The curtains came down on Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 with a star-studded grand finale, hosted by Nagarjuna. After 105 days inside the house, Kalyan Padala was announced as the winner of the season. He walked away with a cash prize of Rs 35 lakh, a Maruti Suzuki Vitara SUV, and an additional Rs 5 lakh cheque from one of the sponsors.
Tanuja secured the runner-up position. Before announcing the winner, Nagarjuna offered Rs 20 lakh to one of the finalists to voluntarily exit the race, but both Kalyan and Tanuja declined the offer, choosing to stay till the end. Eventually, Kalyan was declared the winner, having also topped the audience vote.
Five contestants competed in the grand finale. Sanjjanaa Galrani was the first to be eliminated, followed by Emmanuel. The top three finalists—Kalyan Padala, Tanuja, and Pavan—were then presented with a briefcase containing Rs 15 lakh as part of the ‘cash out’ option. Actor Ravi Teja entered the house with the suitcase, and Pavan chose to take the amount and exit the show. Interestingly, he also secured third place in the audience poll.
Kalyan Padala entered the house as a common man and competed alongside celebrities throughout the season. Speaking after his win, he said he had confidently declared on day one that he would lift the trophy and walk out victorious—a promise he ultimately fulfilled. Tanuja thanked the Telugu audience for their constant support, expressing gratitude for standing by her until the finale.
Emmanuel, who exited just before the final stage, said the show brought a significant change in his outlook. “My mindset has completely changed after being in the house. I have learnt many life lessons, especially about respecting my parents and understanding their value,” he said.
Sanjjanaa Galrani, who made it to the top five, said she initially had doubts about competing with younger contestants. “Along with Flora Saini, I was one of the seniors in the house. I wasn’t sure how we would fare, but by God’s grace, I reached the top five. I worked really hard throughout the season,” she said.
