Gilli Nata

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Gilli Nata
Born
Malavalli Nataraj

(1998-06-21) June 21, 1998 (age 27)
Matadapura, Malavalli, Mandya, Karnataka, India
OccupationActor
Years active2022–present
Known forWinner of Bigg Boss Kannada (season 12)

Malavalli Nataraj (born 21 June 1998), more popularly known as Gilli Nata, is an actor and television personality working in Kannada entertainment industry. He began his career working as set assistant and in art departments for films. Gilli's breakthrough came in 2022 with Comedy Khiladigalu season 4 , a humour television reality show, where he finished as the first runner-up. [1] Following this, he featured in the dance reality show, Dance Karnataka Dance and won the Best Entertainer Award. [2] He made his film debut in 2024 with Langoti Man and later featured in a small role in Darshan's The Devil (2025). [3]

Contents

Gilli's biggest success came through the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada (season 12) (2025–26), where he emerged as the winner and earned huge fan following. [4] [5]

Early life

Gilli was born as Malavalli Nataraj on 21 June 1998 in a humble farmer family in Dadadaapura village of Malavalli Taluk in Mandya district. He completed his schooling in Mandya and later pursued a two-year ITI course. [6] . He migrated to Bengaluru dreaming about making big in entertainment industry. He took up small assignments as a set assistant and worked in art departments for various film projects.

Career

Television

Gilli Nata began gaining public recognition through his participation in Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (2022), where he finished as the first runner-up. His natural comedic timing, grounded humour, and strong stage presence were appreciated by both judges and audiences. Following this breakout appearance, he expanded his presence across Kannada television. He went on to participate in Dance Karnataka Dance , where he earned the Best Entertainer Award, demonstrating his versatility beyond stand-up comedy. He later appeared in Bharjari Bachelors , further establishing his identity as an entertainer known for punchy humour and relatability.

In January 2026, Gilli Nata reached a major milestone in his television career by emerging as the winner of Bigg Boss Kannada season 12. The finale aired on January 18, 2026, where he lifted the trophy, winning ₹50 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki car. His grounded personality, humour, and authenticity resonated strongly with viewers throughout the season, making him a fan favourite.

Films

Gilli's first film appearance was in a comedy role in the film Langoti Man (2024). This was followed by small budget films such as Super Hit (2024) and 1st Day 1st Show (2025). His short role in the Prakash directorial and Darshan starrer The Devil was noticed by the audience and critics.

Filmography

Key
†Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearFilmRoleNote(s)Ref
2024Langoti Man [7]
2025Super Hit [8]
20251st Day 1st Show [9]
2025 The Devil [10]

References

  1. ↑ "Comedy Khiladigalu 4 winner: Harish Hiriyur lifts the trophy". The Times of India. 20 February 2023.
  2. ↑ "Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winner Gilli Nata had 2 lakh followers before the show; here's his Instagram count now". India TV News. 19 January 2026.
  3. ↑ "Gilli-Darshan-ಬಿಗ್ ಬಾಸ್ ಮನೆಯಿಂದ ಹೊರ ಬರ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ದರ್ಶನ್ ನೆನೆದ ಗಿಲ್ಲಿ,ಭಾವುಕವಾಗಿ ಮನಬಿಚ್ಚಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದು ಇದು". Kannada News18 (in Kannada). 19 January 2026.
  4. ↑ "Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winner: Gilli Nata lifts the trophy, bags ₹50 Lakh and a brand-new SUV". The Times of India . India. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  5. ↑ "Bigg Boss Kannada 12 Winner: Gilli Nata gets mobbed as thousands of fans come on the roads to welcome him". Pinkvilla. 19 January 2026.
  6. ↑ "Who is Gilli Nata? Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Winner Who Turned Struggles Into Success, Know Real Name, Prize Money & More". Sunday Gaurdian Live. 19 January 2026.
  7. ↑ "Who is Gilli Nata, Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winner who took home Rs 50 lakh and a car". India Today. 19 January 2026.
  8. ↑ "Gilli Nata debuts as lead with Super Hit". The New Indian Express. 3 December 2025.
  9. ↑ "1st Day 1st Show (2025) - Movie Reviews, Cast & Crew". Book My Show. 11 July 2025.
  10. ↑ "Darshan's 'Devil' introduces Bigg Boss Kannada 12 fame Gilli Nata in powerful new look; Actor's fierce look impresses fans". The Times of India. 5 November 2025.


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