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From Agnipariksha to Bigg Boss Telugu 9 house: Here's a look at the journey of commoner contestants

ETimes.in | Last updated on - Sep 13, 2025, 18:49 IST
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From Agnipariksha to Bigg Boss Telugu 9 house: Here's a look at the journey of commoner contestants

Bigg Boss Telugu 9 launched with a grand premiere on September 7th. Hosted by Nagarjuna, the show featured an innovative dual house format and gave a chance for the commoners to participate in the show. The pre-show Agnipariksha, hosted by Sreemukhi and judged by Navdeep, Bindu Madhavi, and Abijeet, selected 15 contenders among whom - Kalyan Padala, Haritha Harish, Demon Pavan, Dammu Sreeja, Priya Shetty, and Maryada Manish- entered the Bigg Boss Telugu 9 house. Here’s a closer look at their journey in Agnipariksha:

(PC: Instagram)

2/7

Kalyan Padala

Kalyan is an army soldier who entered the top 15 after winning a Biryani eating challenge where he had to gain 1 kg in ten minutes. He entered the Bigg Boss house as the first commoner contestant based on audience voting.

(PC: Instagram)

3/7

Haritha Harish

Haritha Harish, popularly known as Mask Man Harish, is a YouTuber who intrigued the judges of Agnipariksha. In the auditions episode, Bindu Madhavi even tagged him as a loser who was later selected as one of the contestants for the Bigg Boss house.

(PC: Instagram)

4/7

Demon Pavan

Demo Pavan impressed the judges with his physical strength and calm personality and directly entered the top 15. He entered the Bigg Boss Telugu 9 house based on audience voting.

(PC: Instagram)

5/7

Dammu Sreeja

Instagram influencer Dammu Sreeja impressed everyone with her active participation in physical tasks and outspoken personality. Navdeep selected her as a contestant for the Bigg Boss house.

(PC: Instagram)

6/7

Priya Shetty

Priya Shetty is a doctor who entered Agnipariksha to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She impressed everyone with her participation in the show and entered the Bigg Boss house based on audience voting.

(PC: Instagram)

7/7

Maryada Manish

Maryada Manish is a co-founder of a start-up called Fello. His journey in Agnipariksha was a roller-coaster ride. He was selected as a contestant for the Bigg Boss house by host Sreemukhi and judge Abijeet.

(PC: Instagram)

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