The reality show Bigg Boss Marathi 6 has introduced a diverse lineup of contestants this season, but few have captured the audience's attention as quickly as Prabhu Shelke. Known popularly by his social media handle Kaalu Don Shelke entered the house on January 11, 2026, bringing a mix of rustic charm and a compelling life story to the high-profile competition hosted by Riteish Deshmukh. ‘Bigg Boss Marathi 6’ Confirmed Contestant List: Raqesh Bapat to Karan Sonawane – Complete List of Contestants on Riteish Deshmukh’s Reality Show!.
Who is Prabhu Shelke?
Prabhu Shelke is a prominent social media influencer and content creator from Maharashtra. He gained widespread internet fame for his humorous short videos and reels, often featuring his signature dialogue, "Murgi ki kapura khayga..." (Will you eat chicken or camphor?) His persona, "Kaalu Don," characterised by an authentic "gavran" (rural) style and a bold personality, has made him a household name among Marathi-speaking audiences.
Prabhu Shelke on ‘Bigg Boss Marathi 6’ – Watch Promo
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Age and Background
At just 20 years old, Prabhu is reported to be the youngest contestant in the 'Bigg Boss Marathi 6' house. He hails from a humble background in the village of Valkhed, located in the Partur Taluka of Jalna district.
His journey to stardom was far from easy; coming from a family with limited financial means, Prabhu initially began his career by performing in local stage shows and folk theatre. His transition to digital content creation eventually provided him with a platform to reach millions, though he remains deeply rooted in his rural upbringing.
Medical Condition and Struggles
Beyond his entertainer persona, Prabhu has been open about his significant health challenges. He suffers from Thalassemia, a chronic blood disorder that he has been battling for the past eight years.
Prabhu Shelke’s Intercation With Riteish Deshmukh on ‘Bigg Boss Marathi 6’ – Watch Video
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During the show’s premiere and subsequent episodes, it was revealed that his condition requires him to undergo blood transfusions every month. His family has faced extreme financial hardship due to medical costs, reportedly selling two acres of their farmland to fund his and his brother's treatments. Prabhu has stated that one of his primary motivations for participating in 'Bigg Boss' is to win the prize money to afford better medical care and build a home for his parents.
Social Media Popularity
Prabhu Shelke enters the competition as one of the most followed contestants on social media. He currently boasts over 2.3 million followers on Instagram. His reels regularly garner millions of views, fueled by his unique comedic timing and relatability. This massive digital footprint has already translated into significant fan support within the first few weeks of the show, making him a strong contender for the title.
Watch the Latets Promoof ‘Bigg Boss Marathi 6’
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About ‘Bigg Boss Marathi 6’
As Bigg Boss Marathi 6 gains momentum, the show continues to be a major cultural talking point across Maharashtra. Hosted by Riteish Deshmukh, this season has broken viewership records on both Colors Marathi and JioHotstar, bolstered by a high-stakes no-elimination twist during the opening week that kept all nine initial nominees in the danger zone. ‘Bigg Boss Marathi 6’ FIRST Nominations: These 8 Contestants Face Eviction Threat in the First Week of Riteish Deshmukh’s Reality Show.
The house currently features a dynamic blend of 17 contestants from seasoned actors like Raqesh Bapat and Deepali Sayed to digital stars like Karan Sonawane and Prabhu Shelke, each navigating a landscape of shifting alliances and high-intensity tasks.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2026 03:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).













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