The fifth season of Bigg Boss, the Indian adaptation of the international reality show Big Brother, premiered on October 2, 2011, on Colors TV. This season was particularly notable for its dual hosting by Bollywood actors Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan, adding a unique dynamic to the show’s presentation. The season spanned 14 weeks, culminating in a grand finale on January 7, 2012.
Winner of Bigg Boss Season 5 (2011): Juhi Parmar
Emerging winner of Bigg Boss in the fifth season was Juhi Parmar, a renowned television actress best known for her role in the popular series Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. Her composed demeanor, resilience, and ability to navigate the complexities of the house endeared her to viewers, leading to her historic win. Juhi took home the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1 crore.
Runner-Up of Bigg Boss Season 5: Mahek Chahal
The first runner-up position was secured by Mahek Chahal, an actress and model known for her work in Bollywood films. Her vibrant personality and active participation in tasks made her a strong contender throughout the season.
Hosts: Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan
The season was co-hosted by Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan, both prominent figures in the Indian film industry. Their camaraderie and distinct hosting styles added a fresh flavor to the show, engaging audiences and providing varied perspectives during interactions with the contestants.
Contestants List
Bigg Boss Season 5 featured a diverse group of contestants from various backgrounds. Here’s the complete list:
- Juhi Parmar – Television actress.
- Mahek Chahal – Actress and model.
- Akashdeep Saigal – Television actor.
- Amar Upadhyay – Television actor.
- Pooja Bedi – Actress and television host.
- Pooja Misrra – Model and video jockey.
- Shakti Kapoor – Veteran Bollywood actor.
- Shraddha Sharma – Actress and model.
- Vida Samadzai – Afghan-American model and beauty queen.
- Laxmi Narayan Tripathi – Transgender rights activist.
- Mandeep Bevli – Television anchor.
- Raageshwari Loomba – Singer and actress.
- Gulabo Sapera – Folk dancer.
- Nihita Biswas – Wife of convicted serial killer Charles Sobhraj.
Wild Card Entries:
- Sunny Leone: Indo-Canadian actress and model, entered on Day 49.
- Andrew Symonds: Australian cricketer, entered on Day 69.
- Siddharth Bhardwaj: Reality TV star, entered on Day 35.
- Swami Agnivesh: Social activist, entered on Day 42.
Guest Entries:
- Andrew Symonds: Entered as a guest on Day 69.
- Pooja Misrra: Re-entered as Andrew Symonds’ translator on Day 69.
Format and Highlights
Bigg Boss Season 5 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:
- Sunny Leone’s Entry: Her participation garnered significant attention, leading to her subsequent entry into Bollywood.
- Pooja Misrra’s Controversies: Known for her confrontational behavior, she became one of the most talked-about contestants.
- Andrew Symonds’ Stay: The cricketer’s entry added an international flavor to the show, and his camaraderie with the housemates was well-received.
Finalists
By the end of the season, the top four contestants were:
- Juhi Parmar – Winner.
- Mahek Chahal – Runner-up.
- Siddharth Bhardwaj – Third place.
- Amar Upadhyay – Fourth 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 5 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. The dual hosting by Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan was particularly appreciated for its novelty and the hosts’ dynamic interaction.
Conclusion
Bigg Boss Season 5 was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing intense drama, memorable moments, and incredible performances by contestants. Juhi Parmar’s journey from a contestant to the winner was a testament to her resilience and connection with the audience. The season left a lasting impact on Indian reality television, and its legacy continues to inspire future seasons.
