Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

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
Comments
Share
1/7

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)

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In TV
  • Inside Karan Kundrra’s ultra-luxurious house
  • TV celebs who fought cancer like a boss
  • Bigg Boss 19’s Tanya Mittal shares cryptic post about male ego
  • The 50’s Vanshaj's ex-gf Pooja accuses him of ‘cheating on her'
  • Bhagyashree’s Saas Opens Up: recalls taunts over their marriage
  • 'Kyunki 2': Tulsi exposes Khushbu's lie
  • Aamna gets emotional as she recalls losing her father at 10
  • Sara Khan’s Bakri Eid Message: TV actress questions animal sacrifice
  • Uorfi on escaping abuse, surviving in Delhi and chasing stardom
Photostories
  • Parkinson's before 50? Doctor explains the early warning signs most people ignore
  • 'Spider-Noir' to 'Deli Boys': Latest Hollywood series and films to watch over the weekend
  • Don’t throw away your potato peels: 5 smart ways to repurpose them
  • You’re walking, not running, so why are you breathless? Doctor explains what your body may be trying to tell you
  • One workout a week can help you lose weight, new study finds
  • Asthma is no longer just about dust and pollution: Doctor warns stress, poor sleep and modern lifestyles are triggering more attacks
  • 5 lessons of perfect marriage we all need to learn from Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough
  • Why thousands of Indian children with Autism are diagnosed late: Doctors explain what early intervention can change
  • What is the person who makes pizzas called?
Explore more Stories
  • 8
    From 6 wardrobes worth crores to a private pool, jacuzzi, and multiple balconies: Inside Karan Kundrra’s ultra-luxurious house
  • 7
    From Hina Khan, Dipika Kakar, to Kirron Kher: TV celebs who fought cancer like a boss
  • 8
    Uorfi Javed opens up about escaping abuse, surviving in Delhi and chasing stardom; says, “No one considers you anything if you're not a star”
  • 9
    From not being allowed to talk to boys in her orthodox Muslim household to being told her career was ‘over' after motherhood: Aamna Sharif gets candid
  • 10
    Who is Pankaj Bhadouria? Celebrity Chef and MasterChef India season 1 Winner diagnosed with breast cancer
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • TV
  • /
  • News
  • /
  • Telugu
  • /
  • From Agnipariksha to Bigg Boss Telugu 9 house: Here's a look at the journey of commoner contestants
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 30, 2026, 09.46PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service