Bigg Boss, one of India’s most popular reality TV shows, has captivated audiences with its drama, controversies, and emotional moments since its inception in 2006. Over the years, the show has grown into a cultural phenomenon, with millions tuning in to watch celebrities compete for the coveted title. Hosted by prominent personalities, the show puts contestants in a house filled with cameras, challenges, and unpredictable twists. Let’s delve into the list of winners, their journeys, and what made them stand out.
Overview of Bigg Boss
The show’s format involves contestants, referred to as “housemates,” living together in a specially constructed house. They are isolated from the outside world and are constantly monitored by cameras. Each week, one or more contestants are nominated for eviction, and viewers vote to save their favorites. The housemates face tasks, challenges, and unexpected eliminations to stay in the game.
Bigg Boss Winners: Season 1 to 18
Below is a comprehensive list of winners, their runner-ups, hosts, and prize money for each season:
| Season | Winner | Runner-Up | Host(s) | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rahul Roy | Carol Gracias | Arshad Warsi | ₹1 crore |
| 2 | Ashutosh Kaushik | Raja Chaudhary | Shilpa Shetty | ₹1 crore |
| 3 | Vindu Dara Singh | Pravesh Rana | Amitabh Bachchan | ₹1 crore |
| 4 | Shweta Tiwari | The Great Khali | Salman Khan | ₹1 crore |
| 5 | Juhi Parmar | Mahek Chahal | Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan | ₹1 crore |
| 6 | Urvashi Dholakia | Imam Siddique | Salman Khan | ₹50 lakh |
| 7 | Gauahar Khan | Tanishaa Mukerji | Salman Khan | ₹50 lakh |
| 8 | Gautam Gulati | Karishma Tanna | Salman Khan, Farah Khan (for the extended finale) | ₹50 lakh |
| 9 | Prince Narula | Rishabh Sinha | Salman Khan | ₹50 lakh |
| 10 | Manveer Gurjar | Bani J | Salman Khan | ₹50 lakh |
| 11 | Shilpa Shinde | Hina Khan | Salman Khan | ₹50 lakh |
| 12 | Dipika Kakar | Sreesanth | Salman Khan | ₹30 lakh |
| 13 | Sidharth Shukla | Asim Riaz | Salman Khan | ₹40 lakh |
| 14 | Rubina Dilaik | Rahul Vaidya | Salman Khan | ₹36 lakh |
| 15 | Tejasswi Prakash | Pratik Sehajpal | Salman Khan | ₹40 lakh |
| 16 | MC Stan | Shiv Thakare | Salman Khan | ₹31.8 lakh |
| 17 | Munawar Faruqui | Abhishek Kumar | Salman Khan | ₹25 lakh |
| 18 | TBD | TBD | Salman Khan | TBD |
Winners of Bigg Boss Season 1 to 18 with Images
Season 1 (2006-2007) – Rahul Roy
Rahul Roy, renowned for his role in the 1990s film Aashiqui, became the inaugural winner of Bigg Boss. His calm demeanor and ability to stay away from controversies endeared him to the audience. Hosted by Arshad Warsi, the first season set the tone for the series, introducing viewers to the concept of reality TV in India.
Season 2 (2008) – Ashutosh Kaushik
Ashutosh Kaushik, who gained fame by winning MTV Roadies 5.0, clinched the title in the second season of Bigg Boss. His straightforward nature and grounded personality resonated with viewers. The season was hosted by Shilpa Shetty, adding a touch of glamour to the show.
Season 3 (2009) – Vindu Dara Singh
Vindu Dara Singh, son of legendary wrestler and actor Dara Singh, emerged victorious in the third season. Known for his emotional outbursts and candid nature, Vindu’s journey was marked by highs and lows. The season was notably hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, whose presence added gravitas to the show.
Season 4 (2010-2011) – Shweta Tiwari
Shweta Tiwari, a popular television actress, became the first female winner of Bigg Boss in fourth season. Her resilience and ability to handle conflicts gracefully made her a favorite among viewers. This season marked the beginning of Salman Khan’s long-standing association with the show as its host.
Season 5 (2011-2012) – Juhi Parmar
Juhi Parmar, known for her role in Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, won the fifth season of bigg boss. Her diplomatic approach and strong personality helped her navigate the complexities of the house. The season was co-hosted by Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan, offering a unique dynamic to the show’s presentation.
Season 6 (2012-2013) – Urvashi Dholakia
Urvashi Dholakia, famous for portraying Komolika in Kasautii Zindagii Kay, took home the trophy in the sixth season. Her straightforwardness and unwillingness to mince words made her stand out. Salman Khan continued as the host, engaging audiences with his charismatic style.
Season 7 (2013) – Gauahar Khan
Gauahar Khan, a model and actress, emerged as the winner of the seventh season. Her strong opinions and romantic involvement with co-contestant Kushal Tandon were significant highlights. Salman Khan’s hosting added to the season’s appeal, maintaining high viewership ratings.
Season 8 (2014-2015) – Gautam Gulati
Gautam Gulati, a television actor, became a household name after his victory in Bigg Boss Season 8. His unapologetic attitude and ability to entertain made him a fan favorite. His catchphrase “We love Gauti” became a cultural trend among his supporters. This season was also extended with a spin-off, Bigg Boss Halla Bol, hosted by Farah Khan after Salman Khan temporarily stepped away.
Season 9 (2015-2016) – Prince Narula
Prince Narula, already a star from winning MTV Roadies and Splitsvilla, added another reality show title to his name by winning Bigg Boss 9. His leadership skills, romantic relationship with co-contestant Yuvika Chaudhary (whom he later married), and strategic gameplay earned him widespread admiration.
Season 10 (2016-2017) – Manveer Gurjar
Manveer Gurjar made history by becoming the first non-celebrity (commoner) contestant to win Bigg Boss. His humble background, relatable personality, and strong friendships in the house struck a chord with viewers. Salman Khan’s hosting continued to anchor the show’s immense popularity.
Season 11 (2017-2018) – Shilpa Shinde
Shilpa Shinde, a popular TV actress, won the eleventh season with her caring, motherly nature toward her housemates. Her ongoing feud with fellow contestant Hina Khan provided the season with dramatic moments, but Shilpa’s ability to maintain her composure won her the audience’s votes.
Season 12 (2018) – Dipika Kakar
Television actress Dipika Kakar, best known for her role in Sasural Simar Ka, became the twelfth season’s winner. Her affectionate bond with co-contestant Sreesanth, whom she treated like a brother, and her composed demeanor made her a standout contestant.
Season 13 (2019-2020) – Sidharth Shukla
Season 13 is often hailed as the most successful and memorable season of Bigg Boss. Sidharth Shukla, a television superstar, won the trophy after delivering an intense and dramatic journey. His strong personality, confrontations with Rashami Desai, and close bond with Shehnaaz Gill contributed to the show’s record-breaking TRPs.
Season 14 (2020-2021) – Rubina Dilaik
Rubina Dilaik, known for her work in daily soaps, emerged victorious in Season 14. Her bold opinions, leadership skills, and strong stance on various issues in the house made her a deserving winner. Her personal revelation about her troubled marriage, which she eventually worked on with her husband, added an emotional layer to her journey.
Season 15 (2021-2022) – Tejasswi Prakash
Tejasswi Prakash won the fifteenth season with her vibrant personality and competitive spirit. Her romance with Karan Kundrra was one of the highlights of the season. Shortly after winning, Tejasswi bagged the lead role in the popular television series Naagin 6, further elevating her career.
Season 16 (2022-2023) – MC Stan
The sixteenth season crowned rapper MC Stan as its winner. Known for his street-smart personality and unique style, he brought a fresh energy to the show. His journey resonated with a younger audience, and his massive fan base played a crucial role in his victory.
Season 17 (2023) – Munawar Faruqui
Season 17 saw comedian Munawar Faruqui taking home the trophy. His wit, charm, and ability to navigate challenging situations in the house made him a fan favorite. Salman Khan continued to host the show, maintaining its high entertainment value.
Season 18 (2024) – TBD
The eighteenth season is currently underway, and fans are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge as the next winner. As the contestants battle it out, the excitement around this season remains as high as ever.
Hosts of Bigg Boss and Their Tenures
| Host | Number of Seasons Hosted | Seasons | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arshad Warsi | 1 | Season 1 (2006) | Arshad Warsi hosted the inaugural season. His humor and lighthearted approach set the tone for the show’s launch in India. |
| Shilpa Shetty | 1 | Season 2 (2008) | Actress Shilpa Shetty, fresh off her global fame from Big Brother UK, brought elegance and charm to the second season. |
| Amitabh Bachchan | 1 | Season 3 (2009) | Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan lent gravitas and star power to the show during this season. |
| Salman Khan | 14 (and ongoing) | Seasons 4–18 (2010–2025) | Salman Khan is the longest-running and most iconic host of Bigg Boss, known for his candid interactions and relatability. |
| Sanjay Dutt | 1 | Season 5 (2011) | Co-hosted alongside Salman Khan, adding a unique dynamic during the fifth season. |
| Farah Khan | 0.5 (extended finale) | Bigg Boss Halla Bol (Season 8) | Took over for Salman Khan during the extended finale of Season 8, known as Halla Bol. |
Why Salman Khan is the Most Iconic Host
- Consistency: Hosting for 14+ seasons (as of 2025), Salman Khan has become the face of the show.
- Engagement: His candid yet relatable interactions with contestants strike a chord with viewers.
- Authority: Salman is known for reprimanding contestants when necessary, adding an authoritative presence.
- Entertainment: His sense of humor and casual style make the show entertaining and engaging.
- Mass Appeal: Salman’s star power ensures the show’s popularity across a wide demographic.
Salman Khan’s long-standing tenure has made him an integral part of Bigg Boss‘s success story.
Controversies and Popularity
One cannot discuss Bigg Boss without mentioning its controversies, which are often a key factor in its immense popularity. From verbal spats to emotional breakdowns and even physical altercations, the show thrives on its dramatic content. However, these controversies also highlight human vulnerabilities, relationships, and survival instincts, making the show a social experiment that viewers love to analyze and discuss.
The presence of a strong host like Salman Khan has been instrumental in managing these controversies, often stepping in to reprimand contestants or diffuse tense situations, which adds another layer of engagement for the audience.
What Makes Bigg Boss Unique?
- Diverse Cast: The show brings together contestants from different backgrounds—actors, singers, athletes, models, and commoners—creating an interesting mix of personalities.
- Unpredictable Twists: From surprise evictions to shocking wild card entries, the show keeps contestants and viewers on their toes.
- Public Involvement: The voting system allows fans to influence the outcome, creating a deep connection between viewers and the show.
- Emotional Stories: Personal revelations, friendships, and rivalries give the audience a glimpse into the contestants’ real personalities, making it more relatable.
- Grand Finale: The culmination of every season is a grand event, with live performances, celebrity guests, and immense anticipation around the winner.
The Future of Bigg Boss
As the show gears up for its eighteenth season, expectations are higher than ever. With new twists and a fresh set of contestants, Bigg Boss continues to evolve, maintaining its position as a leader in Indian reality television. The show’s ability to adapt to changing audience preferences and its knack for reinvention ensure its enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Bigg Boss has become a cultural phenomenon in India, offering a mix of entertainment, drama, and life lessons. Each winner’s journey is a testament to perseverance, strategy, and the power of connecting with the audience. The show’s legacy is built not just on its controversies and TRPs but also on its ability to showcase the resilience of the human spirit under challenging circumstances.
With its unique blend of unpredictability and emotional depth, Bigg Boss has cemented its place in the hearts of millions. As it continues to grow, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this iconic show’s history. Whether you’re a long-time viewer or a newcomer, Bigg Boss promises an unforgettable ride every season.
