TV star Tejasswi Prakash on Saturday beat actor-model Pratik Sehajpal to emerge as the winner of reality show "Bigg Boss" season 15.

Ms Prakash, known for starring on "Swaragini - Jodein Rishton Ke Sur", took home the Bigg Boss trophy along with ₹ 40 Lakh cash prize.

The winner was announced by the show's host, superstar Salman Khan.

Mr Sehajpal was the first runner up, while Ms Prakash's actor-boyfriend Karan Kundra finished third.

Actor Shamita Shetty finished fourth while choreographer Nishant Bhat opted out of the finale race and took home ₹ 10 Lakh, finishing on the fifth spot.

Tejasswi Prakash entered the show as a title favourite, courtesy her popularity as a TV star.

The 28-year-old actor was known for displaying her competitive and fierce side. During the course of the show, Ms Prakash fell in love with Mr Kundra and the couple became a fan favourite.

Mr Sehajpal, who was one of the finalists on "Bigg Boss OTT" last year, also remained popular throughout the show.

The grand finale saw Bollywood star Deepika Padukone promote her upcoming film "Gehraiyaan" along with co-stars Ananya Pandey, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Dhairya Karwa.

The finale was also attended by former Bigg Boss winners including Gauahar Khan, Urvashi Dholakia, Gautam Gulati, Rubina Dilaik and Shweta Tiwari.

Among the highlights of the finale was "Bigg Boss" 13 finalist Shehnaaz Gill paying a tribute to her late partner Sidharth Shukla, who was the winner of the said season. Sidharth Shukla died last year.

Both Ms Gill and Mr Khan got visibly emotional and shared a hug, remembering Sidharth Shukla. At one point, Khan asked the "Bigg Boss" crew for tissues as he and Ms Gill couldn't hold back their tears.

Mr Khan, who was always fond of Ms Gill, said it had been an extremely difficult time for her and Sidharth Shukla's mother.

"I keep talking to Sidharth's mom. It's time to move on. You have a bright, beautiful future ahead. Do lots of good work and be happy," he told Ms Gill.

Source: NDTV

BDST: 1358 HRS, JAN 31, 2022
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