It is the grand finale of Bigg Boss Kannada 12, a high-octane spectacle full of dramatic exits. The battle had worn on for quite a while, but the competition reached its highest note with the Top 6 contestants. Excitement was palpable, but elimination has narrowed the field to the ultimate winner.
After Dhanush Gowda was removed from the Top 6 and was the first on his way out, the top 5 were spotlighted. In an especially tear-jerking moment, Raghu (alternatively known as Mutant Raghu, or Raghavendra S. Hondadakeri) has been moved out of the Top 5, taking 5th place in this landmark season.
A Full Circle Moment with Actress Shruti
In a remarkable twist to the previous rounds of elimination, veteran actress Shruti performed the feat, and she is now the only female winner in the annals of Bigg Boss Kannada. She had added a certain aura of importance and nostalgia to a proceedings which is very much at home for her. Curiously enough, Raghu and Shruti do have a professional history.
Previously before entering the Bigg Boss house, Raghu had appeared on the show 'Kwatle Kitchen', where Shruti sat as a judge. That food reality show’s winner had been Raghu, all under the scrutiny of Shruti. In a “full circle” moment of fate, it was exactly the same person who recognised him as a champion in one show, and it was she that led him out of Bigg Boss as 5th place instead.
Family in Tears: Emotional Farewell
It was an emotional rollercoaster for Raghu’s family after the elimination. His wife and son Ronith cried as his story drew to a close. Looking back on his transformation, Raghu’s wife offered an intimate observation:
“I have never seen Raghu cry since we were married. But here I see him, and I see how much he’s changed for the good. I am so proud of who he became along the way.”
Raghu's Reflections: "A New Man."
Even in the shadow of missing the trophy, Raghu was gracious and hopeful. To the host and to the audience, he said the show was a life-altering affair. It is a wealth of experiences that sits well upon myself. These times are ones which will stay with me. A new man left this house and was determined to rise higher up in life," added Raghu.
He also mentioned how seeing things from his own life as people inside your walls, whether it’s the contestants that fighting over the petty stuff between the cracks of the house like eggs and potatoes, made him realize the true value of his wife’s support throughout the past 12 years. Prize Money and Accolades. Raghu didn’t come out empty-handed. For his incredible stay and his entry in the Top 5 he was given:
- ₹2 Lakh cash award from one of the major sponsors.
- ₹1.5 Lakh cash prize from separate sponsor.
Total cash winnings: ₹3.5 Lakh
In the wake of Raghu’s departure, the struggle to win the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 remains to keep the contestants: Gilli Nata, Kavya Shaiva, Ashwini Gowda and Rakshitha Shetty.
