Bigg Boss 17 Grand Finale - Munawar Faruqui clinches victory amid birthday celebrations; poses with Salman Khan

Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui emerged as the winner of the 17th season after spending over a hundred days inside the Bigg Boss house. He won the finals by defeating actor Abhishek Kumar. He immediately uploaded a photo of himself holding the trophy on Instagram after winning the reality show. Salman Khan, the host, is seen with Munawar in the snap. As the superstar stood there in his black and white suit, with his laid-back expression, Salman grinned for the camera.

Munawar's trophy celebration

Munawar captioned the photo, "Bohot Bohot Shukriya Janta. Aapke pyaar aur support ke liye Aakhir kar Trophy Dongri aa hi gayi. Special thanks to Bade Bhai, @beingsalmankhan, sir, for all your guidance. Saari #munawarkijanta aur #munawarkewarrior ka dil se shukriya #Karliya (Thank you very much, everyone. Finally, the trophy has come to Dongri because of your love and support. Special thanks to Big Brother @beingsalmankhan, sir, for all your guidance. Heartfelt thanks to all the Munawar Ki Janta and Munawar Ke Warriors.)

Munawar received a cash prize of ₹50 lakh. In addition to Abhishek, he was a finalist alongside Ankita Lokhande and Mannara Chopra. 

ALSO READ: Bigg Boss 17 winner: From prize money to luxury car, details of what Munawar Faruqui will take home on winning the reality show 

Finale as a milestone

On top of being Munawar's birthday, the finale was a really memorable occasion for him. "Isse badiya birthday nahi ho sakta (There cannot be a better birthday than this)," he boasted to Times Now during an interview.

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Among the Bigg Boss 17 contestants, Munawar was among the most formidable. Since his appearance on the show, he has been a major draw for fans, mostly due to his shayaris. But when his strategy backfired after his ex-girlfriend, Ayesha Khan, entered the house, his popularity took a tiny dip.

Munawar's victory over adversity

His accuser, Ayesha, levelled multiple charges against him during the course of the show. She accused him of being unfaithful, making false promises, and even proposing to another woman. As an additional guest on the reality show, she brought up Munawar's ex-girlfriend, Nazila. Regardless, Munawar persevered and received a landslide vote to win the show.

Munawar became famous after winning the Kangana Ranaut-hosted reality show Lock Upp before Bigg Boss 17.

ALSO READ: Bigg Boss 17 Grand Finale- After Arun Mashettey, it's ANKITA LOKHANDE who gets evicted; Salman Khan says he is SHOCKED!