Bigg Boss is not just a television show; it’s an emotion that millions of Indians follow every night. With its dramatic fights, unexpected friendships, emotional breakdowns, and heartwarming moments, Bigg Boss has become one of the biggest reality shows on Indian television. While the ultimate spotlight always shines on the winner, the first runner-up often steals equal attention. These runner-ups fought till the very last moment, earned massive fan bases, and sometimes even overshadowed the winners in popularity.
Now that Bigg Boss 19 is inching closer to its grand finale on December 7, 2025, the excitement is at its peak. The top 5 finalists, Gaurav Khanna, Farrhana Bhatt, Pranit More, Tanya Mittal, and Amaal Mallik, are fiercely competing to lift the trophy as voting lines remain open.
But before the new champion is crowned, let’s take a deep dive into the Bigg Boss runner-ups from Season 1 to 18, the contestants who came heartbreakingly close but narrowly missed the title.
Bigg Boss Runner-Ups: Season 1-18
Season 1 - Carol Gracias
Carol Gracias, the glamorous supermodel, was one of the earliest contestants who set the tone for what Bigg Boss would become. Her journey was marked by dignity, calmness, and emotional maturity. While most contestants got tangled in arguments, Carol played a composed, balanced game. She became a fan favourite for her simplicity and grace under pressure. Her silent strength took her all the way to the finale, and although she lost the trophy, her runner-up finish in a debut season made her an unforgettable part of Bigg Boss history.
Season 2 - Raja Chaudhary
Raja Chaudhary’s fiery presence completely shook Season 2. Known for his aggressive personality and unpredictable behaviour, Raja was easily one of the most talked-about contestants of his season. His journey was full of confrontations, intense disagreements, and strong emotional moments that kept the audience glued to their screens. Despite the controversies, there was no denying his entertainment value. Raja’s runner-up finish felt like a win in itself because he remained one of the central faces of the entire season.
Season 3 - Pravesh Rana
Pravesh Rana entered the Bigg Boss house as a wildcard but ended up becoming one of the most impactful contestants. His sharp wit, intelligence, and strategic gameplay gave tough competition to other housemates. Known for standing up against injustice and raising his voice whenever needed, Pravesh maintained a strong moral position. His journey was a mix of leadership, bold decisions, and emotional stability, making his runner-up placement truly well-deserved.
Season 4 - The Great Khali
Season 4 saw the entry of the internationally acclaimed WWE wrestler, The Great Khali, whose mere presence changed the entire game. His towering personality and gentle nature made him a unique contestant. Even though he wasn't very expressive due to language limitations, fans adored him for his innocence and calm behaviour. Khali’s entry increased viewership, and his unexpected sweetness earned him massive love. His journey to the finale proved that Bigg Boss is not always about strategy; sometimes, heart wins too.
Season 5 - Mahek Chahal
Mahek Chahal was one of the strongest contestants of Season 5. Known for her straightforward nature and bold opinions, she never hesitated to speak her mind. Her conflicts, friendships, and emotional breakdowns kept the show lively. She was admired for standing up against bullying and for maintaining dignity even when things got tough. Mahek's fanbase fought hard for her, and although she didn’t win, her runner-up finish highlighted how deeply she connected with viewers.
Season 6 - Imam Siddique
Imam Siddique remains one of the most iconic contestants in Bigg Boss history. His eccentric personality, unpredictable behaviour, and constant clashes made him the soul of Season 6. Imam brought unmatched entertainment, creativity, and drama. He dressed up in quirky outfits, performed spontaneous acts, and kept the entire house and viewers on their toes. Many still believe Imam deserved to win for sheer entertainment value alone. His runner-up journey continues to be a legendary example of how impactful a contestant can be.
Season 7 - Tanisha Mukerji
Coming from a film family, Tanisha Mukerji entered the house with immense expectations. She maintained a dignified, composed image throughout the season, and her relationship with fellow contestant Armaan Kohli became a major highlight. Despite several challenges and heated moments, Tanisha held her ground and displayed emotional resilience. Her quiet but strong presence earned her much admiration, leading her straight to the finale as the runner-up.
Season 8 - Karishma Tanna
Karishma Tanna became one of the strongest female contestants in Bigg Boss history. From tasks to opinions, she owned every moment with confidence. Karishma was unapologetic, bold, and extremely performance-driven. She stood firm during conflicts, completed every task with sincerity, and never compromised her self-respect. Her journey won her a massive fan following, making her runner-up position one of the most discussed outcomes of Season 8.
Season 9 - Rishabh Sinha
Rishabh Sinha entered as a wildcard and soon became a powerhouse of entertainment. His fearless approach, cheeky sense of humour, and willingness to play aggressively made him a standout contestant. He redefined the wildcard stereotype by reaching the finale and finishing as a runner-up. His entertaining rivalry with other contestants, along with his sharp gameplay, made his journey a memorable one.
Season 10 - Bani J
Bani J was easily one of the most iconic contestants in Bigg Boss. Strong-headed, emotional, and unapologetically herself, she gained a loyal fanbase from day one. Her emotional breakdowns, moments of vulnerability, and fierce dedication during tasks made her a relatable figure. Viewers admired her grit and authenticity. Bani’s runner-up finish remains one of the closest and most talked-about in the show’s history.
Season 11 - Hina Khan
Season 11 was dominated by Hina Khan’s powerful presence. Already a popular TV actress, Hina proved she was much more than her on-screen image. She was stylish, outspoken, competitive, and deeply emotional. Her fashion sense became a trendsetter, and her rivalry with Shilpa Shinde became a defining part of the season. Many fans felt Hina deserved the trophy, and her runner-up placement sparked huge debates.
Season 12 - S. Sreesanth
Former cricketer S. Sreesanth’s journey was a roller coaster of emotions. His personality was complex, sometimes aggressive, sometimes humorous, sometimes deeply sentimental. Sreesanth’s bond with Dipika Kakar was one of the purest friendships ever seen on the show. His contribution to the emotional and dramatic tone of the season made him one of its central figures. His runner-up finish was widely appreciated by fans.
Season 13 - Asim Riaz
Asim Riaz became an overnight star during Bigg Boss 13. His transformation from an underdog to a powerhouse contestant was mesmerising. His rivalry with Sidharth Shukla became legendary, and his fanbase rapidly grew on social media. Asim’s fitness, loyalty, emotional breakdowns, and dedication made him one of the most loved runner-ups ever. Even after the show, he continued to enjoy massive popularity.
Season 14 - Rahul Vaidya
Rahul Vaidya brought music, charm, and wit to Bigg Boss 14. He was strategic, expressive, and never afraid to confront others. His romantic angle with Disha Parmar, his rivalry with Rubina Dilaik, and his strong task performance made him a top contestant. His journey added depth, entertainment, and leadership to the season. Rahul’s runner-up finish remains iconic among fans.
Season 15 - Pratik Sehajpal
Pratik Sehajpal is often regarded as one of the most deserving runner-ups in Bigg Boss history. His dedication to tasks, high energy levels, and relentless fighting spirit became the highlight of Season 15. He never backed down from conflicts and always stood up for himself. Pratik’s game revolved around passion, purpose, and aggression. Many believed he deserved the trophy for his unmatched contribution to the show.
Season 16 - Shiv Thakare
Shiv Thakare was one of the most strategic and composed contestants of Bigg Boss 16. A natural leader, he built strong alliances and played with immense dignity. His bond with the “Mandali” group, especially MC Stan, won viewer hearts. Shiv’s maturity, emotional intelligence, and task performance made his journey memorable. His runner-up finish was celebrated by fans who admired his game style.
Season 17 - Abhishek Kumar
Abhishek Kumar’s emotional journey in Season 17 touched millions. He was passionate, expressive, and wore his heart on his sleeve. Despite frequent conflicts and breakdowns, Abhishek always bounced back stronger. His chemistry with Isha Malviya, his fights, and his transformation arc made him the emotional backbone of the season. His runner-up title earned him massive respect.
Season 18 - Vivian Dsena
Vivian Dsena brought star power to Season 18. Known for his calm demeanour and mature approach, he avoided unnecessary drama and focused on playing gracefully. His silent strength, sense of responsibility, and fairness in tasks built a powerful fan community around him. Vivian’s runner-up finish was a testament to how impactful silent players can be.
| Bigg Boss Season | Runner-Up Name |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | Carol Gracias |
| Season 2 | Raja Chaudhary |
| Season 3 | Pravesh Rana |
| Season 4 | The Great Khali |
| Season 5 | Mahek Chahal |
| Season 6 | Imam Siddique |
| Season 7 | Tanisha Mukerji |
| Season 8 | Karishma Tanna |
| Season 9 | Rishabh Sinha |
| Season 10 | Bani J |
| Season 11 | Hina Khan |
| Season 12 | S. Sreesanth |
| Season 13 | Asim Riaz |
| Season 14 | Rahul Vaidya |
| Season 15 | Pratik Sehajpal |
| Season 16 | Shiv Thakare |
| Season 17 | Abhishek Kumar |
| Season 18 | Vivian Dsena |
The Bigg Boss 19 finale is right around the corner, and this year’s top 5 contestants, Gaurav Khanna, Farrhana Bhatt, Pranit More, Tanya Mittal, and Amaal Mallik, have delivered one of the most competitive seasons ever.
The question burning in every viewer’s mind is: Who will lift the Bigg Boss 19 trophy, and who will end the journey as the first runner-up?
Given Bigg Boss' history, even the runner-up becomes a major star, and Season 19 is all set to continue this legacy.
Also Read: Bigg Boss 19 Grand Finale: Date, Time and Streaming
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
Over the years, I have developed a keen ability to analyze matches, players, and sports trends, turning raw information into reader-friendly narratives that spark conversation and build engagement. My work balances insightful analysis with entertainment value, making it appealing to both casual fans and dedicated sports enthusiasts.
I specialize in:
- Fantasy Sports Analysis
- Sports News & Updates
- Feature Writing
- Long-form storytelling & feature writing
- Entertainment, lifestyle, and sports culture content
With a blend of creativity and credibility, I aim to be a reliable voice in sports content, contributing to the growth of platforms while engaging a diverse global audience. My goal is to inspire, inform, and entertain through every piece I write.
