N. T. Rama Rao Jr

N. T. Rama Rao Jr., popularly known as NTR Jr., played a pivotal role in the expansion of the "Big Brother" franchise into the South Indian market by hosting the inaugural season of Bigg Boss Telugu. Premiering on July 16, 2017, on Star Maa, the show marked the actor's highly anticipated television debut. Despite being a newcomer to the small screen, his transition from a "Young Tiger" of cinema to a charismatic television presenter was seamless. The first season ran for a duration of 70 days, concluding on September 24, 2017. NTR Jr.'s involvement was instrumental in establishing the show's initial footprint, as his energetic hosting style and natural connection with the audience helped the series achieve record-breaking TRP ratings for the regional market.

The hosting tenure of NTR Jr. was defined by a mix of high-energy interaction and firm handling of the housemates' dynamics. One of the most notable events during his season was the sheer scale of audience participation; for the grand finale, it was reported that over 120 million votes were cast, with the eventual winner, Siva Balaji, securing a staggering 34 million votes. NTR Jr. was praised for his "weekend episodes," where he would effectively balance lighthearted fun with serious "class-taking" sessions to address house issues. His ability to switch from a friend to a disciplinarian without losing the respect of the contestants or the viewers set a gold standard for subsequent hosts of the franchise.

However, the debut season was not without its share of controversies and external pressures. Even before the show aired, the Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce raised objections to the show's format, with some officials urging the actor to stay away from the project, claiming it was contrary to local cultural values. Additionally, a petition was filed with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) alleging that the tasks given to participants—such as chopping a bag full of onions or being repeatedly dipped in a swimming pool—constituted "inhuman activities." Despite these hurdles, NTR Jr. remained professional, navigating the season through its 71 episodes with significant poise. Although fans hoped for his return, he did not host subsequent seasons due to his heavy film commitments, specifically for the global blockbuster RRR, leading to the mantle being passed to actors Nani and later Akkineni Nagarjuna.