Bigg Boss 20 is still months away from premiering, and the makers have not yet announced any official contestant list. However, speculation regarding potential contestants has already started. The new figure to create a buzz is neither a television personality nor a social media influencer who is a classical musician.
Sitarist Bhagirath Bhatt, who has worked in films, streaming works, and international productions, is being hotly debated online as a potential newcomer in the season.
The rumours have taken off and the rumors started when some pages of fans stated that the Jamnagar born musician was also a possibility to take part in the reality show.
The channel, the production team and even Bhagirath himself have not confirmed or denied it yet. Nonetheless, the buzz has caught steam owing to the fact that his profile is vastly unlike the type of celebrity blend that is commonly witnessed within the Bigg Boss house.
A musician from Jamnagar
Bhagirath Bhatt was born and grew up in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in a family that was extremely music oriented. At the age of six, he started learning the sitar under the care of his father, Pankajkumar Bhatt. He received formal training over the years and perfected his craft with discipline to earn a Gold Medal at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
In contrast to most of the popular reality show names, who are constantly at the forefront, Bhagirath has developed his reputation over time with concerts, collaborations and studio work. His fame is the result of decades of work with Indian classical music and not TV.
Film and web series work.
Although viewers may not immediately identify his face, they have most likely listened to his music. The sitar of Bhagirath has found its way into the soundtrack of a number of high profile productions. He has played roles in movies like Padmaavat, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Mission Raniganj.
He also has a robust presence in the digital space. His artistry is presented in Web series such as Heeramandi, Bandish Bandits, and Kota Factory.
His instrument also appeared in the Netflix show Avatar: The Last Airbender, which was heard by international viewers as well. His skill of incorporating classical richness with the modern narrative has earned him a desirable partner.
Recognition and honours
In early 2026 Bhagirath was awarded by Dunster Business School in Switzerland an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his contribution to Indian classical music, and his role in introducing the instrument to international audiences.
Although he engages in commercial cinema and streaming, he is still in strong contact with traditional and devotional performances, playing regularly at Ram Katha and Shiv Mahapuran events.
Will he get into the Bigg Boss house?
Surprisingly, Bigg Boss is known to bring new contestants out each year. When Bhagirath Bhatt would enter it would be a kind of a miracle to have a classical instrumentalist on a stage normally packed with actors, influencers and controversial personalities.
But at this stage, it is all just hypothetical. As the show will be on air around September 2026, it is likely that a lot more names will emerge in the next few months. The involvement of Bhagirath is more a subject of fan speculation than a fact unless it is officially declared.
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Provided the rumours prove to be true, viewers could have a chance to witness another facet of a musician whom they have mostly associated with the strings of his sitar.
