By SRTeam Since launching in April 2018, Bigg Boss Marathi has emerged as a flagship reality show for Marathi-language audiences—combining drama, strategy, cultural pride, and personal transformation. Hosted by Mahesh Manjrekar for Seasons 1–4 and Riteish Deshmukh in Season 5, the show has crowned winners like Megha Dhade, Shiv Thakare, Vishal Nikam, Akshay Kelkar, and Suraj Chavan. Each champion leveraged their time in the house to boost their profile—venturing into acting, entrepreneurship, or digital fame—highlighting Bigg Boss Marathi’s power as a career catalyst.
Bigg Boss Marathi Show Theme & Format
Bigg Boss Marathi follows the popular Big Brother format: contestants live in an isolated house monitored by 24×7 cameras, facing weekly tasks, nominations, and public voting. Mahesh Manjrekar (later Riteish Deshmukh) hosts the weekend episodes—moderating conflicts, guiding contestants, and announcing evictions. Each season runs roughly 70–100 days with 16–19 housemates. Finalists emerge via public votes, and the winner takes home a combination of cash prize, gift vouchers, and symbolic trophies. The show stands out for its Marathi cultural flavor, language authenticity, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Bigg Boss Marathi Winners & Runner‑Ups by Season
| Season | Year | Winner | Runner-up | Host | Prize & Extras |
| 1 | 2018 | Megha Dhade | Pushkar Jog | Mahesh Manjrekar | ₹50 Lakh |
| 2 | 2019 | Shiv Thakare | Neha Shitole | Mahesh Manjrekar | ~₹17 Lakh |
| 3 | 2021 | Vishal Nikam | Jay Dudhane | Mahesh Manjrekar | ~₹19 Lakh |
| 4 | 2022 | Akshay Kelkar | Apurva Nemlekar | Mahesh Manjrekar | ~₹15.5 Lakh + bracelet |
| 5 | 2024 | Suraj Chavan | Abhijeet Sawant | Riteish Deshmukh | ₹14.6 Lakh + jewels + bike |
Bigg Boss Marathi Season 1 (2018)
Airing from 15 April to 22 July 2018, Season 1 launched with Mahesh Manjrekar as host and 18 contestants from across Maharashtra. Megha Dhade—a television actress—won the title over Pushkar Jog, earning ₹50 lakh. Megha’s vibrant personality, sharp strategy, and audience rapport made her a standout finalist. Her mix of emotional fortitude and calculated gameplay resonated with viewers, making her victory emblematic of the debut season’s success.
Bigg Boss Marathi Season 2 (2019)
From 26 May to 1 September 2019, Season 2 returned with Mahesh again hosting and 17 housemates. Shiv Thakare, known for his reality‑TV savvy and grounded attitude, emerged victorious over Neha Shitole. Prize money reportedly hovered around ₹17 lakh. Shiv’s journey—from MTV Roadies contestant to winner of a regional reality show—showcased his emotional transparency and leadership.
Bigg Boss Marathi Season 3 (2021)
The third season aired 19 September–26 December 2021, with Mahesh still at the helm. Vishal Nikam, a television actor, won the ₹19 lakh prize and the title, defeating Jay Dudhane. Known for his calm demeanour and consistent performance, Vishal gained strong fan support. Despite pandemic-era precautions, the season concluded with high engagement and growth in Marathi entertainment visibility.
Bigg Boss Marathi Season 4 (2022)
Season 4 ran from 2 October 2022 to 8 January 2023, again with Mahesh Manjrekar hosting. Akshay Kelkar, a TV actor and model, won over Apurva Nemlekar, earning approximately ₹15.5 lakh in cash along with a gold bracelet and cheque. Akshay’s calm leadership and task consistency stood out. His finale victory came with significant viewer appreciation and further television assignments.
Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5 (2024)
The fifth season marked a major shift: Riteish Deshmukh stepped in as host when the show returned on 28 July and wrapped on 6 October. Suraj Chavan, a social media influencer, won the title, defeating singer Abhijeet Sawant. He gained ₹14.6 lakh cash, a ₹10 lakh jewellery voucher, and an electric two-wheeler. Suraj’s humorous yet grounded persona struck a chord with viewers, delivering the highest TRPs across all Marathi seasons.
Conclusion
Across five seasons, Bigg Boss Marathi has proven its strength in elevating personalities through emotional depth and strategy. Champions like Megha Dhade, Shiv Thakare, Vishal Nikam, Akshay Kelkar, and Suraj Chavan represent diverse backgrounds—yet each connected with viewers through authenticity, resilience, and relatability. With hosts evolving from Mahesh Manjrekar to Riteish Deshmukh, the show maintained freshness while preserving its Marathi-rooted identity. More than just entertainment, Bigg Boss Marathi became a cultural mirror—celebrating regional nuance, personal growth, and public engagement.