Sreemukhi Rathod
Biography
Sreemukhi Rathod, popularly known by her monikers "Ramulamma" and "Pataas Sreemukhi," is one of the most prominent television presenters in the Telugu entertainment industry. Her journey with the Bigg Boss franchise is unique because she is primarily recognized as a prolific host of other major reality shows rather than a long-term host of the Bigg Boss series itself. While the main seasons of Bigg Boss Telugu have been traditionally hosted by cinematic stalwarts like Jr. NTR, Nani, and Akkineni Nagarjuna, Sreemukhi has maintained a significant presence within the franchise's ecosystem. Her professional history includes hosting high-profile shows such as Adhurs, Super Singer 9, and Pataas, which established her as a household name before she eventually transitioned into the Bigg Boss house as a participant.
The most defining chapter of her involvement with the show occurred in 2019, when she entered Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 as a contestant. Although she did not serve as the primary season host, her role as a professional presenter frequently blurred the lines during her 105-day stay. She was often seen as the "house captain" or an unofficial moderator during tasks, leveraging her years of hosting experience to lead discussions and navigate group dynamics. Her tenure in the house was characterized by high energy and a competitive spirit, ultimately leading her to emerge as the first runner-up of the season. Following her successful stint, Sreemukhi continued to be a staple of the Bigg Boss universe, often returning as a guest host or special presenter for gala episodes and finales in subsequent seasons like Bigg Boss Telugu 7 and Bigg Boss 9.
Sreemukhi’s journey was not without its share of notable events and controversies. One of the most significant moments occurred during a "sacrifice task" in Season 3, where she made the permanent decision to get a Bigg Boss "eye" logo tattooed on her hand to save a fellow contestant from nomination. This act was both praised for its selflessness and criticized by some viewers who felt it was a strategic move to gain sympathy. Furthermore, her stay was marked by a highly publicized rivalry with fellow contestant and eventual winner Rahul Sipligunj, which fueled much of the season's drama. Despite these tensions, Sreemukhi used the platform to share personal hardships, including a difficult professional transition from dentistry to media, further solidifying her connection with the Telugu-speaking audience across the globe.