Bigg Boss, the Indian adaptation of the globally popular American reality show Big Brother, first found massive success in its Hindi version, captivating audiences nationwide. Building on this popularity, the makers expanded the format to several regional languages, including Telugu. The Telugu edition made its grand debut on July 16, 2017, with the charismatic Young Tiger Jr NTR as the host.
Broadcast on Star Maa and streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, the show quickly gained a loyal fanbase. Season 2 saw Natural Star Nani take over hosting duties in 2018, while the legendary Nagarjuna became the face of the show from 2019 through 2024. Below is a complete, season-wise list of Telugu Bigg Boss winners from Season 1 to Season 8.
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Shiva Balaji – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1 Winner
Shiva Balaji Manoharan is a well-known actor in the Telugu film industry, with appearances in Tamil films as well. He made his debut as a lead actor in Idi Maa Ashokgadi Love Story (2003), directed by Suresh Krishna. His role in Arya alongside Allu Arjun gained him widespread recognition. In 2006, he won the prestigious Copper Nandi Award for his performance, cementing his place in Tollywood. Shiva Balaji emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Kaushal Manda – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2 Winner
Kaushal Manda is an Indian actor with a career spanning popular Telugu films and television shows. He has acted in movies like Raja Kumarudu, Comedy Express, Anaganaga Oka Aranyam, and O Manjula Katha. His journey in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2 captured hearts, and he ultimately lifted the winner’s trophy, further elevating his popularity.
Rahul Sipligunj – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 Winner
Rahul Sipligunj is a talented folk and playback singer, songwriter, and independent musician known for his Telangana slang folk songs. His song Magajaathi on YouTube brought him widespread attention. Having contributed to over 30 Tollywood films, Rahul’s unique voice made him a household name. His victory in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 showcased his versatility beyond music.
Abijeeth Duddala – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 4 Winner
Abijeeth Duddala is an actor recognized for his work in Telugu cinema. He made his acting debut with Sekhar Kammula’s Life Is Beautiful and appeared in films like Ram Leela and Mirchi Lanti Kurradu. His calm demeanor and strong fan support led him to win Bigg Boss Telugu Season 4.
VJ Sunny – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5 Winner
VJ Sunny, known for his roles in Telugu television serials such as Kalyana Vaibhogam, gained immense popularity through Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5. His journey was marked by resilience and charisma, eventually winning him the title, along with a cash prize of ₹50 lakh and a 300-square-yard plot.
Revanth – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 6 Winner
L.V. Revanth is a celebrated playback singer with over 200 songs in Telugu and Kannada cinema. He gained fame by winning Indian Idol 9 and has received accolades for songs like Manohari from Baahubali: The Beginning. His stint in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 6 showcased his personal side, leading to his victory.
Pallavi Prashanth – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 7 Winner
Pallavi Prashanth is an agricultural enthusiast and digital content creator, primarily active on YouTube. Known for his informative and entertaining videos on farming, he became a fan favorite during Bigg Boss Telugu Season 7. His humble background and relatable persona resonated with viewers, earning him the winner’s title.
Nikhil Maliyakkal – Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 Winner
Nikhil Maliyakkal is an actor and YouTuber who has worked in Kannada and Telugu television and cinema. Hailing from Mysore, Nikhil has a background in engineering but found his true calling in the entertainment industry. His journey in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 was marked by dedication and charm, ultimately leading him to win the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bigg Boss Telugu?
Bigg Boss Telugu is the Telugu-language version of the popular Indian reality TV show based on the Big Brother format. Contestants live together in a specially constructed house, isolated from the outside world, and are eliminated weekly based on audience votes.
Who was the first winner of Bigg Boss Telugu?
Shiva Balaji was the first winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1, which aired in 2017.
Who is the latest winner of Bigg Boss Telugu (Season 8)?
Nikhil Maliyakkal emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8.
Who has hosted Bigg Boss Telugu so far?
The show has been hosted by Jr NTR (Season 1), Nani (Season 2), and Nagarjuna (Seasons 3 to 8).
Where can I watch Bigg Boss Telugu episodes?
Bigg Boss Telugu is broadcast on Star Maa and is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
How are Bigg Boss Telugu winners decided?
Winners are chosen based on public votes, which are collected through official platforms like Hotstar and missed call voting.
Conclusion
Bigg Boss Telugu has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its blend of entertainment, drama, and human emotions. Over the years, the show has given a platform to diverse personalities—from actors and singers to content creators and commoners—who showcased their resilience, talent, and charisma. Each season has brought forward a deserving winner, reflecting the audience’s support and connection with these individuals.