By SRTeam Bigg Boss Telugu started in July 2017 and has become a popular reality TV show in Telugu. The show has had three hosts so far: Jr NTR, Nani, and Nagarjuna. Combining drama, strategy, personal transformation, and public engagement, the show has crowned champions across diverse backgrounds: actors, singers, influencers, and even farmers. Winners like Siva Balaji, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Sipligunj, Abijeet, VJ Sunny, L.V. Revanth, Pallavi Prashanth, and most recently Nikhil Maliyakkal have leveraged their fame into television and film opportunities—making Bigg Boss Telugu a major career catalyst.
Bigg Boss Telugu Theme & Format
Following the international Big Brother template, Bigg Boss Telugu locks contestants in a secured, camera-monitored house for ~100+ days. Every week, housemates nominate peers for eviction; the public votes out contestants until a winner emerges. Hosts—Jr NTR, Nani, and Nagarjuna—anchor weekend episodes, guide tasks, and deliver verdicts with charisma and insight. Themes like “Ulta-Pulta” and format innovations such as including commoners have kept the show fresh. The ultimate winner receives trophy, public acclaim, and cash prizes often exceeding ₹50 lakh.
Bigg Boss Telugu Winners & Runners‑Up by Season
| Season | Year | Winner | Runner‑Up | Host | Prize & Extras |
| 1 | 2017 | Siva Balaji | Aadarsh Balakrishna | Jr NTR | ₹50 lakh |
| 2 | 2018 | Kaushal Manda | Geetha Madhuri | Nani | ₹50 lakh |
| 3 | 2019 | Rahul Sipligunj | Sreemukhi | Nagarjuna | ₹50 lakh |
| 4 | 2020 | Abijeet Duddala | Akhil Sarthak | Nagarjuna | ₹25 lakh + bike |
| 5 | 2021 | VJ Sunny | Shanmukh Jaswanth | Nagarjuna | ₹50 lakh + bike + ₹25 lakh plot |
| 6 | 2022 | L.V. Revanth | Shrihan Shaik | Nagarjuna | ₹10 lakh + car + plot |
| 7 | 2023 | Pallavi Prashanth | Amardeep Chowdary | Nagarjuna | ₹35 lakh |
| 8 | 2024 | Nikhil Maliyakkal | Gautham Krishna | Nagarjuna | ₹55 lakh + car |
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1 (2017)
Hosted by Jr NTR, the debut season ran from July to September 2017 with 16 celebrity contestants. Siva Balaji, known for his roles in Telugu films, emerged winner over Aadarsh Balakrishna, credited for his composure, adaptability, and consistent voting support. The finale on 24 September 2017 drew massive television ratings and validated Telugu Bigg Boss as a serious reality franchise.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2 (2018)
Hosted by actor Nani, Season 2 (10 June–30 September) introduced commoners alongside celebrities. Kaushal Manda, a model-actor, won the title thanks to his strategic gameplay and loyal fanbase (“Kaushal Army”), defeating playback singer Geetha Madhuri. His popularity throughout 112 days—then longest season—solidified his win.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 (2019)
Nagarjuna hosted again for a 105-day run starting 21 July. Rahul Sipligunj, a folk singer and independent music star, claimed victory over Sreemukhi. His authenticity, musical flair, and down-to-earth persona made him a standout throughout the competition. The finale delivered some of the highest TRP ratings in the franchise.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 4 (2020)
Despite COVID-era production challenges, Season 4 delivered intense drama and public engagement. Abijeet Duddala, actor, won ₹25 lakh and a bike, edging out Akhil Sarthak. Abijeet’s composed temperament and strategic alliances stood out over 105 days. The race ended with a feel-good champion during uncertain times.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5 (2021)
Premiering 5 September with 19 contestants, this season offered whopping rewards: VJ Sunny took home ₹50 lakh, a bike, and a plot worth ₹25 lakh, defeating YouTuber Shanmukh Jaswanth. Sunny’s charm, relatability, and consistent task performance earned him fan loyalty and the trophy. His transition into films post-show underscores the platform’s power.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 6 (2022)
Season 6 (4 September – 18 December) featured 21 contestants. L.V. Revanth, playback singer and Indian Idol 9 winner, emerged as champion, taking ₹10 lakh (due to runner‑up settlement), a car, and a plot. He defeated Shrihan Shaik. Revanth’s dedication and emotional resilience endeared him to viewers.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 7 (2023)
Under the theme Ulta-Pulta, hosted by Nagarjuna, Season 7 ran from 3 September–17 December. Pallavi Prashanth, a farmer-turned-social media influencer, won ₹35 lakh over Amardeep Chowdary. Her humility, sincerity, and relatable background resonated across demographics—making this one of the most heartwarming wins.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 (2024)
The latest season premiered 1 September, ending 15 December 2024. Nikhil Maliyakkal, actor and YouTuber, claimed the title and ₹55 lakh plus a car, defeating Gautham Krishna. His strategic engagement and social bond-building led to a commanding finale performance. Season 8 drew renewed buzz with NTR’s sixth consecutive hosting stint.
Conclusion
Across eight seasons, Bigg Boss Telugu has evolved from a celebrity-centric show to one embracing diversity—celebrating entertainers, public figures, and commoners alike. Whether it’s Siva Balaji’s steadiness, Kaushal’s mass appeal, Rahul’s musical charm, or Pallavi’s inspiring resilience, every winner reflects a different path to triumph. Hosted by charismatic personalities like Jr NTR, Nani, and Nagarjuna, and sustained by loyal viewership, the series continues to influence careers and set trends. With Season 9 on the horizon—hosted perhaps by Vijay Deverakonda—Telugu audiences eagerly await new stories through this influential platform.