The thirteenth season of Bigg Boss, the Indian adaptation of the international reality show Big Brother, premiered on September 29, 2019, on Colors TV. This season, dubbed “Bigg Boss Tedha,” introduced a fresh twist by featuring only celebrity contestants, deviating from the previous format that included commoners. Spanning 140 days, it became the longest season in the show’s history, concluding with a grand finale on February 15, 2020.
Winner of Bigg Boss Season 13 (2019): Sidharth Shukla
Emerging victorious in the thirteenth season was Sidharth Shukla, a renowned television actor best known for his roles in series like Balika Vadhu and Dil Se Dil Tak. His assertive personality, leadership qualities, and strategic gameplay endeared him to viewers, leading to his win. Sidharth took home the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹50 lakh.
Runner-Up of Bigg Boss Season 13: Asim Riaz
The first runner-up position was secured by Asim Riaz, a model and fitness enthusiast from Jammu and Kashmir. His journey from an underdog to a strong contender, marked by his dedication and resilience, garnered him a massive fan following.
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 13 featured a diverse group of celebrity contestants from various backgrounds. Here’s the complete list:
- Sidharth Shukla – Television actor.
- Asim Riaz – Model.
- Shehnaaz Gill – Punjabi singer and actress.
- Rashami Desai – Television actress.
- Arti Singh – Television actress.
- Paras Chhabra – Television actor and model.
- Mahira Sharma – Television actress.
- Vishal Aditya Singh – Television actor.
- Shefali Jariwala – Actress and model.
- Hindustani Bhau (Vikas Fhatak) – YouTuber.
- Tehseen Poonawalla – Political analyst.
- Khesari Lal Yadav – Bhojpuri actor and singer.
- Arhaan Khan – Model and actor.
- Himanshi Khurana – Punjabi singer and actress.
- Madhurima Tuli – Television and film actress.
- Shefali Bagga – Journalist and news anchor.
- Devoleena Bhattacharjee – Television actress.
- Abu Malik – Music composer.
- Dalljiet Kaur – Television actress.
- Koena Mitra – Bollywood actress.
- Siddhartha Dey – Writer.
Notable Entries:
- Vikas Gupta: Entered the house as a proxy for Devoleena Bhattacharjee during her medical leave.
- Shefali Jariwala: Known for her appearance in the music video “Kaanta Laga,” she entered as a wild card contestant.
Format and Highlights
Bigg Boss Season 13 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:
- Intense Rivalries: The season was marked by intense rivalries, notably between Sidharth Shukla and Asim Riaz, which kept viewers engaged.
- Romantic Angles: Relationships like that of Paras Chhabra and Mahira Sharma, as well as the love-hate dynamics between Sidharth Shukla and Shehnaaz Gill, added to the entertainment quotient.
- Emotional Moments: Contestants like Rashami Desai and Arti Singh shared personal stories, resonating with the audience on an emotional level.
Finalists
By the end of the season, the top six contestants were:
- Sidharth Shukla – Winner.
- Asim Riaz – Runner-up.
- Shehnaaz Gill – Second runner-up.
- Rashami Desai – Third runner-up.
- Arti Singh – Fourth runner-up.
- Paras Chhabra – Fifth runner-up (chose to walk out with a cash prize).
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 13 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.
Conclusion
Bigg Boss Season 13 was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing intense drama, memorable moments, and incredible performances by contestants. Sidharth Shukla’s journey from a contestant to the winner was a testament to his resilience and connection with the audience. The season left a lasting impact on Indian reality television, and its legacy continues to inspire future seasons.
