Aug 04, 2026 6:20pm IST
Nagarjuna On Drawing The Line On ‘Bigg Boss Telugu’: ‘I Don’t Accept Unruly Behavior’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Nagarjuna recently shot the promo for the 10th season of “Bigg Boss Telugu.” In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, the Telugu superstar opens up about what viewers can expect from the milestone season, whether he exchanges notes with fellow “Bigg Boss” hosts Salman Khan, Kiccha Sudeepa, Mohanlal and (former host) Kamal Haasan, and when fans can expect the first look of his 100th film, tentatively titled “King100.”
You recently shot the promo for “Bigg Boss Telugu” Season 10. How was the experience?
It’s been great. I have been hosting this show for the past nine years. I am excited to start the 10th season. We also want to take it to the next level. After all, it’s the 10th anniversary, right?
Related Stories
How do you keep the momentum going year after year?
The contestants and housemates are different every year. You see, the younger generation is very upfront. It’s very interesting. They are very witty, sharp and focused. They know what they want, and that keeps me on my toes.
Unlike previous years, you have opted not to know who the contestants are this year. Why?
It’s not like I interacted with the contestants in the past, but I would get a list of names in advance. I knew who would be joining the show. But I have chosen to avoid seeing this list this time because I wanted to maintain a sense of spontaneity while meeting them. When they come onto the stage to interact with me, I want my questions to be organic. I don’t want them to be coloured by my knowledge of these people or their backgrounds.
Do you ever have people requesting you to recommend them for the show?
Of course, but I always tell them that I have nothing to do with it. They must go through the channel’s selection process, as it has its own protocol.
Why have you not attempted a crossover with “Bigg Boss” in other languages?
There is a language barrier, and I am comfortable speaking and thinking in English and Telugu. I do watch the show in other languages. I watch Salman’s show, which has been on forever, and I also watch the South shows, as I know Kamalji, Sudeep and Mohanlal very well.
Since you are all friends, do you exchange notes on your respective shows?
Yes, when we meet, we talk about it. The show in each language is very different. People react differently in each of these states. We discuss this, but in a very casual manner.
In all these years, which has been your most challenging season?
The first two seasons that I hosted were tough because I felt a little out of place. I’m not the kind of person who likes to judge people or tell them what to do. But slowly, I had to get over that as a host. So, the first two years were a little uncomfortable, and it took me some time to get used to the format.
Do you draw a line when it comes to the level of decorum you expect contestants to maintain on the show?
Yes, absolutely, especially if they’re being disrespectful or using the kind of language they shouldn’t. Many families and kids watch the show, so I don’t accept this kind of unruly behavior. I caution or warn them against it.
You mentioned that this year the physical challenges are going to be tougher.
The show was so successful last year that this time the channel felt it needed to switch things around and up the game, as viewers are demanding the same.
Talking about movies, when can we expect the first look of your 100th film, “King100”?
I am currently shooting for the film, and the first look will be out soon.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.