The world of Tamil reality television witnessed a dramatic moment when Director Praveen Gandhi became the first contestant to face elimination on Bigg Boss Tamil 9, hosted by the charismatic Vijay Sethupathi. The filmmaker, known for his directorial works including the big-budget Ratchagan starring Nagarjuna and Sushmita Sen, received the lowest votes in Week 1, marking an unexpected early exit from the competition. While the spotlight initially fell on Director Praveen Gandhi’s departure, the subsequent weeks have shifted focus to new nominees including VJ Parvathi and Watermelon Star Diwakar, who now find themselves facing maximum nominations from fellow housemates.
Director Praveen Gandhi: From Silver Screen to Reality Show Drama
Praveen Gandhi entered the Bigg Boss Tamil 9 house with an impressive filmmaking pedigree, having made his spectacular directorial debut with Ratchagan (1997), a big-budget romantic action film featuring music by legendary composer A.R. Rahman. The film, made with a then-staggering budget of INR 15 crore, was India’s most costly production at the time.
| Career Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Directorial Debut | Ratchagan (1997) with Nagarjuna, Sushmita Sen |
| Music Composer | A.R. Rahman |
| Budget | ₹15 Crore (highest in Indian cinema at that time) |
| Major Success | Jodi (1999) – Superhit with Prashanth & Simran |
| Multi-Talented | Director, Actor, Editor, Lyricist, Art Director, Producer |
| Other Films | Star (2001), Thullal (2007), Pulipaarvai (2014) |
Before earning recognition as a director, Praveen Gandhi began his journey with dreams of becoming an actor. His passion for performing arts guided his early career and helped him understand storytelling from an actor’s perspective. This experience shaped his direction style to be emotionally layered, character-driven, and realistic.
With Pulipaarvai (2014), Praveen Gandhi proved his versatility by serving not just as director but also as editor, lyricist, art director, and producer. Taking on multiple roles showcased his deep creative commitment and technical expertise in filmmaking.
Why Director Praveen Gandhi Was Eliminated from Bigg Boss Tamil 9
In the first week of Bigg Boss Tamil 9, seven contestants faced nominations for elimination: Kalaiyarasan, Viyana, Apsara CJ, Diwakar, Aadhirai, Praveen Raj, and Praveen Gandhi. The competition was fierce, with fans actively voting to save their favorite participants.
Week 1 Nomination Breakdown
Kalaiyarasan received the highest nominations from fellow housemates with 12 votes, while Diwakar received 7 votes from contestants. Viyana, Aadhirai, Apsara CJ, and Praveen Raj Dev each received 3 votes, followed by Praveen Gandhi with 4.
| Contestant | Votes from Housemates | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Kalaiyarasan | 12 votes | Highest nominations |
| Diwakar | 7 votes | Second highest |
| Praveen Gandhi | 4 votes | Mid-range |
| Viyana | 3 votes | Lower nominations |
| Aadhirai | 3 votes | Lower nominations |
| Apsara CJ | 3 votes | Lower nominations |
| Praveen Raj Dev | 3 votes | Lower nominations |
Despite not receiving the maximum nominations from housemates, Praveen Gandhi received the lowest votes from the public, putting him at the highest risk of eviction. The final battle for survival came down to Kalaiyarasan and Praveen Gandhi, both finding themselves in the bottom two.
Ultimately, Praveen Gandhi was evicted through public voting in Week 1. Despite his calm approach and mature perspective during tasks, audience polls had predicted his exit. Many felt he didn’t engage enough in group dynamics and remained less active in house interactions.
The Bigg Boss Tamil 9 House Structure: Understanding the Divide
Bigg Boss Tamil 9 introduced a unique twist by dividing the house into two sections. One section, called Super Deluxe, is equipped with all amenities, while the other lacks basic facilities. This setup has intensified the drama and kept viewers hooked.
The house is creatively divided into water and fire zones, with contestants split into two groups based on their badges:
Red Badge Group (Regular Zone): Diwakar, FJ, VJ Parvathy, Kani Thiru, Kemy, Aadhirai, Viyana, Praveen Raj Dev, Apsara CJ, Vikkals Vikram, Sabarinathan, and Kalaiyarasan
Blue Badge Group (Super Deluxe Zone): Aurora Sinclair, Tushaar, Praveen Gandhi, Ramya Joo, Gana Vinoth, Subhiksha, Nandini, and Kamrudin
The promo teased suspense and drama with the tagline “Paakka paakka thaan theriyum, poga poga thaan puriyum” (Only when you watch will you know, only as it progresses will you understand).
VJ Parvathi and Diwakar: The New Faces of Eviction Danger
Following Director Praveen Gandhi’s elimination, Week 2 witnessed nine contestants being nominated for elimination: FJ, Aurora Sinclair, Diwakar (Watermelon Star), Apsara CJ, Ramya Joo, Kamarudin, VJ Paru (Parvathi), Sabari Nandhan, and Kemy.
VJ Parvathi’s Controversial Journey
Host Vijay Sethupathi firmly addressed VJ Parvathy during the first weekend episode, warning her to maintain dignity in conflicts. His reality check left her in tears. The incident became a talking point among viewers and fellow contestants.
Many contestants labeled Parvathy the most “fake” housemate during discussions, creating additional pressure on her position in the house. This perception, combined with her confrontational moments, has placed her squarely in the eviction danger zone.
The Week 2 nominations placed nine contestants on the eviction list. A heated kitchen argument between Kani and Parvathy over hygiene and respect became one of the week’s major flashpoints.
Diwakar: The Watermelon Star’s Rollercoaster Ride
Dr. Diwakar, popularly known as Watermelon Star, is a physiotherapist and social media influencer admired for his fitness knowledge and inspiring online presence. Despite his positive reputation outside the house, his journey inside has been tumultuous.
Many contestants who nominated Diwakar criticized him for being more preoccupied with establishing his reputation as the ‘watermelon star’ rather than participating genuinely in the game.
However, in Week 1, Diwakar managed to receive the highest votes from the public and was safe from elimination. He has proven to have a strong fan following despite polarizing opinions inside the house.
In an interesting twist, Diwakar and Parvathy were shifted to the Super Deluxe House in Week 2, reshaping alliances and rivalries within the Bigg Boss Tamil 9 house.
Director Praveen Gandhi’s Final Moments and Graceful Exit
Another twist unfolded during the first weekend ka vaar when Praveen Gandhi was eliminated. He found himself in the danger zone alongside Kalaiyarasan. Ultimately, Praveen received the fewest votes and was evicted from the show.
The highlight of the night was the eviction of Praveen Gandhi, who accepted his exit gracefully, saying his “attempts to teach something meaningful had failed inside the house.” This dignified departure resonated with many viewers who appreciated his maturity even in defeat.
The elimination came as a shock to some, particularly given Director Praveen Gandhi’s distinguished career in Tamil cinema. However, as reality show veterans know, celebrity status outside doesn’t always translate to success inside the pressure cooker environment of Bigg Boss.
The VJ Nandhini Factor: Bigg Boss Tamil 9’s First Unexpected Exit
Before Director Praveen Gandhi’s eviction, Bigg Boss Tamil 9 witnessed a massive twist when VJ Nandhini walked out of the show within a week. She left before the first weekend ka vaar after suffering a mental breakdown, becoming the first contestant to exit the house this season.
The show took an unexpected turn as contestant Nandhini voluntarily walked out after suffering an anxiety attack triggered during a heated altercation with co-contestant Kani. After discussions with the medical team and the Bigg Boss management, Nandhini decided to withdraw from the show to prioritize her health.
Her departure set a somber tone for the season, highlighting the intense psychological pressure contestants face in the isolated environment of the Bigg Boss house.
Week 2 Drama: Ramya Joo’s Health Scare and Rising Tensions
Ramya Joo created a buzz after she fainted inside the house during Week 2. This incident sparked reports of her exit from the show on health grounds. During the morning routine, Ramya lost consciousness and fainted, leaving everyone shocked.
Kalaiyarasan, Kemy, Tushaar and other contestants rushed to help her and she was immediately taken for medical attention. While there were reports about Ramya’s elimination on health grounds, she returned to the house post a medical checkup.
The latest episode of Bigg Boss Tamil 9 also featured a heated confrontation between Viyana and FJ. Their fight shook the house, prompting intervention from fellow housemates.
Vijay Sethupathi’s Hosting Style: Making Director Praveen Gandhi and Others Accountable
Vijay Sethupathi’s hosting skills have left everyone brimming with an opinion. His reality checks have proven effective in calling out contestants’ behavior and gameplay strategies.
Beyond addressing VJ Parvathi, Vijay Sethupathi firmly addressed Kamurudin for neglecting his responsibilities during Day 8’s weekend episode. He also intervened during a major confrontation between Kamurudin and Diwakar on Day 7, addressing issues of respect and attitude.
The host’s no-nonsense approach has earned praise from viewers who appreciate his ability to maintain order while allowing genuine drama to unfold naturally. His intervention regarding Director Praveen Gandhi’s elimination was handled with sensitivity, acknowledging the filmmaker’s contributions while respecting the audience’s verdict.
How Public Voting Shaped Director Praveen Gandhi’s Fate
According to viewer polls conducted before the elimination, “Watermelon” Diwakar topped the chart with 29.62% (156,938 votes), despite his occasional outbursts and polarizing behavior. Aadhirai came in second with 21.5% (113,900 votes), followed by Viyana at 15.93% (84,400 votes).
In one poll, Kalaiyarasan and Apsara were nearly tied, demonstrating how even a minor phone-in campaign or a trending hashtag can tilt the results. This unpredictability keeps both contestants and viewers on edge throughout the voting period.
The voting trends revealed an interesting pattern: while Diwakar received 7 nominations from housemates (second-highest after Kalaiyarasan’s 12), he managed to secure the highest public votes, proving that audience perception doesn’t always align with fellow contestants’ opinions.
What’s Next for Bigg Boss Tamil 9 After Director Praveen Gandhi’s Exit?
With Director Praveen Gandhi’s elimination behind them and VJ Parvathi and Diwakar facing mounting pressure from nominations, the dynamics inside the Bigg Boss Tamil 9 house continue to evolve rapidly.
The strategic game has intensified with contestants now aware that celebrity status, calm demeanor, or even receiving fewer housemate nominations doesn’t guarantee survival. Public voting remains the ultimate arbiter of fate, and engaging with fellow housemates and creating memorable moments appear crucial for longevity in the competition.
Day 9 updates show that Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 continues to keep viewers hooked with its intense drama and unexpected twists. The week began with a fiery food clash between Sabari and the Watermelon Star team.
As Week 2 progresses, all eyes remain on VJ Parvathi and Diwakar, who must now convince the public that they deserve to continue their Bigg Boss journey. The lessons from Director Praveen Gandhi’s elimination are clear: in this house, every day counts, every interaction matters, and ultimately, the audience holds all the power.
Read More: Bigg Boss 19: Amaal Mallik Explodes at Farrhana Bhatt Over Kitchen Clash
FAQs
Who is Director Praveen Gandhi and why was he on Bigg Boss Tamil 9?
Director Praveen Gandhi is a Tamil filmmaker who made his directorial debut with Ratchagan (1997), a big-budget film starring Nagarjuna and Sushmita Sen with music by A.R. Rahman. He also directed the superhit film Jodi (1999). He participated in Bigg Boss Tamil 9 as a contestant but became the first evicted contestant in Week 1 after receiving the lowest public votes.
How many nominations did Director Praveen Gandhi receive from housemates?
Director Praveen Gandhi received 4 nominations from fellow housemates during Week 1, which was in the mid-range compared to Kalaiyarasan who received the maximum 12 nominations and Diwakar who received 7. However, despite moderate housemate nominations, Praveen Gandhi received the lowest public votes, leading to his elimination.
Why are VJ Parvathi and Diwakar facing eviction on Bigg Boss Tamil 9?
VJ Parvathi and Diwakar are among nine contestants nominated for eviction in Week 2. Parvathi faces pressure after being labeled “fake” by housemates and receiving a reality check from host Vijay Sethupathi. Diwakar, despite having strong public support in Week 1, was criticized by contestants for focusing more on his “Watermelon Star” persona than genuine gameplay. Both are now in the danger zone.
What films did Director Praveen Gandhi direct before Bigg Boss Tamil 9?
Director Praveen Gandhi directed several Tamil films including Ratchagan (1997) featuring A.R. Rahman’s music, Jodi (1999) which became a superhit, Star (2001), Thullal (2007), and Pulipaarvai (2014) where he served as director, editor, lyricist, art director, and producer, showcasing his versatility as an all-around filmmaker.
Who was eliminated first from Bigg Boss Tamil 9 – was it Director Praveen Gandhi?
VJ Nandhini was technically the first to exit Bigg Boss Tamil 9 when she voluntarily walked out within the first week after suffering an anxiety attack. However, Director Praveen Gandhi became the first contestant officially eliminated through public voting during the first Weekend Ka Vaar episode, after receiving the lowest votes despite competing against six other nominated contestants.
