Contestant Profiles
Abhinay
Abhinay Vaddi is an Indian actor best known for his work in Tamil and Telugu language films and for being the grandson of legendary actors Gemini Ganesan and Savitri. He was born on March 18, 1983, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Abhinay is the son of Govind Rao and Vijaya Chamundeswari, and his brother is Arun Kumar. He is married to Aparna, a fashion designer, since 2007, and they have a daughter named Swastika. His grandmother Savitri passed away before he was born, but he has grown up hearing stories about her hospitality and adventurous spirit. Abhinay made his acting debut in the Telugu film "Young India" (2010). His Tamil debut was in "Ramanujan," where he played renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. He also played the antagonist in "Chennai 600028 Part 2" and has acted in other films like "Vilambaram".
Abishek
Abishek Raaja is a versatile Indian YouTuber, actor, journalist, photographer, television presenter, and commentator who gained prominence as a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5. Abishek is known by the moniker "CINEMAPAYYAN" and is the son of actor Raaja. He's a multi-talented media personality who has worked across various platforms including YouTube, television, and film. He made his directorial debut with the film "Jaam Jaam" in 2024. Abishek was an original contestant who entered Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 on Day 1. His journey in the house was eventful.
Akshara
Akshara Reddy is an Indian actress, international model, and beauty queen who gained fame as a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5. She was crowned Miss Super Globe World 2019 and has walked on more than 150 fashion ramps worldwide. Akshara holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Tbilisi, Georgia. She has acted in films across multiple languages, including Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malaysian Tamil cinema. Known for her beauty, charisma, and fitness enthusiasm, Akshara is also a winner of the reality show "Villa to Village." During Bigg Boss Tamil 5, she was appreciated for her straightforward nature and stylish presence before being evicted in a double elimination.
Amir
Amir is a renowned Indian dancer, choreographer, and actor from Ooty, Tamil Nadu, who gained widespread recognition as a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5. Born on December 22, 1992, he faced early hardships including the loss of both parents while growing up in a modest household. Self-taught in dance, Amir founded the successful ADS (Amir Dance Studio) Crew in Ooty and has won several prestigious dance championships like Kings of Dance and the Indian Hip Hop Championship. He has also choreographed for Tamil and Malayalam films and made his acting debut in the Tamil film "Thunivu." Amir's inspiring journey from adversity to stardom is marked by perseverance and passion for dance. He is also known for his relationship with fellow Bigg Boss contestant Pavani Reddy, whom he married in 2025.
Chinnaponnu
Chinnaponnu Kumar, popularly known as Chinnaponnu, is a celebrated Tamil folk and playback singer from Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu. She started her singing career performing at temple festivals and with folk artists, eventually getting noticed for her unique voice and folk singing style. She entered the Tamil film industry with the song "Annanoda Paatu" in the blockbuster movie Chandramukhi and gained widespread recognition for her hit song "Nakku Mukka" from Kadhalil Vizhunthen. Over the years, she has won several awards and performed in numerous music festivals and TV shows. Chinnaponnu was a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 and was notable as the only senior female participant to last four weeks before getting evicted. She is married to composer Selva Kumar and continues to be an influential figure in Tamil folk and film music.
Ciby
Ciby Bhuvana Chandran is an Indian actor predominantly working in Tamil cinema, known for his lead debut in the film "Vanjagar Ulagam" (2018) and notable supporting role in the movie "Master" (2021) alongside Vijay. Born on August 5 in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, Ciby later moved to Salem and Chennai. His father is a doctor. He started acting in short films during college and gradually made his way into mainstream cinema. In Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, Ciby was a popular contestant who walked out on Day 95, taking home a cash prize. His affable nature, honesty, and respectfulness endeared him to many fans during the show. He is married to Shloka, whom he met after returning from the UK.
Imman
Imman Annachi is a Tamil actor, comedian, television presenter, and politician known for his work in Tamil films and TV shows. Born on May 13, 1967, in Thoothukudi district, he initially gained popularity through hosting television shows like "Konjam Arattai Konjam Settai" and "Kutty Chutties." Imman has acted in several Tamil movies, including notable films such as "Goli Soda" and "Jilla." He appeared as an original contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, where he was appreciated for his sense of humor but also faced criticism for his male chauvinistic attitude. Despite mixed reactions, he remained one of the older contestants before being evicted on Day 70. Imman is also active in politics, having joined the DMK party and campaigned for them in elections.
Isaivani
Isaivani, born in 1996 in Royapuram, Chennai, is a pioneering female gaana singer known as "Gana Isaivani." She began her singing career at the age of six, performing alongside her father, a self-taught keyboard player. Isaivani is one of the first professional female gaana singers in a traditionally male-dominated genre, gaining recognition for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. She is a member of The Casteless Collective, a band known for its political and Dalit rights-themed music, including notable songs like "Beef Song" and "I’m Sorry Ayyappa." Isaivani's work has earned her significant accolades, including the BBC 100 Women Award in 2020. She participated as a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, where she continued to inspire audiences with her music and story.
Iykki
Iykki Berry, also known as Iykya Kamaraj, is a multifaceted personality from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. She is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and a celebrity cosmetic surgeon. Born on August 11, she completed her medical degree at Sri Venkateswara Medical College Hospital and Research Center in Pondicherry. Iykki Berry is known for blending her passion for music, especially rap, with her professional career in cosmetology. She has gained popularity for her Tamil and English bilingual raps, highlighting Tamil culture and social issues. She was a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, where she was recognized for her talent, strong personality, and diverse skills. Iykki also uses her platform for social activism and raising awareness through her music and public presence.
Mathumitha
Mathumitha Raghunathan is a fashion model and costume designer based in Germany with Sri Lankan Tamil roots. She has worked professionally as an IT expert and has interests in pursuing a career in the Indian entertainment industry. Mathumitha was one of the contestants on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, where she participated actively before being evicted. She is known for her poised and elegant presence in the Bigg Boss house as well as for her sense of style.
Nadia
Nadia Chang, also known as Arujayalachmi Arujunan, is a model and TikToker from Malaysia who was a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5. She hails from Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, and was the first contestant to be evicted from the show on Day 14. Nadia received attention for her candid personality and emotional moments on the show. Despite her short stay, she was appreciated for sharing her life story and struggles, which connected with the audience.
Namitha
Aaryan Dinesh Kanagaratnam, popularly known as ADK, is a Sri Lankan Tamil rapper, singer, music producer, and record producer. He is known for his contributions to Tamil music and often collaborates with music directors in Tamil cinema as a playback singer. ADK participated as a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 6, where he entered the house on Day 1 and was evicted on Day 98. During the show, he garnered attention for his unique rapping style and his emotional moments. He shared a sibling-like bond with fellow contestant Azeem but was also involved in notable fights, including a heated argument with Vikraman. ADK was once dared to shave his head as part of a sacrifice task, which he accepted. Before leaving the house, Kamal Haasan gifted him his personal cap as a gesture of appreciation
Niroop
Niroop Nandakumar is an Indian actor and model primarily working in the Tamil film industry. Born in 1990 in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, he completed his schooling in Chennai and pursued acting training at Mind Screen Film Institute. Before gaining fame on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 as a contestant, Niroop appeared in several Tamil movies and was recognized for his acting skills and charming screen presence. During the show, he was known for his strategy and emotional moments and emerged as the 4th runner-up in the grand finale. Niroop later participated in Bigg Boss Ultimate and maintained a strong fanbase. He is currently in a relationship with actress Yaashika Aanand, who was a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 2.
Pavni
Pavni Reddy is an Indian actress and model known for her work in Tamil and Telugu television and films. Born on November 9, 1985, in Belgaum, Karnataka, she primarily resides in Hyderabad, Telangana. Pavni gained widespread recognition as a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, where she finished as the 2nd runner-up. She is known for her versatile acting skills, charming presence, and has played lead roles in popular Tamil TV serials like "Chinna Thambi." Pavni faced personal tragedy when her first husband, serial actor Pradeep Kumar, passed away in 2017. She eventually found love again with fellow Bigg Boss contestant and choreographer Amir, marrying him in 2025 in a well-publicized wedding. Pavni continues to be a popular figure in South Indian entertainment, loved for her talent and resilience.
Priyanka
Priyanka Deshpande is a prominent Indian television presenter and actress who predominantly works in Tamil television. Born on April 28, 1992, in Karnataka, Priyanka is acclaimed for hosting popular TV shows such as "Super Singer Junior," "Start Music," "The Wall," and "Cooku with Comali," among others. She has earned multiple awards for her hosting skills and is one of the highest-paid TV presenters in South India. Priyanka made a notable appearance as a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5, where she emerged as the first runner-up. Aside from television, she has acted in short films and is also a successful YouTuber. In her personal life, Priyanka married Praveen Kumar in 2016, underwent a divorce in 2022, and remarried DJ Vasi Sachi on April 16, 2025. She is affectionately known as the "Superstar of Television" for her charismatic presence and popularity across various entertainment formats.
Raju
Raju Jeyamohan is an Indian actor, television presenter, and model known for his work predominantly in Tamil television and films. Born on July 2, 1991, in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, he holds a B.Sc. degree in Visual Communication from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Raju began his career in television with the show "Kana Kaanum Kaalangal" in 2012 and then acted in popular serials such as "Saravanan Meenatchi," "Kalloori Saalai," and "Andal Azhagar." He made his film debut with "Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma" in 2019. Raju gained widespread fame by winning Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 in 2022. Following this, he hosted the comedy chat show "Raju Vootla Party" and participated in "Cooku with Comali" Season 6. He is married to Tarika, whom he wed in October 2020. Raju is noted for his versatile acting and hosting skills and continues to pursue his career in both films and television.
Sanjeev
Sanjeev Venkat (born September 28, 1975) is a well-known Indian film and television actor, primarily recognized for his role as Selvam in the popular Tamil TV serial "Thirumathi Selvam," which ran from 2007 to 2013 on Sun TV. He started his career with supporting roles in films and later gained fame on television with shows like "Metti Oli," "Annamalai," "Aval," "Yaaradi Nee Mohini," and "Kanmani." Sanjeev has received several awards, including the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Television Actor in 2008 and the Sun Kudumbam Award for Best Actor in 2010. He studied visual communications at Loyola College, Chennai, alongside close friend actor Vijay. Sanjeev is married to actress Preethi Sanjeev, and they have two children. He is also known for his outspoken and engaging personality, which was showcased when he entered Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 as a contestant and was evicted on Day 91.Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 premiered on October 3, 2021, and concluded on January 16, 2022. The show was hosted by Kamal Haasan and featured 18 original contestants and 2 wild card entries. The theme was centered around the five elements of nature. The grand finale was attended by a live audience, adhering to COVID-19 safety norms.
Suruthi
Suruthi Periyasamy is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in Tamil language films. Born on November 24, 1995, in Salem, Tamil Nadu, she completed her secondary education at Holy Angel's School, Salem, and earned a bachelor's degree in Industrial Biotechnology from Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research. Suruthi began her career as a freelance model and gained international recognition for her portrayal of the goddess Lakshmi in the project "DARK IS DIVINE." She participated as a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 and was evicted on Day 35. In 2022, she made her acting debut in the Tamil film "Nandhan" alongside actor M. Sasikumar. Suruthi is also known for playing a leading role in the film "Vaazhvu Thodangumidam Neethanae," which explores the theme of same-sex romance.
Thamarai
Thamarai Selvi is a South Indian folk singer and actress who gained widespread popularity as a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5. Known for her strong and resilient personality, she stayed in the Bigg Boss house for 98 days before being evicted. Thamarai's life story touched many hearts, especially when she shared her struggles including separation from her first husband and being forbidden to meet her son due to familial conflicts. After Bigg Boss, she reunited with her son and continued to pursue her career in music and acting. She also participated in Bigg Boss Ultimate and appeared in TV serials like "Bharathi Kannamma." Thamarai is admired for her emotional strength and is active on YouTube, sharing glimpses of her personal and professional life.
Varun
Thamarai Selvi is a South Indian folk singer and actress who gained widespread popularity as a contestant on Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5. Known for her strong and resilient personality, she stayed in the Bigg Boss house for 98 days before being evicted. Thamarai's life story touched many hearts, especially when she shared her struggles including separation from her first husband and being forbidden to meet her son due to familial conflicts. After Bigg Boss, she reunited with her son and continued to pursue her career in music and acting. She also participated in Bigg Boss Ultimate and appeared in TV serials like "Bharathi Kannamma." Thamarai is admired for her emotional strength and is active on YouTube, sharing glimpses of her personal and professional life.
