The inaugural season of Bigg Boss Tamil premiered on June 25, 2017, marking a significant milestone in Tamil television history. Hosted by the legendary actor Kamal Haasan, the show introduced audiences to a novel reality TV format, bringing together a diverse group of contestants under one roof for 98 days. The season concluded on September 30, 2017, with model and actor Arav Nafeez emerging as the winner.
Winner of Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1 (2017): Arav Nafeez
Arav Nafeez, a model and actor, clinched the title of the first season of Bigg Boss Tamil. His calm demeanor and strategic gameplay resonated with the audience, earning him widespread popularity. Arav’s journey in the house was marked by his ability to maintain composure amidst conflicts and his knack for building strong relationships with fellow contestants. Post his victory, Arav received a cash prize of ₹50 lakh and continued to pursue a career in the Tamil film industry.
Runner-up of Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1: Snehan Sivaselvam
The runner-up position was secured by Snehan Sivaselvam, a renowned lyricist and poet in the Tamil entertainment industry. Known for his emotional depth and expressive nature, Snehan formed close bonds with many housemates and was often seen as a guiding figure within the house. His candidness and heartfelt interactions endeared him to both the contestants and the viewers.
Host: Kamal Haasan
The show was hosted by the versatile actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan, who brought his unique flair and gravitas to the program. His insightful observations, coupled with his ability to address controversies with tact, added a distinctive touch to the show. Kamal Haasan’s involvement was instrumental in elevating the show’s appeal, making it a household name across Tamil Nadu.
Contestants List
The first season featured a mix of celebrities from various fields, contributing to the show’s dynamic environment. The contestants were:
- Sri: An actor known for his roles in films like Vazhakku Enn 18/9 and Maanagaram.
- Anuya Bhagvath: Actress recognized for her performance in Siva Manasula Sakthi.
- Vaiyapuri: A comedian with a significant presence in Tamil cinema.
- Gayathri Raghuram: Choreographer and actress with contributions to numerous Tamil films.
- Bharani: Actor famed for his role in Naadodigal.
- Raiza Wilson: Model and former beauty pageant contestant.
- Snehan Sivaselvam: Lyricist and poet with a substantial body of work in Tamil music.
- Oviya: Actress popular for her role in Kalavani.
- Harathi Ganesh: Comedian and actress known for her work in Tamil television and films.
- Arav Nafeez: Model and actor, who later emerged as the season’s winner.
- Shakthi Vasudevan: Actor and son of veteran director P. Vasu.
- Ganja Karuppu: Comedian and supporting actor in Tamil cinema.
- Maria Juliana (Julie): Gained fame as a nurse during the Jallikattu protests.
- Ganesh Venkatraman: Actor known for his roles in films like Abhiyum Naanum.
- Namitha: Actress and former beauty queen with a significant fan following.
Additionally, the show introduced wildcard entrants to spice up the dynamics:
- Bindu Madhavi: Actress known for her work in Tamil and Telugu films.
- Suja Varunee: Actress and dancer with appearances in various South Indian films.
- Harish Kalyan: Actor and singer recognized for his roles in Tamil cinema.
- Kaajal Pasupathi: Actress and VJ with experience in Tamil television and films.
Season Highlights
The first season of Bigg Boss Tamil was replete with memorable moments and controversies that kept viewers engaged:
- Oviya’s Exit: One of the most talked-about incidents was Oviya’s voluntary exit from the show, citing mental health reasons. Her candid nature and straightforwardness had garnered her a massive fan following, leading to widespread discussions on social media upon her departure.
- Bharani’s Ejection: Contestant Bharani was ejected from the house after attempting to escape by climbing over the compound wall. This incident sparked debates about the mental pressure contestants face within the confined environment.
- Group Dynamics: The formation of groups and alliances within the house led to several confrontations and emotional moments, reflecting the complexities of human relationships under constant surveillance.
Reception and Impact
The inaugural season received a mixed response from audiences and critics. While some appreciated the fresh format and the host’s involvement, others criticized certain aspects of the show. Despite this, the show managed to capture a significant viewership, leading to increased ratings for the channel. The success of the first season paved the way for subsequent seasons, establishing Bigg Boss Tamil as a staple in Tamil reality television.
In conclusion, Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1 set the foundation for a series that continues to captivate audiences with its blend of drama, entertainment, and human emotions. The diverse mix of contestants, coupled with Kamal Haasan’s charismatic hosting, ensured that the show left an indelible mark on Tamil television history.
