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Bigg Boss Telugu 9: Bigg Boss Telugu is back with its ninth season, and just like the previous editions, it has already become a hot topic of discussion among fans. The show, which launched grandly on Sunday, September 7, 2025, has actor Nagarjuna Akkineni returning once again as the host. This year, the format has introduced something fresh – the entry of commoners alongside celebrities. The concept has created an interesting balance inside the house and added a new flavour to the season. Before the grand launch, Bigg Boss Agnipariksha, a digital pre-show, aired on August 22, 2025. In that show, 40 commoners were tested to prove themselves worthy of entering the house.

Out of these 40, 15 were shortlisted to perform tasks that were judged by former contestants Abijeet, Bindu Madhavi, and Navdeep, with Sreemukhi hosting the proceedings. During the big launch episode, Kalyan, Priya, and Pavan entered the house after winning public votes, while Harish, Manish, and Srija were handpicked by the jury. This unique mix of everyday people and well-known names has not only brought in fresh dynamics but also raised excitement levels among the audience, as it’s the first time in a while that both categories are playing side by side.

The first celebrity to walk into the house was Thanuja Gowda, a popular name in Telugu television. She was followed by actress Flora Saini, who is well known in both film and OTT spaces. Interestingly, the third contestant to make an entry was not a celebrity but a commoner army personnel Kalyan. More contestants, both from the entertainment world and outside of it, continued to enter one after another. This mix of celebrities and non-celebrities has ensured that the audience stays hooked. Altogether, this season began with a total of 15 contestants.

On the other hand, one of the biggest talking points online is the remuneration of the contestants. As per reports shared by Telugu News18, the daily pay varies widely depending on the fame and popularity of the participants. It has been reported that commoners such as Kalyan, Srija, Manish, Priya, and Harish are being paid between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per day. Contestants with minor fame or those who already have a social media following, such as folk singer Ramu Rathod, are said to be earning Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 daily.

Meanwhile, well-established television and film actors including Sanjjana Garlani, Shrasti Verma, Thanuja, and Flora Saini are reportedly receiving more than Rs 30,000 per day. At the very top of the scale are big-name celebrity participants such as Rithu Chowdary, Suman Shetty, Immanuel, and Bharani, who are reportedly being paid as much as Rs 40,000 per day. This payment structure clearly takes into account each contestant’s recognition, fan base, and potential to engage the audience.

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Fans are already keeping track of how long each contestant will survive inside the house and who will manage to win the support of viewers. The discussions around the mix of commoners and celebrities, their pay packages, and the inevitable drama inside the house are keeping Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 at the centre of attention on social media.