Gilli Nata, whose real name is Malavalli Nataraj, is today one of the most talked-about names in Karnataka’s entertainment world. His journey from a small village in Mandya district to winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 in January 2026 is nothing short of inspiring. Known for his natural humour, grounded personality, and relatable storytelling, he has become a household name across the state.
The finale of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 was held on 18 January 2026, and Gilli emerged as the champion. He walked away with a ₹50 lakh cash prize and a brand-new Maruti Suzuki car, along with the love of millions of fans. His victory was celebrated not only by his family but also by countless viewers who saw in him the reflection of their own struggles and dreams.
Gilli Nata Family, Age, Wife, Caste, Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Malavalli Nataraj |
| Popular Name | Gilli Nata |
| Date of Birth | 5 April 1996 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 years |
| Birthplace | Matadapura village, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Reality TV Personality |
| Known For | Winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 (2026) |
| Father’s Occupation | Sheep herder |
| Mother’s Occupation | Homemaker |
| Education | Industrial Training Institute (ITI) course |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Television Shows | Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (Runner-up, 2022); Dance Karnataka Dance (Best Entertainer Award); Bharjari Bachelors |
| Film Debut | Langoti Man (2024) |
| Other Films | Super Hit (2024), 1st Day 1st Show (2025), cameo in The Devil (2025), Salt & Pepper (2025) |
| Bigg Boss Kannada 12 | Winner (Finale on 18 January 2026) |
| Awards | Best Entertainer Award (Zee Kannada), Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Winner |
| Lifestyle | Simple living; enjoys non-vegetarian food |
| Vehicles Owned | Bajaj Pulsar NS160 (Bike), Morrison Garages (Car) |
| @official_gilli_nata/ | |
| IMDb | @nm16467190/ |
| Wikipedia | @Gilli_Nata |
Early Life & Background
Gilli was born on 5 April 1996 in Matadapura village, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka. He grew up in a humble farming family. His father worked as a sheep herder, while his mother managed the household. Life in the village was simple, but it was also filled with challenges.
As a child, Nataraj was deeply fascinated by films and comedy. He would often spend nights watching movies, sometimes even arguing with his father about his passion for cinema. Despite the financial struggles at home, his love for entertainment never faded. His rural upbringing gave him a unique perspective, which later became the foundation of his humour and storytelling style.
Education & Training
Nataraj completed his schooling in Mandya and later pursued a course at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI). While his education gave him practical skills, his heart was always set on the world of films and entertainment.
After finishing his ITI course, he moved to Bengaluru to chase his dreams. In the city, he started working behind the scenes in film sets and art departments. These early jobs gave him exposure to the industry and helped him understand how cinema and television function.
Personal Life
Despite his growing fame, Gilli Nata has kept his personal life simple. As of 2025, Gilli is unmarried. He continues to live close to his roots and maintains strong ties with his family. His father has often spoken emotionally about his son’s success, recalling the days when Nataraj would spend nights watching films instead of helping with farm work.
Nataraj is known for his modest lifestyle. He enjoys non-vegetarian food and prefers simple living over luxury. His down-to-earth nature has made him more relatable to fans, who see him as one of their own. On social media, he is active on Instagram and YouTube, where he shares updates, comedy clips, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Career Beginnings
After moving to Bengaluru, Nataraj started his career behind the camera. He worked as a set assistant and in the art department of film productions. These jobs were not glamorous, but they gave him valuable experience. He learned how sets were built, how scripts were managed, and how actors prepared for their roles.
During this period, he also began creating short comedy videos. His content was inspired by everyday life—student struggles, social media habits, and the funny side of ordinary situations. These videos quickly gained attention among youngsters. His natural style of humour, which came from his rural upbringing, made him stand out from other creators.
See Also:- Marriyum Aurangzeb
Breakthrough in Television
Nataraj’s first big break came in Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (2022). His performances were loved by audiences, and he finished as the runner-up. This show gave him recognition and proved that his humour could connect with people across Karnataka.
He later participated in Dance Karnataka Dance, where he won the Best Entertainer Award. His ability to mix comedy with dance performances made him unique. Soon after, he appeared in Bharjari Bachelors, another popular show that further increased his popularity.
Entry into Films
After success in television, Nataraj entered the film industry. His debut was in Langoti Man (2024), followed by roles in Super Hit (2024) and 1st Day 1st Show (2025). He also made a cameo appearance in Darshan’s The Devil (2025), which gave him exposure to a wider audience.
He further demonstrated his flexibility by making an appearance in Salt & Pepper in 2025. While his roles were mostly supporting or comedic, they showed his ability to adapt to different formats. His film career is still in its early stages, but his growing popularity suggests that bigger opportunities are waiting for him.
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Journey
The turning point in Nataraj’s career came with Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 (2025–26). He entered the house as a contestant and quickly became one of the most loved participants. His humour, honesty, and grounded personality won the hearts of viewers.
Inside the house, he was known for his funny one-liners, his ability to lighten tense situations, and his genuine friendships with other contestants. Unlike many participants who relied on drama, Nataraj stayed true to himself. This authenticity became his biggest strength.
The finale was held on 18 January 2026, and Nataraj was declared the winner. He was awarded a Maruti Suzuki vehicle and a cash prize of ₹50 lakh. His victory was celebrated across Karnataka, especially in his hometown Mandya, where people saw him as a symbol of hope and inspiration.
Awards & Achievements
Gilli Nata’s journey has been marked by several recognitions. His first major award came during Dance Karnataka Dance, where he was honoured with the Best Entertainer Award. This award reflected his ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences, even in a competitive environment.
In Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (2022), he finished as the runner-up, which gave him statewide recognition. His performances were praised for their originality and natural humour.
The biggest achievement of his career so far came in January 2026, when he won Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12. Along with the title, he received a ₹50 lakh cash prize and a Maruti Suzuki car. This victory cemented his place as one of the most popular entertainers in Karnataka.
Read Also:- Kiran Agarwal: Anil Agarwal’s Wife
