By SRTeam Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8, also known as “Limitless”, aired on Star Maa and streamed on JioHotstar. The season premiered on 1 September 2024 and ran for 106 days, wrapping up on 15 December 2024.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 Host
Once again, Akkineni Nagarjuna returned as the host. It was his sixth consecutive season as Bigg Boss Telugu’s anchor—bringing his trademark charm, wit, and warmth to the show.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 Winner & Runner-Up
At the grand finale, Nikhil Maliyakkal was declared the winner. Alongside the coveted trophy, he also took home the prize money of ₹55 lakh.
The first runner-up was Gautham Krishna, known as both an actor and doctor, who impressed the audience throughout the season.
Finalists & Wild-Card Entries
The finale also featured other worthy contestants such as Nabeel, Prerana, and Avinash who made it to the final five.
Midway through the season, eight wild-card contestants—all returning players from previous seasons—entered the house as part of a “Reloaded” twist. Notables include Hari Teja, Tasty Teja, Nayani Pavani, Mehaboob Shaikh, Rohini Noni Reddy, Gautham Krishna (finalist), Avinash, and Gangavva.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 Contestants Overview
Initially, 14 original pairs of contestants entered the house. Each pair entered as “buddies”:
- Yashmi Gowda and Nikhil Maliyakkal
- Abhay Bethiganti and Prerana Kambam
- Bezawada Bebakka and Shekar Basha
- Aditya Om and Soniya Akula
- Seetha (Kiraak Seetha) and Naga Manikanta
- Prithviraj Shetty and Vishnupriya Bhimineni
- Nainika and Nabeel Afridi
Some more notable names from the season include:
- Madhoo (Bezawada Bebakka) – Internet comedian
- Shekar Basha – Popular radio jockey
- Aditya Om – Actor-filmmaker
- Soniya Akula – Actress known for George Reddy
Why Season 8 Stood Out
- Buddy Entry Format: Contestants entered as pairs, creating unique dynamics and challenges.
- No Captaincy or Ration: Unlike earlier seasons, there was no captaincy or automatic ration; housemates had to earn food through tasks.
- Return of Past Faces: The “Reloaded” mid-season twist added returning housemates, bringing fresh energy and old rivalries.
- Strong Final Showdown: The public saw a balanced and gripping competition among top finalists—Nikhil’s calm strategy and Gautham’s consistent game made the finale very even.
Final Thoughts
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 was a high-voltage season full of entertainment, emotion, and strategy. Nikhil’s win was celebrated for his calm and steady gameplay, while Gautham’s strong presence clinched him a well-deserved second place. With Nagarjuna at the helm, fresh twists like buddy entry and reloaded wild-cards, this season delivered memorable television that fans will talk about for a long time.