Awez Darbar, the 32-year-old choreographer and social media sensation, has officially entered the Bigg Boss 19 house as one of the most anticipated contestants of this season. With over 50 million followers across all social media platforms, Awez brings unprecedented digital star power to India’s most controversial reality show. As the son of renowned Bollywood music composer Ismail Darbar and brother-in-law to former Bigg Boss winner Gauahar Khan, his entry promises high entertainment value and strategic gameplay that could reshape the entire season.
Early Life and Family Background
Awez Darbar was born on March 16, 1993, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. His father, Ismail Darbar, is a celebrated Bollywood music composer who won the National Film Award for Best Music Direction for the iconic film “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” in 1999. Ismail Darbar also composed music for blockbuster films like “Devdas” and worked with legendary music directors including Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, and A.R. Rahman.
Growing up in Mumbai, Awez was always passionate about performing arts, particularly dance and choreography. Despite his father’s musical background and initial expectations for him to pursue music, Awez chose to follow his heart and dedicated himself to dance. He completed his graduation from LTM College, Mumbai, and began his journey in the entertainment industry at the young age of 16.
The Darbar family includes several other talented individuals. Awez has three siblings: Zaid Darbar (who is married to Bigg Boss 7 winner Gauahar Khan), Anam Darbar (also a social media influencer), and Moonzarin Darbar. From his father’s second marriage to singer Ayesha I. Darbar, he has a half-brother named Imaan Darbar.
Rise to Social Media Fame
The TikTok Era
Awez Darbar’s journey to stardom began during the TikTok era, where he became one of India’s most followed creators with 22.3 million followers. His dance videos, lip-sync performances, and choreographed content went viral, establishing him as a household name among Gen Z and millennial audiences. His unique ability to combine dance with humor, romance, and storytelling set him apart from other content creators.
After TikTok was banned in India in 2020, Awez successfully transitioned to other platforms, demonstrating his adaptability and business acumen. This transition proved his sustainability as a digital creator beyond platform dependencies.
Instagram and YouTube Success
On Instagram, Awez has amassed an impressive 30.7 million followers, making him one of India’s most followed choreographers and content creators. His Instagram content includes energetic dance performances, lifestyle posts, travel vlogs, and collaborations with Bollywood celebrities and fellow influencers.
His YouTube channel, started in 2014, has grown to over 12.5 million subscribers. The channel features dance choreographies, music videos, vlogs, and behind-the-scenes content from his various projects. Some of his most popular YouTube videos have garnered millions of views, contributing significantly to his income and brand value.
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Professional Collaborations and Achievements
Throughout his career, Awez has collaborated with numerous Bollywood celebrities including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Nora Fatehi, and Neha Kakkar. These high-profile collaborations have elevated his status from a social media influencer to a recognized choreographer in the entertainment industry.
He has also featured in several popular music videos that gained widespread popularity:
- “Half Boyfriend” by Danish Alfaaz and Shriya Jain (2019) – featuring Nagma Mirajkar
- “Dholida Dhol Re”
- “Nai Jaana” by Tulsi Kumar and Sachet Tandon
- “Tum Na Ho” by Arjun Kanungo and Prakriti Kakar (2020)
B You Academy: Building a Dance Empire
In 2019, Awez co-founded B You Academy with his brother Zaid Darbar and choreographer Tejal Pimpley. The dance studio, located in Mumbai, was inaugurated by renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali on July 10, 2019.
B You Academy represents Awez’s vision of creating a professional platform for aspiring dancers to learn and grow. The academy offers various dance styles and has become a popular destination for dance enthusiasts across the country. The studio’s modern facilities and professional setup reflect Awez’s commitment to providing quality dance education.
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Television and Reality Show Experience
Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Setback
Awez participated as a wild card contestant in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 11, where he impressed judges Malaika Arora, Arshad Warsi, and Farah Khan with his dynamic performance on “Aala Re Aala” from the film Simmba. His debut performance earned him an impressive score of 27, showcasing his exceptional talent.
However, his journey was cut short due to an unfortunate accident during rehearsals for his second performance. Awez suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear in his right leg, requiring at least two months of recovery before he could dance again. Despite this setback, his brief appearance on the show demonstrated his resilience and positive attitude, qualities that will serve him well in Bigg Boss 19.
Personal Life and Relationships
Relationship with Nagma Mirajkar
One of the most talked-about aspects of Awez’s personal life has been his relationship with fellow content creator Nagma Mirajkar. The pair frequently collaborated on dance videos and content, leading to widespread speculation about their romantic relationship. Their combined hashtag #Nawez became popular among fans who shipped the couple.
However, recent reports suggest that their relationship has ended, with sources claiming that Awez’s alleged infidelity was a contributing factor. Despite the personal challenges, both have continued to maintain professional relationships and occasionally collaborate on content.
Notably, both Awez and Nagma have entered Bigg Boss 19 as contestants, adding an interesting dynamic to the show. Their interactions inside the house will undoubtedly be closely watched by audiences familiar with their history.
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Financial Success and Net Worth
Awez Darbar’s success as a digital creator has translated into substantial financial gains. Various sources estimate his net worth to be between ₹10-12 crores as of 2025. His income streams include:
Primary Revenue Sources:
- YouTube Partner Program: Estimated monthly earnings between $12.6K – $18.4K
- Instagram Sponsorships: Monthly earnings estimated at $163.7K – $224.3K
- Brand Endorsements: High-value partnerships with major brands
- Dance Academy: Revenue from B You Academy operations
- Music Video Features: Payments for appearances in music videos
According to financial analysis platforms, Awez’s annual income is estimated to be approximately $2.4M – $3.3M across all revenue streams. His Instagram alone generates an estimated $64,461 – $88,312 monthly, making him one of India’s highest-earning content creators.
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Entry into Bigg Boss 19
Strategic Addition to the Cast
Awez’s entry into Bigg Boss 19 represents a strategic move by the show’s producers to attract younger audiences and digital-native viewers. His massive social media following of over 50 million followers brings unprecedented digital engagement potential to the show.
As someone who has grown up in the entertainment industry and witnessed his father’s participation in Bigg Boss Season 3, Awez understands the show’s dynamics and challenges. His family connections, particularly his relationship with former winner Gauahar Khan, provide him with valuable insights into winning strategies.
Expected Game Strategy
Industry experts predict that Awez will leverage his entertainment background and social media savvy to connect with both housemates and audiences. His experience in handling public scrutiny and maintaining a positive image despite controversies suggests he possesses the emotional intelligence necessary for the show’s psychological challenges.
His dance skills and creative abilities are expected to be assets during weekly tasks and entertainment segments. Additionally, his youth appeal and digital influence could make him a strong contender for the winner’s title.
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Controversies and Challenges
Family Legal Issues
The Darbar family has faced several controversies over the years. In 2015, Awez, along with his brother Zaid Darbar and their father Ismail Darbar, were arrested on charges of physically assaulting an assistant music director named Prashamit Chaudhury over unpaid salary disputes. The incident involved alleged assault with hockey sticks, though all parties were later released on bail.
Personal Relationship Scandals
Recent social media discussions have highlighted alleged relationship controversies involving Awez. Multiple sources suggest that his relationship with Nagma Mirajkar ended due to infidelity issues, though these claims remain unverified. These personal challenges will likely be subjects of discussion and potential conflict within the Bigg Boss house.
Impact on Bigg Boss 19
Audience Engagement
Awez’s participation is expected to significantly boost viewership among younger demographics. His massive social media following translates to built-in audience engagement, potentially making him one of the most talked-about contestants on social media platforms.
Competition Dynamics
With his entertainment industry background, family connections to previous winners, and strategic understanding of reality television, Awez poses a significant threat to other contestants. His ability to create content and maintain audience interest could prove decisive in weekly eliminations.
The Road Ahead
Prize Money and Career Implications
The winner of Bigg Boss 19 is expected to receive a cash prize of ₹50 lakh, similar to recent seasons. For Awez, winning the show would represent more than financial gain – it would establish him as a mainstream entertainment personality beyond social media.
Victory in Bigg Boss could open doors to Bollywood opportunities, television hosting gigs, and premium brand endorsements that typically follow successful reality TV careers. Given his existing income levels, the strategic career benefits may outweigh the immediate monetary rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Awez Darbar’s age and background?
A: Awez Darbar is 32 years old, born on March 16, 1993, in Mumbai. He is the son of famous music composer Ismail Darbar and comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry.
Q: How many followers does Awez Darbar have on social media?
A: Awez has over 50 million followers across all platforms, including 30.7 million on Instagram, 12.5 million on YouTube, and had 22.3 million on TikTok before the platform was banned in India.
Q: What is Awez Darbar’s connection to previous Bigg Boss winners?
A: Awez is the brother-in-law of Gauahar Khan, who won Bigg Boss 7. His brother Zaid Darbar is married to Gauahar Khan.
Q: What is B You Academy?
A: B You Academy is a dance studio co-founded by Awez Darbar with his brother Zaid Darbar and Tejal Pimpley in 2019. The academy was inaugurated by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Q: Is Awez Darbar dating anyone currently?
A: While Awez was previously in a long-term relationship with fellow content creator Nagma Mirajkar, recent reports suggest they have broken up. Both are currently contestants in Bigg Boss 19.
Q: What is Awez Darbar’s estimated net worth?
A: Various sources estimate Awez Darbar’s net worth to be between ₹10-12 crores as of 2025, with annual earnings estimated at $2.4M – $3.3M from various revenue streams.
Q: Why did Awez leave Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa?
A: Awez had to leave Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 11 due to a Grade 3 MCL tear in his right leg that occurred during rehearsals, requiring at least two months of recovery.
Q: What makes Awez Darbar a strong Bigg Boss 19 contestant?
A: His massive social media following, entertainment industry experience, family connections to previous winners, dance skills, and understanding of audience engagement make him a formidable contestant.
