The grand finale took us to the Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, kickstarted with a brilliant opening in the hands of host Kiccha Sudeep. But the festive atmosphere soon transformed into nerves when the first elimination of the night was revealed. Dhanush Gowda, widely respected as the most balanced and calm contestant of the season, was the first to leave the Top 6.
A Record-Breaking Vote Count
It wasn't so much a record number of ballots as it was a record. Although Dhanush was the first one to exit in the finale, his popularity was clear in the number: he won a whopping 1,27,35,179 (as of Sunday, 10:00 AM) votes. And while it’s indeed a great achievement, this did not rise to the level of the frontrunners who have crossed the 40-crore voting threshold.
The "Dignified" Journey
Dhanush got Bigg Boss’s personal “Grand Task Master” award for his all-pervasive physical challenge prowess. More important, he won hearts for his character:
- No Controversies: No backbiting or toxic fighting in his career, he famously arrived at the closing moments. Kiccha's Applause
- Moment: Dhanush left the house with a photo of him being given a "Sudeep's Applause" by Kiccha Sudeep to prove his most loved moment in the show.
- Prize Money: Dhanush was handed a total cash prize of ₹3.5 Lakh from show sponsors upon his exit.
Emotional Moments on Stage
The eviction was particularly emotional for Dhanush’s mother, Hamsaveni, and his wife, Sanjana, who were crying. Sudeep comforted the family, saying, "You may not have taken the trophy, but you have taken our hearts. A mother has really raised a very wonderful son.”
For a lighthearted goodbye, Dhanush asked Sudeep that he might retain the famous jacket that the host was wearing, and Sudeep happily agreed.
What’s Next in the Finale?
With Dhanush dropped, the race for the ₹50 Lakh prize and golden trophy continues between:
- Gilli Nata (The current statistical favorite)
- Rakshitha Shetty
- Ashwini Gowda
- Kavya Shaiva
- Mutant Raghu
