A look at 13 television actors who won Bigg Boss before Gaurav Khanna, and understand how TV stars have shaped the show’s legacy from Season 1 to 18
With Gaurav Khanna lifting the Bigg Boss Season 19 trophy last night, attention has returned to the long line of television actors who have used the show as a launchpad to national popularity. His victory adds another prominent TV name to the franchise’s legacy. It also places him among a selective group of small-screen performers who won Bigg Boss through popularity, relatability, and consistent television careers.
Before Khanna entered this hall of fame, 13 other TV actors had already claimed the title. Their journeys highlight the deep emotional bond Indian audiences share with the small screen—an affection built over years of daily storytelling and familiar characters.
The first TV winners
Rahul Roy, the show’s first winner, was not a traditional daily-soap hero. However, his early TV appearances made him a recognisable name. His victory set the tone for future seasons and showed that viewers gravitate toward personalities they feel connected to.
In Season 3, Vindu Dara Singh strengthened this trend. His roles in Mahabharat and Chandrakanta helped him build a steady fan base that supported him throughout the show.
The rise of daily-soap icons
As television grew in reach, beloved TV actors began dominating the Bigg Boss winners’ list. Shweta Tiwari’s Season 4 win marked a turning point. Viewers who had watched her emotional journey in Kasautii Zindagii Kay backed her with strong loyalty.
This pattern continued in later seasons. Juhi Parmar, Urvashi Dholakia, Gauhar Khan, and Gautam Gulati each carried their long-standing TV identity into the show. Their wins felt like personal victories for fans who had grown up watching them.
When familiar faces became national favourites
The modern era of Bigg Boss brought even more iconic TV actors into the spotlight. Shilpa Shinde’s Season 11 win was especially emotional for fans of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. Soon after, Dipika Kakar won Season 12 with her warm and family-centric on-screen persona.
Sidharth Shukla’s Season 13 win was one of the most impactful moments in the franchise. Already a national favourite from Balika Vadhu, he drew widespread support. Rubina Dilaik and Tejasswi Prakash continued this streak in Seasons 14 and 15, backed by strong and loyal TV audiences.
The new generation continues the streak
Recent seasons have shown that television continues to play a central role in the Bigg Boss narrative. Karan Veer Mehra’s Season 18 win reaffirmed that TV actors still hold a powerful and consistent connection with viewers.
TV stars who won Bigg Boss before Gaurav Khanna
- Rahul Roy (Season 1)
- Vindu Dara Singh (Season 3)
- Shweta Tiwari (Season 4)
- Juhi Parmar (Season 5)
- Urvashi Dholakia (Season 6)
- Gauhar Khan (Season 7)
- Gautam Gulati (Season 8)
- Shilpa Shinde (Season 11)
- Dipika Kakar (Season 12)
- Sidharth Shukla (Season 13)
- Rubina Dilaik (Season 14)
- Tejasswi Prakash (Season 15)
- Karan Veer Mehra (Season 18)
With Gaurav Khanna joining this distinguished list, Bigg Boss once again shows how deeply television culture is woven into Indian households. TV actors have shaped the show’s legacy from its earliest seasons, and their influence continues to grow.
