In a dramatic and star-studded grand finale, commoner contestant Kalyan Padala emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, lifting the coveted trophy after a fiercely fought journey of over 100 days. The finale, hosted by the charismatic superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni, aired on December 21, 2025, bringing the curtains down on an action-packed season.
Kalyan Padala’s victory is particularly significant, as he became the first commoner contestant to secure the title in the history of Bigg Boss Telugu. His consistent performance, calm demeanor, and strong connection with the audience ultimately tipped the scales in his favour against the season’s strong celebrity contenders.
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Who Was the Runner-Up of Bigg Boss Telugu 9?
The final face-off for the title was an intense battle between Kalyan Padala and actress Thanuja Puttaswamy. A fan favourite throughout the season, Thanuja Puttaswamy was declared the first runner-up, concluding her strong and resilient journey in the Bigg Boss house. She accepted the decision with grace, celebrating Kalyan’s win on stage.
The Final Five Finalists
The grand finale night began with five strong contenders, each having spent over three months inside the house battling for survival and the ultimate prize. The top five finalists for Season 9 were:
- Kalyan Padala (Winner)
- Thanuja Puttaswamy (First Runner-Up)
- Demon Pavan (Second Runner-Up)
- Emmanuel
- Sanjjanaa Galrani
Prize Money and Rewards for the Bigg Boss Telugu 9 Champion
Upon his triumph, Kalyan Padala walked away with an impressive array of prizes. The winner’s package included:
- The glittering Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 Winner’s Trophy
- A substantial cash prize of ₹35 Lakh
- A brand-new Maruti Suzuki Victorious SUV
The final cash prize was originally slated to be higher, but was adjusted during a major twist involving the second runner-up.
Major Finale Twist: Demon Pavan’s ₹15 Lakh Walkout
The Bigg Boss Telugu 9 grand finale was packed with suspense and unexpected turns, most notably a cash-out twist that reshaped the final prize pot. Before the final two were decided, the top three finalists were offered a cash box—a silver briefcase—worth ₹15 Lakh. Commoner Demon Pavan, after careful consideration, opted to take the money and walk out of the competition. This move made Demon Pavan the second runner-up of the season, and as per the rules, it led to a reduction in the final winner’s prize money from ₹50 lakh to ₹35 lakh.
Kalyan Padala’s Emotional Speech
Overwhelmed with emotion, Kalyan Padala broke down in tears as host Nagarjuna officially declared him the champion. In his victory speech, the young winner expressed heartfelt gratitude, thanking the audience, his parents who were present on stage, and his fellow contestants for their support. His journey, marked by consistency and an ability to navigate the complex dynamics of the house, resonated deeply with millions of viewers, culminating in a historic win for the common man.
The ninth season of the popular reality show thus ended on a high note, celebrating a fresh face and a memorable competitive spirit. Fans and viewers are now eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.
