The twelfth season of Bigg Boss, the Indian adaptation of the international reality show Big Brother, premiered on September 16, 2018, on Colors TV. This season introduced the “Vichitra Jodis” (Unique Pairs) theme, bringing a fresh dynamic to the show’s format. Spanning 105 days, the season concluded with a grand finale on December 30, 2018.
Winner of Bigg Boss Season 12 (2018): Dipika Kakar
Emerging victorious in the twelfth season was Dipika Kakar, a renowned television actress best known for her role in the series Sasural Simar Ka. Her compassionate nature, resilience, and ability to handle conflicts gracefully endeared her to viewers, leading to her win. Dipika took home the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹30 lakh.
Runner-Up of Bigg Boss Season 12: Sreesanth
The first runner-up position was secured by Sreesanth, a former Indian cricketer known for his dynamic personality. His emotional journey, competitive spirit, and candid nature made him a formidable contender throughout the season.
Host: Salman Khan
The season was hosted by Salman Khan, the Bollywood superstar who had been associated with the show since its fourth season. His charismatic presence and engaging interactions with the contestants added a unique flavor to the show, significantly boosting its popularity.
Contestants List
Bigg Boss Season 12 featured a diverse group of contestants from various backgrounds. Here’s the complete list:
- Dipika Kakar – Television actress.
- Sreesanth – Former cricketer.
- Karanvir Bohra – Television actor.
- Romil Chaudhary – Lawyer.
- Deepak Thakur – Singer.
- Surbhi Rana – Dentist and reality TV star.
- Somy Khan – Commoner.
- Saba Khan – Commoner.
- Shivashish Mishra – Businessman.
- Sourabh Patel – Farmer.
- Anup Jalota – Bhajan singer.
- Jasleen Matharu – Singer and actress.
- Neha Pendse – Television actress.
- Srishty Rode – Television actress.
- Roshmi Banik – Businesswoman.
- Kriti Verma – GST officer.
- Nirmal Singh – Policeman.
- Ritika Singh – Boxer and actress.
- Roshmi Banik – Businesswoman.
- Kriti Verma – GST officer.
Notable Entries:
- Surbhi Rana: Entered the house as a wild card contestant, bringing her bold personality and stirring dynamics within the house.
- Anup Jalota and Jasleen Matharu: Entered as a “vichitra jodi,” their unique relationship garnered significant attention.
Format and Highlights
Bigg Boss Season 12 adhered to the traditional format where contestants, referred to as housemates, lived together in isolation from the outside world. They participated in various tasks, faced weekly nominations, and evictions were determined by public votes.
Some of the season’s highlights included:
- Vichitra Jodis Theme: Contestants entered the house in pairs, including unique combinations like lawyer-client and singer-fan, adding a fresh twist to the game dynamics.
- Sreesanth’s Emotional Journey: His struggles with anger management and emotional breakdowns were focal points, showcasing a complex personality.
- Dipika and Sreesanth’s Bond: Their sibling-like relationship was heartwarming and became a central narrative of the season.
Finalists
By the end of the season, the top five contestants were:
- Dipika Kakar – Winner.
- Sreesanth – Runner-up.
- Deepak Thakur – Third place.
- Romil Chaudhary – Fourth place.
- Karanvir Bohra – Fifth place.
Their journey in the house was marked by strategic gameplay, alliances, and personal growth, keeping the audience engaged till the finale.
Viewership and Legacy
Bigg Boss Season 12 garnered significant viewership, with its mix of drama, entertainment, and real-life emotions resonating with audiences. The season’s success further solidified the show’s format in India, paving the way for subsequent seasons. Salman Khan’s hosting was particularly appreciated for his empathetic approach and relatability.
