Kalyan Padala Crowned Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 Winner: How a Commoner Won Hearts and Votes

After 105 days of intense competition, Kalyan Padala was declared the winner of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 on December 21, 2025. The grand finale, hosted by Nagarjuna, was a star-studded event filled with performances, emotional moments, and surprising twists, broadcast on Star Maa and Jio Hotstar.

Padala, a "commoner" contestant who entered the house through the 'Agnipariksha' selection process, steadily gained popularity with viewers. His victory defied predictions from some, with fan sentiment initially favoring television star Thanuja Puttaswamy. Puttaswamy, known for her roles in Telugu and Kannada serials like 'Mudda Mandaram,' ultimately finished as the runner-up.

The finale was packed with entertainment. Actors Roshann Meka and Anaswara Rajan, along with Ravi Teja, Dimple Hayati, Naveen Polishetty and Meenakshi Chaudhary, graced the stage to promote their respective films, adding glamour to the evening. Performances by singer Mangli and actress Payal Rajput kept the audience entertained. Former contestants also returned to share their thoughts and support for the finalists.

A significant moment came when actor Ravi Teja entered the house offering a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh to any of the final three contestants—Kalyan, Thanuja, and Demon Pavan—who chose to leave the competition. Demon Pavan accepted the offer, exiting the show and reducing the winner's prize money from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 35 lakh. Along with the cash prize, Kalyan Padala also received a Maruti Suzuki Victoris car, a special addition to the winner's rewards this season.

The finale highlighted Nagarjuna's role as host, showcasing a montage of his memorable moments from the season. The show also promoted the upcoming 'BB Jodi Season 2,' featuring judges Sridevi, Sada, and Shekhar Master.

Even after Demon Pavan's exit, Nagarjuna presented Kalyan and Thanuja with one last offer: a suitcase containing Rs 20 lakh, which would further reduce the final prize money to Rs 15 lakh. Both finalists declined, affirming their determination to compete for the win.

Fan reactions to Kalyan's victory were mixed. While many celebrated his win, some fans expressed disappointment that Sanjanaa Galrani and Emmanuel deserved more recognition for their performances. Some viewers attributed Kalyan's win to strong public relations and emotional narratives pushed by reviewers, rather than solely on his performance in the house.

Despite the varying opinions, Kalyan Padala's victory marks a significant moment in Bigg Boss Telugu history. His journey from a commoner contestant to winner demonstrates the power of audience connection and strategic gameplay. His win also underscores the evolving dynamics of reality television, where factors beyond performance, such as public perception and effective PR, can play a crucial role in determining the ultimate champion.