now missing from the streets. There is also a tram keeping with the theme of West Bengal. He elaborates, “I made the windows like we see on baris (old historic mansions) of Kolkata but painted them in bright shades of red. If you see them in real life, they speak of the bygone era but inside the house they are bright and highlighted with art deco statues. I feel “Bigg Boss” sets need a touch of maximalism given the mood of the show."
Popular on Variety
Bhatia has also been a part of “Bigg Boss Hindi” hosted by Salman Khan. Talking about the superstar host, he says, “He is very upfront. If he does not like anything, he is blunt about it. Salman is also interested in painting and has his take.” He has similar things to say about Kamal Haasan. “He also takes keen interest in the aesthetics of the show. He has a fine eye for art and is a joy to work with," he adds.
The architect and designer worked ended after the Kannada and Telugu contestants entered the house. "Nagarjuna loved the overall vibe of the house. Kichcha Sudeepa liked the house but he was more enamored by the jail made in the shape of Eiffel Tower," he concludes.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.