In 2019, the Telugu television audience was once again captivated by the return of the popular reality show, “Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3.” Premiering on July 21, 2019, on Star Maa, this season introduced new dynamics, a fresh set of contestants, and a charismatic host, making it a memorable chapter in the Bigg Boss Telugu franchise.
Winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 (2019): Rahul Sipligunj
After an eventful journey spanning 105 days, playback singer and independent musician Rahul Sipligunj emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3. Known for his candid nature and musical talent, Rahul’s journey resonated with the audience, earning him the coveted title and a cash prize.
Runner-up of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3: Sreemukhi
The first runner-up position was secured by popular television presenter and actress Sreemukhi. Her energetic presence and competitive spirit made her a strong contender throughout the season, and her journey was marked by significant contributions to tasks and house activities.
Host: Nagarjuna Akkineni
Stepping into the role of host for the first time in the Telugu version, veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni brought his charm and experience to the show. His engaging interactions with the contestants and insightful commentary added depth to the viewing experience. Notably, during Week 6, actress Ramya Krishnan served as a guest host while Nagarjuna was in Spain celebrating his 60th birthday.
Contestants List
The season featured a diverse group of 17 contestants, each bringing their unique personalities and backgrounds to the Bigg Boss house:
- Shiva Jyothi: A television presenter known for her work in news channels.
- Ravi Krishna: Television actor recognized for his roles in various serials.
- Ashu Reddy: Internet celebrity and social media influencer.
- Jaffar Babu: Journalist and television presenter.
- Himaja: Actress known for her supporting roles in Telugu films.
- Rahul Sipligunj: Playback singer and independent musician, who eventually won the season.
- Rohini Noni: Television actress recognized for her comedic roles.
- Baba Bhaskar: Choreographer and director with significant contributions to South Indian cinema.
- Punarnavi Bhupalam: Actress known for her work in Telugu films.
- Hema: Veteran actress with a career spanning several decades.
- Ali Reza: Actor and model known for his roles in television serials.
- Mahesh Vitta: Actor recognized for his comedic roles in films.
- Sreemukhi: Television presenter and actress, who emerged as the runner-up.
- Varun Sandesh: Film actor known for his work in Telugu cinema.
- Vithika Sheru: Actress and wife of Varun Sandesh, known for her roles in films.
Wild Card Entries:
- Tamanna Simhadri: Actress and activist, notable for being the first transgender contestant in Bigg Boss Telugu.
- Shilpa Chakravarthy: Television presenter and actress, who entered mid-season to add new dynamics to the house.
Season Highlights
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 was notable for several reasons:
- High Viewership Ratings: The launch of the season opened with a Television Rating Point (TVR) of 17.9, surpassing previous seasons. The grand finale achieved a remarkable 18.29 TVR, the highest ever for the Bigg Boss Indian franchise at that time. The last hour of the finale, featuring actor Chiranjeevi as the chief guest, garnered an impressive 22.4 TVR.
- Introduction of ‘Bigg Boss 3 Buzzz’: A talk show titled “Bigg Boss 3 Buzzz” was introduced, hosted by Tanish, a former contestant. The show featured interviews with evicted contestants and aired on Star Maa Music, providing viewers with additional insights and unseen footage.
- Diverse Tasks and Challenges: The season featured a variety of tasks that tested the contestants’ physical endurance, mental strength, and teamwork, keeping viewers engaged and contestants on their toes.
- Emotional Journeys and Relationships: The season showcased various relationships and emotional journeys, including friendships, rivalries, and personal growth, adding depth to the narrative and resonating with the audience.
In conclusion, Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 successfully built upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, introducing new elements that enhanced viewer engagement. The combination of a diverse contestant mix, a charismatic host, and dynamic house interactions solidified its place as a significant chapter in Telugu television history.
