Rapper MC Stan was declared the winner of the popular reality show Bigg Boss season 16 on Sunday, beating his friend Shiv Thakare.

Show host and Bollywood actor Salman Khan presented Stan with a trophy, prize money of over ₹ 31 lakh and a car.

Season 16 of the show, which aired on October 1, 2022, saw Thakare become the first runner-up.

TV personality Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, who was declared as the winner, came down to third place.

Political model Archana Gautam finished fourth, with actor Shalin Bhanot, known for shows like Saat Phere: Saloni Ka Safar and Dill Mill Gayye, coming in fifth.

"Thank you sir for everything you have taught me. You are the most real person. I am sure that my parents will be very proud. Lots of love to everyone, my mandali and everyone," Stan told Khan after he was announced the winner.

One of the highlights of Bigg Boss 16 is the alliance shared by the 'mandali', which also includes Thakare, cinematographer Sajid Khan, Abdu Rozik, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, and Sumbul Touqeer Khan.

Choudhary, whose eviction came as a shock to many including Khan, said he was grateful for all the love showered on him.

He said, "I thought I might be fired within a week, but after you scolded (Khan), I started working (about the film)."

The grand finale also saw Bollywood star Sunny Deol promoting his upcoming film Gadar 2 with co-star Ameesha Patel and the team of the new show Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal, hosted by Karan Kundra, in attendance.

At the start of the show, Khan thanked the Big Boss fans and followers for their love and support for the contestants.

Actresses Tina Datta, Ankit Gupta, Soundarya Sharma, who appeared in the web drama Raktanchal 2, Sreejita De and dancer Gori Nagori were also among the 17 contestants for season 16.