In 2021, “Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5” returned to the small screen, offering viewers a blend of entertainment, drama, and unexpected twists. Premiering on September 5, 2021, on Star Maa and Disney+ Hotstar, this season continued the legacy of the popular reality show, introducing a fresh set of contestants and engaging narratives that kept audiences hooked.
Winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5 (2021): VJ Sunny
After an intense journey spanning 105 days, VJ Sunny emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5. Known for his stint as a video jockey and television actor, Sunny’s strategic gameplay and ability to forge strong relationships within the house resonated with the audience. His victory earned him a cash prize of ₹50 lakh, a bike, and a plot worth ₹25 lakh.
Runner-up of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5 (2021): Shanmukh Jaswanth
The first runner-up position was secured by Shanmukh Jaswanth, a popular YouTuber and actor. His candid nature and consistent performance in tasks made him a formidable contender throughout the season.
Host: Nagarjuna Akkineni
For the third consecutive season, veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni reprised his role as the host. His charismatic presence and adept handling of house dynamics added depth to the show, making the “Weekend Ka Vaar” episodes particularly engaging.
Contestants List
The season featured a diverse group of 19 contestants, each bringing their unique personalities and backgrounds to the Bigg Boss house:
- Siri Hanmanth: Television actress and YouTuber known for her roles in serials like “Evare Nuvvu Mohini” and “Savitramma Gari Abbayi.”
- VJ Sunny: Video jockey and television actor best known for his role in “Kalyana Vaibhogam.”
- Lahari Shari: Film actress recognized for her performances in “Arjun Reddy” and “Zombie Reddy.”
- Sreerama Chandra: Playback singer and actor, winner of “Indian Idol Season 5.”
- Anee Master (Anita Lama): Dance choreographer and television judge known for her work in “Mahanati” and as a judge on dance reality shows.
- Lobo (Mohammad Khayyum): Former video jockey and film actor.
- Shailaja Priya: Film and television actress known for serials like “Kotha Bangaaram” and “No.1 Kodalu.”
- Jaswanth “Jessie” Padala: Model and television actor who appeared in “Saptha Mathrika.”
- Priyanka Singh: Television personality from the comedy show “Jabardasth,” and the second transgender contestant in the show’s history.
- Shanmukh Jaswanth: YouTuber and actor known for “The Software DevLOVEper” web series.
- Hamida Khatoon: Film actress recognized for “Sahasam Cheyara Dimbaka.”
- Nataraj Master: Dance choreographer and television judge, known for the reality dance show “Aata.”
- Sarayu Roy: YouTuber associated with the “7 Arts” channel.
- Vishwa: Film and television actor known for “Yuva” and “Ganga Tho Rambabu.”
- Umadevi Maria: Actress best known for her role in “Karthika Deepam.”
- Maanas Nagulapalli: Actor known for “Kokilamma” and “Manasichi Choodu.”
- RJ Kajal: Voice actor and radio personality from Radio Mirchi.
- Swetha Varma: Film actress known for “Pachchis” and “Mithai.”
- Ravi Kiran: Television presenter, radio personality, and actor.
Season Highlights
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5 was notable for several reasons:
- Delayed Launch: Originally scheduled for June 2021, the season’s launch was postponed due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The show organizers officially released a teaser using the show’s logo on August 1, 2021, confirming the premiere date as September 5, 2021.
- High Viewership Ratings: The launch of the fifth season received about 15.7 TVR in general and 18 TVR with HD viewership. The grand finale episode secured 18.4 TVR, along with millions of views on Disney+ Hotstar.
- Introduction of ‘Bigg Boss 5 Buzzz’: A talk show titled “Bigg Boss 5 Buzzz” was introduced, hosted by Ariyana Glory. 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 5 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.
