The excitement around Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 is steadily building, with speculations about the contestant lineup taking social media by storm.
The reality show, hosted by superstar Kichcha Sudeep, is set to return soon, and discussions are rife about who will step into the famous glasshouse this year.
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12
While the official list is yet to be revealed, several names from the Kannada television industry, cinema, digital space, and even music circles are already making rounds as probable contestants. What makes this year’s buzz particularly interesting is the diversity of names – from seasoned serial actors to rising YouTube sensations and even folk singers.
Among the most-discussed names is Doctor Bro (Gagan Srinivas), a YouTuber whose witty videos once went viral across social platforms. Despite a dip in his online activity, reports suggest his entry is “almost confirmed,” making him one of the most anticipated faces this season.
Television remains a strong feeder for the Bigg Boss house. Dhanush Gowda, who rose to fame with Puttakkana Makkalu and also appeared in the Bigg Boss mini-season, is once again tipped to enter. Likewise, actresses such as Sanjana Burli (Puttakkana Makkalu), Swathi (Gattimela, Brahmagantu), and Meghaa Shetty, who has also made her mark in films like Triple Riding, could add drama, glamour, and strong fan support to the show. Veteran actor Abhijith Rao from Satya is also being speculated as one of the senior contestants, a move that could balance the house with experience.
On the digital front, Bigg Boss may see the entry of multiple online personalities. Apart from Doctor Bro, names like Sameer MD, Tejas Gowda, and Varuna Aradhya are floating around, bringing with them the energy of YouTube and social media stardom. Payal Chengappa, who has been trending on social media through short films and indie cinema projects, is another strong contender from the youth circuit.
Comedy is expected to play a big role this season. Suraj of Comedy Kiladigalu fame and comedian Gilli Nata, both beloved for their comic timing, are among the top names. Their inclusion could ensure lighter moments amidst the inevitable conflicts inside the house.
Adding further variety are names like Samarjit Lankesh, son of filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh, who was last seen in the film Gauri; Balu Belagundi, a folk singer popular through Sa Re Ga Ma Pa; and Arvind Rathan, a celebrity numerologist and vastu expert who could introduce an unusual mystical element to the season.
Other names being linked include Amrutha Iyengar, Amrita Ramamurthy, Shwetha Prasad, Deepika Gowda, Gagana Bari, Ash Mellow, Vijay Surya, and Vaani Gowda. With such a wide pool of potential contestants, Season 12 promises to be one of the most diverse editions yet.
| Name | Background / Known For |
|---|---|
| Abhijith Rao | Veteran Kannada actor, recently appeared in the serial Satya. |
| Abhijna Bhat | Reality / TV personality known from Bharjari Bachelor. Hopes to get a major break. |
| Amrutha Iyengar | Actress with multiple film and TV roles in Kannada. |
| Amrita Ramamurthy | Known for serials such as Kasturi Nivasa and Aase Annu. |
| Arvind Rathan | Celebrity numerologist / vastu expert; could bring a spiritual dimension. |
| Ash Mellow | Gained popularity via performances / shows like Bheema, Pei Kathai, Halli Power. |
| Balu Belagundi | Folk singer; rooted in Kannada rural culture. Could introduce traditional music flavour. |
| Deepika Gowda | Appreciated for comedic skits and digital appearances. Expected to add humour and youth appeal. |
| Dhanush Gowda | Known for his role in the serial Puttakkana Makkalu previously in the Bigg Boss mini-season. |
| Dilip Shetty | Serial actor, e.g. Neena Dena, with a strong fan following; tipped as a strong contender. |
| Doctor Bro (Gagan Srinivas) | Social media personality / YouTuber; known as “Doctor Bro.” Currently less active online but heavily speculated to be part of BBK12. |
| Divya Vasantha | News anchor; crossover from journalism to reality TV could make for an interesting mix. |
| Gagana Bari | Known from Mahanati reality show has charisma and presence. |
| Gilli Nata | Comedian, fan favourite; supporters believe he might even clinch the trophy if he enters. |
| Meghaa Shetty | Serial actress and film actress (Triple Riding etc.); brings star value. |
| Payal Chengappa | Rising name via short films and YouTube; trending socially and possibly contesting. |
| Ramola | Actress known for vamp roles in daily soaps like Seetha Rama, Kannadathi former Bigg Boss mini-season participant. |
| Sameer MD | YouTuber; strong digital audience. |
| Samarjit Lankesh | Son of filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh; acted in Gauri alongside Sania Iyer. |
| San-jana Burli | Serial actress (Puttakkana Makkalu etc.); emotional connect with fans. |
| Shwetha Prasad | Has acted in serials such as Radharamana and Srirastu Shubhamastu adds acting depth & glam. |
| Suraj | Known from Comedy Kiladigalu expected to bring humour. |
| Swathi | Veteran television actress; appeared in multiple serials (Gattimela, Neenadena, Brahmagantu, Malegalalli Madhumagalu) with an established fan base. |
| Tejas Gowda | YouTuber; approaching the show from a digital content background. |
| Vijay Surya | Seasoned TV actor; known for serials like Agnisakshi, Drishti Battu, Namma Lajje Innu. |
| Varuna Aradhya | Serial actor and YouTuber (e.g. Brindavana); appeals to younger, digitally-active viewers. |
| Vaani Gowda | Actress; buzz suggests at least one among Vaani or Deepika might get in. |
Interestingly, actress Sudharani recently put an end to speculations about her participation by sharing a witty social media reel denying her involvement. On the other hand, the confirmation that Kichcha Sudeep has signed on to host four more seasons, beginning with this one, has further amplified the buzz among fans.
As the countdown to the grand premiere begins, viewers are waiting eagerly to see which of these names will make it into the official list. If the speculations hold true, Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 could feature a unique blend of glamour, humour, drama, and cultural flavour – a combination that has made the show a massive hit season after season.