Gilli Nata, winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, emerged as a fan favourite through honesty, humour, and a deeply relatable life story.
Gilli Nata, winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 [Photo: X]
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 crowned Gilli Nata as its winner, turning a humble entertainer into one of Karnataka's most talked-about faces. His victory was not just about lifting a trophy. It marked the rise of a common man who connected deeply with audiences through honesty, humour, and grit.
From a small farming village in Mandya district to the grand finale stage, Gilli Nata's journey reflects the power of persistence. Viewers saw themselves in him. That connection helped him win millions of votes and the hearts of Kannada-speaking audiences.
Gilli Nata’s real name is Malavalli Nataraj. He was born on April 5, 1996, in Matadapura village in Mandya district, Karnataka. He grew up in a poor farming family where life revolved around hard work and discipline.
He completed his schooling in Mandya and later pursued a two-year ITI course. Like many young men from rural Karnataka, he dreamed big. He wanted to become a film director, but financial struggles slowed his path.
With limited resources but strong determination, Gilli Nata moved to Bengaluru. He started working behind the camera as a set assistant and in the art departments of films. These years shaped his understanding of cinema.
He quietly learned filmmaking, experimented with scriptwriting, short films, and comedy skits, and slowly discovered his real strength. Comedy became his voice.
Gilli Nata gained popularity by turning everyday life into humour. He spoke about families, students, social media, online classes, and village life. He used the Mandya Kannada dialect, which instantly connected with people.
His big break came with Comedy Kiladigalu Season 4, where he finished as the first runner-up. Audiences loved his timing, expressions, and natural stage presence.
After Comedy Kiladigalu, Gilli Nata appeared on Dance Karnataka Dance, proving his versatility. He won the Best Entertainer Award, which marked a turning point in his career.
He later acted in films like Langoti Man (2024), Super Hit, and 1st Day 1st Show (2025). He also played a role in Darshan’s film Devil. On social media, especially Instagram, his comedy videos gained massive reach.
Gilli Nata entered Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 with confidence and honesty. His calm nature, emotional transparency, and humour set him apart. He stayed real in a high-pressure house.
The season began with 24 contestants and ended with six finalists. Gilli Nata emerged as the winner. He took home the trophy, Rs 50 lakh prize money, a new SUV, and an additional Rs 10 lakh gifted by host Kiccha Sudeep.
