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Nikhil Maliyakkal is the Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 winner. He received a luxury car and a cash prize of Rs. 55 lakhs, marking a significant milestone in the show’s history.

Until this season, the maximum prize money awarded in Bigg Boss Telugu, including its OTT versions, had never exceeded Rs. 50 lakhs.

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However, this time, the total prize money reached Rs. 55 lakhs due to a unique earning concept introduced by Bigg Boss.

Throughout the season, contestants earned prize money and regular ration supplies. The more tasks they won, the higher the prize pool became.

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After numerous challenges, the contestants collectively accumulated Rs. 55 lakhs, which was awarded entirely to Nikhil, setting a new precedent.

Unlike in previous seasons, when the prize money was divided due to the suitcase offer, the full amount went to the winner this time.

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However, the Rs. 55 lakh prize had a major downside — a significant tax deduction.

Due to Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other taxes, Nikhil is expected to take home only Rs. 20-25 lakhs, with about Rs. 30 lakhs going to the government.

Since GST was enacted in 2017, Bigg Boss winners have faced similar tax deductions, reducing their actual prize money by nearly 50%.

In earlier seasons, winners like Shivabalaji, Kaushal, and Rahul Sipligunj received Rs. 50 lakhs, but after a Rs. 10 lakh tax deduction, they retained about Rs. 40 lakhs. However, with GST applied, winners from recent seasons, including VJ Sunny from Season 5, saw even larger cuts, losing around Rs. 27 lakhs out of their Rs. 50 lakh prize.

Thus, while the Bigg Boss winner’s title and prize seem lucrative on paper, nearly half the prize money is in the government’s hands.




By enduring 105 challenging days in the Bigg Boss house, Nikhil not only secured his earnings but also contributed Rs. 30 lakhs in taxes, making his victory a win for both himself and the tax department.