Bigg Boss 17: Munawar Faruqui declared winner; rejects fixed match allegation

Hyderabad: Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui was crowned winner of Bigg Boss 17. The grand finale of the show was held on January 28.

Hosted by Salman Khan, the reality show kept audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the season. Munawar's victory marked the pinnacle of a journey filled with twists, turns, and a fair share of controversies.

Talking to the media after his triumph, Munawar Faruqui addressed the perception of being a 'fixed winner' due to his popularity. The comedian, who had also clinched victory in 'Lock Upp' in 2022, downplayed the notion, saying, "Main nahi janta (I don't know). I always thought I had a 50-50 chance as Abhishek equally deserved this win. This tag only sounds very fixed," he shared with a laugh.

Munawar Faruqui, who secured a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh and a brand-new car, attributed his win to the love and support of the audience. Dismissing the 'fixed winner' tag, he emphasized the impact of his actions and the goodwill he garnered outside the confines of the reality show. "I know I made some mistakes, and I had to bear the brunt of the same. I was also judged for it. However, in the real world, I have done some good deeds, and because of this, I have gained love from fans. It is their good wishes and support that have helped me come so far. I am so thankful to them," Munawar explained.

Reflecting on his historic win, Munawar described it as a "deja-vu moment" and acknowledged the weight of the trophy in his hands. "This was more than a deja-vu moment for me. Of course, I entered the show intending to win, but there was a lot of baggage that I was carrying. And now, when I reflect on my journey, this trophy feels quite heavy. Fortunately, I had strong shoulders and hence I could carry the weight and bring home the trophy," he shared, expressing gratitude to his followers.

As the grand finale unfolded, Abhishek Kumar and Mannara Chopra secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. Munawar Faruqui's victory stands as a testament to his resilience, authenticity, and the enduring support of his fans, making 'Bigg Boss 17' a chapter of triumph beyond expectations for the talented comedian.