Munawar Faruqui gets grand welcome in Mumbai after 'Bigg Boss 17' win. Watch

On “Bigg Boss 17”, Munawar Faruqui beat Abhishek Kumar through live voting to clinch the winner’s title. (Image credit: Screengrabs from video posted on Instagram by munawar.faruqui)

Stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui got a grand welcome in Mumbai on Monday after winning popular reality series “Bigg Boss 17”.

Faruqui, 32, was declared winner of the season of by actor Salman Khan, who hosted the show.

A massive crowd of fans gathered around Faruqui’s car in Mumbai’s Dongri area, where he spent many years. He stood out of the sunroof and greeted the crowd, holding up his Bigg Boss trophy. The crowd of mostly men excitedly cheered for him and took photos and videos on their phones.

On “Bigg Boss 17”, Munawar Faruqui beat Abhishek Kumar through live voting to clinch the winner’s title.

Speaking about his major win, Faruqui called his journey on “Bigg Boss 17” a "roller coaster" ride that tested him but also helped him evolve as a person.

Other popular contestants on the show included Mannara Chopra, Ankita Lokhande and Arun Mahashetty.

"It tests you. It's up to you how you react and what you say. It is not easy. I was drained out a bit mentally. I kept going for myself and fans. It has been a roller coaster journey," the comedian said.

Born in Gujarat's Junagadh, Faruqui became popular on social media through his stand-up videos. He was also a rapper on YouTube.

He has a five-year-old son from his previous marriage that ended in 2022. He was also dating social media influencer Nazila Sitaishi.

In 2022, he won another reality TV show, "Lock Upp" season one, which was hosted by actor Kangana Ranaut.

In 2021, Faruqui made headlines after being arrested in Madhya Pradesh in the middle of his comic show. A complaint was filed against him, accusing him of hurting religious sentiments. He spent 37 days in jail.

Following the outrage, 12 of his shows were cancelled over alleged threats of vandalism. The comic had hinted on social media later that he will quit comedy.