MC Stan wins 'Bigg Boss 16'
Mumbai (PTI): Rapper MC Stan was declared the winner of the popular reality TV show "Bigg Boss" season 16 on Sunday, beating his friend Shiv Thakare.
Show host and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan presented the trophy, prize money of over Rs 31 lakh and a car to Stan.
The season 16 of the show, which kickstarted on October 1, 2022, saw Thakare emerge as the first runner-up.
Popular TV star Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, who was touted as the winner, ended up in the third spot.
Politician-model Archana Gautam finished fourth, with actor Shalin Bhanot, known for shows like "Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar" and "Dill Mill Gayye", coming in at the fifth position.
"I am thankful to you sir for all that you have taught me. You are the most real person. I am sure my parents would be feeling very proud. Lots of love to everyone, my mandali and everyone," Stan said to Khan after he was declared the winner.
One of the highlights of "Bigg Boss 16" was the bond shared by the 'mandali', which also consisted of Thakare, filmmaker Sajid Khan, Abdu Rozik, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia and Sumbul Touqeer Khan.
Choudhary, whose eviction surprised many including Khan, said she is elated with all the love that came her way.
"I thought I might get evicted in one week but after your (Khan's) scolding, I started getting practical (about the show)," she said.
The grand finale also saw Bollywood star Sunny Deol promote his upcoming film "Gadar 2" along with co-star Ameesha Patel, and the team of the new show "Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal", headlined by Karan Kundra, in attendance.
At the beginning of the show, Khan thanked "Big Boss" fans and followers for their love and support for the contestants.
Actors Tina Datta, Ankit Gupta, Soundarya Sharma, who appeared in the web show "Raktanchal 2", Sreejita De, and dancer Gori Nagori were also among the 17 participants of season 16.
Congratulations @MCStanOfficial
— 𝙈𝘾 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙉 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇 𝙁𝘾⛓️ (@ItsTeamMCStan) February 12, 2023
For winning BB16 from nowhere to one Of the most loved contestant of BB16 And one of the most popular rapper in Indian Hip Hop industry and now being winner of BB16 #MCStan wins HH wins
HISTORIC WINNER MC STANpic.twitter.com/fxdxQh8OT4
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Rare Kalyani Chalukya-era stepwell discovered in Karnataka’s Gadag district
Gadag: A centuries-old stepwell from the Kalyani Chalukya period is discovered into public in Sudi, a remote village in Karnataka’s Gadag district. The Nagakunda Pushkarani, dating to the 10th-11th century CE, is undergoing extensive restoration under the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage’s ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme.
The stepwell was focal point of community life and craftsmanship under the reign of Akkadevi, sister of Chalukya king Jayasimha II. It shows the dynasty’s mastery of architecture and water management. Its interior walls are carved with the precision of temple façades, setting it apart from most surviving stepwells in southern India, linking it stylistically to examples in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
After centuries of neglect left its sculptures weathered and its waters dry, the site is now being revived by the Deccan Heritage Foundation India in partnership with Heritage Matters, the Gandipet Welfare Society and the Water Literacy Foundation according to a report published by The HIndu. Work includes structural repairs, removal of invasive vegetation, dredging, stone resetting and landscaping, alongside the restoration of an adjacent mantapa with a large Ganesha idol.
Heritage architect B. Sarath Chandra noted, the project is as much about functionality as aesthetics, with water recharge efforts already underway. Funded by Gandipet Welfare Society founder Rajashree Pinnamenni, the restoration is slated for completion by late 2025, followed by a second phase linking the stepwell to the Jodu Kalasadagudi temple through landscaped pathways.
The report mentions that officials say the revival of Nagakunda Pushkarani could not only reintroduce Sudi’s Chalukya heritage to a wider audience but also serve as a model for conserving other lesser-known monuments across Karnataka.
