Bigg Boss 6 begins with Salman Khan, Rani Mukherji

A wacky hairstylist, two social activists, a divorced celebrity couple and 10 others. With such an eclectic line-up of contestants, the sixth season of reality show Bigg Boss seems to be true to its tagline, Alag Che (it’s different).

The show’s opening episode Sunday night turned out to be a gala affair with lots of glitz and glamour. Host Salman Khan opened the show by entertaining the viewers with dance performances on songs like Bodyguard and Mashallah.

Salman welcomed each contestant into the Bigg Boss house in a different way. He was later joined by actress Rani Mukerji to put up an entertaining act.

Rani, who had come to promote her upcoming film Aiyyaa, was seen teaching Salman some Lavni and belly dancing moves, and in no time Salman was seen matching steps with the actress.

Cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu was the first to enter the house, with a rocking introduction by Bhangra-pop singer Daler Mehndi.

Southern actress Sana Khan, who was part of the The Dirty Picture remake, entered next, followed by actor-comedian Vrajesh Hirji.

Next was Sampat Pal, leader of women’s activist group Gulabi Gang. Though an unusual member on the show, Sampat received all house members extremely warmly.

There is another activist in the show – Aseem Trivedi, the controversial cartoonist, who was recently in news for his anti-corruption art works.

Small screen’s glamour girls Urvashi Dholokia and Aashka Goradia stepped into the house to add spark in the contestant line-up.

If their on-screen characters are anything to go by, they are sure to create some fireworks in the house this season.

Sayantani Ghosh of Naaginn fame too is a part of the show.

Actor Dinesh Yadav added the Bhojpuri flavour to the line-up this year, while celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani, known for her bindass and tomboyish, tattooed avatar, left everyone in the house quite intrigued.

The big surprise came with the entry of actors Delnaz Paul and Rajev Paul, who are now a divorced couple.

Rajev was not so shocked on seeing Delnaz, but the actress seemed a tad disturbed to realise she would have to live with her ex-husband under one roof and in full camera view.

The young, dazzling touch to the house came with the entry of popular models Niketan Madhok and Karishma Kotak.

The last contestant was a common man, chosen out of three finalists. Hyderabad-based martial arts expert Kashif Quereshi entered the show.

The Bigg Boss house has been erected at Lonavala this year. The contestants will be locked inside the house for 98 days, away from the comforts of their everyday lives, and without any communication with the outside world. They will have 70 cameras, 15 more than the 55 cameras last season, prying on their activities 24×7.