The grand finale of Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 concluded this past Sunday with a historic win. Kalyan, a former soldier who entered the house as a "commoner" contestant, was crowned the winner. However, a deep dive into the numbers reveals that the first runner-up, Kannada actress Tanuja Puttaswamy, walked away with a fatter paycheck than the champion.
The Winner’s Reward
Kalyan made history as the first commoner to win the title in the Telugu edition. Having no prior background in the entertainment industry, his journey from the army to the Bigg Boss house resonated with the audience. For his victory, Kalyan received:
- ₹35 Lakhs in cash prize.
- The prestigious Winner’s Trophy.
- A brand new Maruti car.
The "Tanuja Factor": Remuneration Over Prize Money
While Kalyan won the title, Tanuja Puttaswamy won the financial race. Unlike Kalyan, who reportedly did not have a daily remuneration contract due to his commoner status, Tanuja entered the house as a high-profile celebrity.
As a popular face in the Telugu television industry and a known actress in Sandalwood (famous for the horror hit 6-5=3), Tanuja commanded a premium daily fee.
Here is the earnings breakdown for Tanuja Puttaswamy in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9, formatted as a table with the required notation:
| Category | Details |
| Daily Remuneration | Approx. ₹ 35,000 |
| Total Days in House | 105 Days |
| Total Earnings | ₹ 36,75,000 (36.75 Lakhs) |
Because Tanuja survived until the final day, her cumulative salary exceeded the winner's ₹35 lakh cash prize. This makes her one of the highest-paid contestants of the season.
Kannada Pride in the Finale
The ninth season was particularly special for Kannada viewers as two "Kannadathis" made it to the final five:
- Tanuja Puttaswamy: First Runner-up.
- Sanjjanaa Galrani: Fourth Runner-up.
Both actresses displayed immense grit and became fan favorites among the Telugu audience. Sanjjanaa, a veteran in the film industry, and Tanuja, a TV superstar, proved their mettle by outlasting several seasoned Telugu celebrities.
What’s Next for Tanuja?
Tanuja, who has previously worked in Kannada films like Dhandhe Boys, is already a household name in the Telugu small-screen circuit. Her successful stint in Bigg Boss is expected to open even bigger doors in the Telugu film industry (Tollywood).
