Bigg Boss 9: What's new and what's not

Yes, it's back. As Salman Khan unveiled the ninth edition of one of India's most disdained yet most viewed show, Bigg Boss began with "Double Trouble" ringing loud in every one's ears. Though everything isn't clear yet about this oft-repeated "double" angle, the contestants however aren't entering the house alone this time but tied literally with another contestant.

With a changed time slot this season, that maybe a hint at the not-so-suitable content coming our way, the show is all set to storm our television screens over the next four months. While you decide your favourite players, here's our take on what's changed and what hasn't in this year's Bigg Boss.

#1. New tricks

Salman Khan's hairstyle:

A crew cut that's probably for his next movie Sultan that's out next year on Eid and has him playing a wrestler, Salman's avatar is visibly different this year. And we're totally digging it.

Riot of Colors:

An obvious reference to the broadcasting channel, the show's set is exploring with colours. Pink, green, blue, white, orange and pretty much every colour that you can imagine. There's also singer Arvind Vegda adding more colour to the show, albeit a different one.

No token LGBT contestant:

The show may have given a platform to the community to face the entire nation in all its past seasons but this year the show doesn't seem to favour the oppressed. Wonder why?

Couple and ex-couple:

The show is famous as a breeding ground for new romances every year. This time, they've got two couples (Kishwar Merchant-Suyyash Rai and Rochelle Rao-Keith Sequira) and an ex-couple (Roopal Tyagi-Ankit Gera) on board. Will it be no love or love all?

Cameos galore:

From Deepak Dobriyal beginning the episode with Salman to starlets Elli Avram and Daisy Shah trying to up the glamour, there were quite a few cameos. There was also a ridiculous panel of journalists each one asking questions more ridiculous than the other. Will we see more such guest appearances? Only time will tell.

#2. Old tricks

Random "celebrities":

Like every year, this year's list of contestants also has a high majority of majorly unknown "stars", mostly from the world of television shows. Seriously Bigg Boss, who are some of these people?

Firangi tadka:

Salman's liking for all things exotic is well known. And so is those girls' eagerness to cling on the superstar for their own Bollywood prospects. This year, there are two such girls. Take your pick, Bhai.

Has-beens getting another chance:

From Rimi Sen who hasn't been seen in a movie in ages to Aman Verma trying to get over the impact of his sting operation controversy a few years ago, this season too has its fair share of those who'd vanished from the limelight and are desperate to make a comeback.

Bigg Boss' voice:

Probably the show's most impactful feature, the haunting voice of Bigg Boss is still the same. Not that we were expecting a change here anyway.

Awful clothes:

Surely the fashion fraternity would have been left cringing at the sight of every contestant wearing an outfit that spells disaster on every level. It's like an unsaid rule - dress as bad as you can. And when you think you've reached your worst, go for broke.

Also, here's the final list of the contestants' twosomes:

1. Digangana Suryavanshi & Roopal Tyagi

2. Prince Narula & Rochelle Rao

3. Kishwar Merchant & Aman Verma

4. Suyyash Rai & Rimi Sen

5. Yuvika Choudhary & Vikas Bhalla

6. Mandana Karimi & Keith Sequeira

7. Ankit Gera & Arvind Vegda