The latest season of Bigg Boss 19 is making headlines not just for fights and controversies, but also for what many fans are calling “Salman Khan favoritism BiggBoss” towards contestant Kunika Sadanand.

Salman, who has known Kunika since the 1990s when they worked together in multiple films—including Hum Saath Saath Hain—has been visibly protective of her inside the house. While Kunika was never a lead actress, her strong presence in supporting roles earned her recognition. Salman’s decades-long association with her seems to be influencing his behavior on the show.Salman Khan Favoritism Questioned in BiggBoss 19
Farana Bhatt vs Kunika: Salman Khan favoritism in BiggBoss 19

This weekend, Salman Khan addressed the issue of Farana Bhatt making personal remarks against Kunika’s motherhood. While Salman usually takes a balanced approach, this time he went as far as warning Farana that she could be evicted if she repeated such comments. Viewers noticed that Salman did not issue similar warnings when Kunika herself has been rude or disrespectful in past episodes—sparking debate about a double standard.
Kunika’s Son Ayaan Makes an Appearance

In what was a first for Bigg Boss history, Salman introduced Kunika’s son Ayaan Lal in only the second Weekend Ka Vaar. Ayaan appeared alongside Salman (outside the house), speaking to Kunika through a television screen.

Ayaan’s emotional revelations about his mother’s struggles—including how Kunika once fought a legal battle when her elder son was kidnapped—moved not only Kunika but also Salman himself to tears.Read More…
Even Kunickaa Sadanand’s son Ayaan reveals her elder son was kidnapped; Salman Khan gets emotional: ‘To fight his case, she got into the film industry’ The Indian Express
This rare display of emotion from Salman was left unedited and prominently featured, which many believe was a deliberate attempt by the makers to generate sympathy for Kunika.
Lowest Votes, Yet Special Treatment?

What makes the incident even more controversial is that, according to insider reports, Kunika had received the lowest votes among the nominated contestants this week. Normally, such contestants face the risk of elimination, but instead, Bigg Boss organized a special segment highlighting her struggles.
This raised eyebrows among fans, with many suggesting that both Salman Khan and the show’s makers are trying to mold public perception in Kunika’s favor. The emotional footage of Salman crying could have easily been edited out, but it wasn’t—indicating a narrative push.
Not the First Time Salman Has Been Accused of Bias

This is not the first instance where Salman Khan has been accused of favoritism. During Bigg Boss OTT 2, he was seen giving consistent support to Pooja Bhatt, regardless of her conflicts inside the house. Similarly, in earlier seasons, his interventions have often been criticized as biased towards contestants he personally knows or respects.
Is Kunika Being Pushed Towards the Finale?

With Salman openly siding with Kunika, giving her son an unprecedented platform, and confronting her rivals on her behalf, speculation is growing that she might be strategically pushed towards the finale. While favoritism is not new in Bigg Boss, such an early show of support has rarely been witnessed.
Whether or not Kunika Sadanand emerges as a finalist, one thing is clear: Salman Khan’s bond with her is more than 30 years old, Is heavily influencing how her journey is being shaped on Bigg Boss 19.
✅ Conclusion: If history is any proof, contestants who receive consistent host backing often last longer in the game. With Salman Khan emotionally endorsing Kunika, it won’t be surprising if she makes it all the way to the finale.