Big Boss 19: Speculation is swirling that Bigg Boss 19, set to premiere in August 2025, may feature its first non-human contestant, an AI-powered interactive doll named Habubu. According to reports, Habubu, developed by UAE-based tech firm IFCM, is likely to enter the house alongside 16 human contestants.
If confirmed, Habubu would be the first artificial intelligence contestant in the show’s global franchise, signalling a new era in reality television. Her inclusion has already sparked interest and debate across social media, especially in the UAE, where she has become a viral cultural figure.
Who is Habubu?
Habubu is no ordinary robot. Designed as an advanced AI-powered companion, she boasts conversational abilities in up to seven languages, including Hindi. IFCM, the company behind her development, says she is equipped with emotional recognition, interactive dialogue, and basic household functionality, making her a surprisingly fitting addition to the social experiment that is Bigg Boss.
Her appearance is also part of her charm – Habubu sports a golden mask and traditional Arabic attire, reflecting regional cultural values while maintaining a global appeal. Her expressive eyes and affable personality have helped her amass a growing fanbase across TikTok and Instagram, where she has been promoted as a virtual friend and cultural ambassador.
Interestingly, the same company, IFCM, managed Abdu Rozik, a popular Bigg Boss contestant from a previous season. This connection lends further credibility to reports of Habubu’s entry and indicates the move is part of a well-orchestrated media strategy rather than a gimmick.
Bigg Boss 19
This season, hosted once again by Salman Khan, is expected to follow a theme titled “Rewind”, which promises a return to classic Bigg Boss formats, tasks, and emotional drama. In this context, introducing an AI participant like Habubu adds a unique layer: combining nostalgia with cutting-edge innovation.
Reports suggest that Habubu will be specially reprogrammed for the Bigg Boss house to ensure balanced interaction with human contestants. Producers aim to avoid her dominating the show while still using her AI features like multilingual communication and emotional simulation to enrich the house dynamics.
What does Habubu’s entry in Big Boss mean for the UAE?
For the UAE, Habubu’s potential appearance on one of India’s most-watched TV programmes is a significant cultural and technological milestone. As the Gulf nation strives to lead in AI and smart innovation, Habubu showcases homegrown tech talent making its mark in global entertainment.
Her participation could strengthen UAE–India cultural ties, and reflects Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s growing roles in the AI industry, with major robotics expos and public tech initiatives.