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]
Gilli’s biggest success came through the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada (season 12) (2025–26), where he emerged as the winner.[4][5]
Early life
Gilli was born as Malavalli Nataraj on 21 June 1998 in a humble farmer family of Kullaiah and Savitha in Dadadapura 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. He went on to participate in Dance Karnataka Dance. He later appeared in Bharjari Bachelors.
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 was the winner, winning ₹50 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki car.
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). He had a short role in The Devil.
Filmography
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Langoti Man | [7] | |
| 2025 | 1st Day 1st Show | [8] | |
| The Devil | [9] | ||
| 2026 | Chowkidar | ||
| Hayagrriva | |||
| Super Hit | |||
| Sarkari Shaale H8 |
External links
- Gilli Nata at IMDb
References
- ^ “Comedy Khiladigalu 4 winner: Harish Hiriyur lifts the trophy”. The Times of India. 20 February 2023.
- ^ “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.
- ^ “Gilli-Darshan-ಬಿಗ್ ಬಾಸ್ ಮನೆಯಿಂದ ಹೊರ ಬರ್ತಿದ್ದಂತೆ ದರ್ಶನ್ ನೆನೆದ ಗಿಲ್ಲಿ,ಭಾವುಕವಾಗಿ ಮನಬಿಚ್ಚಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದು ಇದು”. Kannada News18 (in Kannada). 19 January 2026.
- ^ “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.
- ^ “Bigg Boss Kannada 12 Winner: Gilli Nata gets mobbed as thousands of fans come on the roads to welcome him”. Pinkvilla. 19 January 2026.
- ^ “Who is Gilli Nata? Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Winner Who Turned Struggles Into Success, Know Real Name, Prize Money & More”. Sunday Guardian Live. 19 January 2026.
- ^ “Who is Gilli Nata, Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winner who took home Rs 50 lakh and a car”. India Today. 19 January 2026.
- ^ “1st Day 1st Show (2025) – Movie Reviews, Cast & Crew”. Book My Show. 11 July 2025.
- ^ “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.