Bigg Boss Kannada Season 6 aired in 2018 and proved to be one of the most intriguing seasons of the Kannada-language version of the popular reality television series. Known for its unpredictable twists, emotional highs, and drama-filled moments, the sixth season continued the tradition of mixing celebrity and commoner contestants. This season stood out for its diverse mix of personalities, intense tasks, and a series of shocking evictions. It was hosted by the ever-popular actor Kiccha Sudeep, who continued to impress viewers with his thoughtful and engaging style of hosting.
Key Details of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 6
Host:
- Kiccha Sudeep, returning for the sixth consecutive season, was the face of the show. His hosting style, which balances empathy with authority, was appreciated by fans and contestants alike. Known for giving contestants insightful feedback, Sudeep maintained his role as a fair and sharp observer of the happenings inside the house. His weekend interactions were filled with light-hearted banter as well as serious discussions about contestants’ performances and behavior.
Broadcast:
- The season began on October 21, 2018, and concluded on January 27, 2019, making it a 98-day journey. The episodes aired on Colors Kannada, with a special weekend segment dedicated to eliminations and discussions with the host, Sudeep. In addition to the regular TV broadcast, the show was available for streaming on Voot, where viewers could access uncut footage and live updates, creating more engagement with the audience.
House Location:
- Like previous seasons, the house for Bigg Boss Kannada Season 6 was located in Innovative Film City, Bidadi, Karnataka. The house was elaborately designed, featuring vibrant colors and eclectic interiors, which created a blend of comfort and confinement. With limited access to luxuries, the housemates had to rely on weekly tasks to earn their privileges. The house was equipped with surveillance cameras that recorded the contestants’ every move, ensuring that no moment was missed by the audience.
Format:
The format of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 6 followed the typical structure of the franchise:
- Housemates: The season featured a mix of celebrity and commoner contestants, who lived together in the house, isolated from the outside world. With no phones, internet, or news from outside, the housemates had to rely on their survival instincts and social skills to navigate the game. Over time, they formed alliances, friendships, and rivalries, all while competing in a series of challenging tasks.
- Tasks: Each week, the housemates were assigned tasks that tested their physical endurance, mental acuity, and teamwork. These tasks were not only a means to earn the luxury budget but also a way to demonstrate leadership and competitiveness. Some tasks played a crucial role in determining nominations or captaincy, leading to power struggles within the house.
- Nominations and Evictions: Contestants were required to nominate two fellow housemates for eviction each week. The housemates with the most nominations faced a public vote, and the contestant with the fewest votes was evicted. This process continued until the finale, where the winner was decided by audience votes.
- Diary Room: The diary room served as a private space for housemates to interact with Bigg Boss, share their thoughts, emotions, and strategies. This space often allowed viewers a glimpse into the real personalities and strategies of the contestants.
Contestants:
The season had a total of 18 contestants, including celebrities from various fields and commoners, who brought different flavors to the game. Here are some of the prominent contestants:
- Shashi Kumar – A well-known actor, Shashi brought his composed demeanor and wisdom to the house. As a celebrity contestant, he quickly gained a following for his calm and balanced approach to conflicts.
- Kavitha Gowda – An actress and model, Kavitha was a strong and confident player throughout the season. Her competitive spirit made her a formidable contestant.
- Andy (Andrews) – A radio jockey and popular media personality, Andy became one of the central figures in the house due to his extroverted personality and ability to stir up discussions.
- Rapid Rashmi – Another prominent media figure, Rashmi is a radio jockey known for her wit and energy. Her presence in the house added a layer of vibrancy to the interactions.
- Jayashree Madhuvanthi – A renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and actress, Jayashree’s disciplined approach and strong opinions made her stand out.
- Adam Pasha – Adam, a drag artist, was the first openly LGBTQ+ contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada. His presence marked a significant moment in the show’s history, as it offered a platform for inclusivity and representation of diverse gender identities.
- Naveen Sajju – A singer and music director, Naveen was one of the most entertaining contestants. His musical talent and light-hearted personality made him a fan favorite.
- Sonu Patil – A commoner, Sonu’s journey in the house was one of growth and adaptability. Her humble background and straightforward nature earned her a lot of respect.
Other contestants included:
- Murali – A bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast who was known for his strong will and competitive streak.
- Akshatha Pandavapura – A commoner contestant with a strong personality, Akshatha was involved in multiple conflicts and had a turbulent journey in the house.
Key Highlights of the Season:
1. Shashi Kumar’s Victory:
- Shashi Kumar emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 6, a result that delighted his fans. Known for his composed and mature gameplay, Shashi rarely got involved in petty arguments or controversies, which allowed him to maintain a clean image throughout the season. His calm and level-headed approach to tasks and house politics made him a strong contender from the beginning.
- Shashi’s victory was attributed to his widespread appeal, as he resonated with both urban and rural viewers. He was awarded the ₹50 lakh prize money and the Bigg Boss trophy.
2. Runner-up: Naveen Sajju:
- Naveen Sajju, the entertainer of the season, ended up as the first runner-up. His musical talents, combined with his humorous and carefree attitude, made him one of the most loved contestants in the house. Despite his laid-back approach, Naveen was also a fierce competitor when it came to tasks. His journey in the house was full of ups and downs, but his infectious energy and positive spirit won him a lot of fans.
- Naveen’s rivalry with Andy and his close friendship with Sonu Patil were two of the most discussed aspects of the season.
3. The Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Representation:
- A significant aspect of Season 6 was the inclusion of Adam Pasha, a drag artist and the first openly LGBTQ+ contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada. Adam’s journey in the house was marked by his effort to educate fellow contestants and the audience about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. He faced several instances of misunderstanding and judgment but handled them with grace and dignity.
- Adam’s presence on the show was seen as a bold step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in mainstream Kannada television, and his journey was widely praised by viewers.
4. The Commoners vs. Celebrities Dynamic:
- Following the pattern established in earlier seasons, Bigg Boss Kannada Season 6 featured a mix of commoners and celebrities. However, unlike previous seasons where commoners struggled to match the influence of celebrities, in Season 6, commoners like Sonu Patil and Akshatha Pandavapura held their ground and often led major conversations in the house.
- This dynamic led to several power struggles and debates, as commoners sought to prove that they were just as capable of winning the game as the celebrities. The tension between these two groups often played a significant role in nominations and alliances.
5. Emotional Bonds and Conflicts:
- As in any season of Bigg Boss, Season 6 was rife with emotional highs and lows. One of the most touching relationships in the house was the friendship between Naveen Sajju and Sonu Patil. Their bond was one of the purest in the house, and they often supported each other during tough times.
- On the other hand, the house also saw several intense conflicts, particularly between Andy and Akshatha Pandavapura. Their frequent clashes over tasks and house duties became a major point of tension, and both were seen as outspoken individuals who never backed down from a fight.
6. Tasks and Challenges:
- The tasks in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 6 were designed to test the mental, physical, and emotional endurance of the contestants. Many tasks involved teamwork, while others were individual challenges that exposed the true nature of each contestant.
- One of the most grueling tasks involved contestants staying awake for extended periods while performing repetitive actions. This task not only tested their physical stamina but also led to psychological breakdowns, with several contestants breaking down in tears.
7. Wildcard Entries:
- Murali, a fitness trainer and bodybuilder, entered the house as a wildcard contestant midway through the season. His entry stirred things up, as he brought a new level of competitiveness to the house. He quickly aligned with certain contestants while becoming a rival to others, which created new dynamics in the house.
- Wildcard entries often have a difficult time adjusting to the relationships already built
