Gilli Nata, born as Malavalli Nataraj, is a talented comedian, actor and television personality from the Kannada industry. His comedy skits that are based on relatable humor in Mandya dialect which also got wide spread. His popularity skyrocketed and eventually he was the Bigg Boss Kannada season 12 winner. He came from a very ordinary farming family of Mandya, Karnataka.
Who is Gilli Nata?
Gilli Nata is a Kannada actor and comedian known for his energetic acts and genuine rural style of humor. The Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 winning act of January 2026, brought him lot of popularity along with the prize money of 50 lakh and the Maruti Suzuki car. His rise from a village set assistant to the most entertaining figure of the Kannada industry even now serves as inspiration to many.
Gilli Nata Biography overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Real Name | Malavalli Nataraj |
| Stage Name | Gilli Nata |
| Age in 2026 | 30 years |
| Date of Birth | 5 April 1996 |
| Birthplace | Dadadapura village, Mandya |
| Hometown | Malavalli Taluk, Mandya |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
Gilli Nata Age in 2026
As of 2026, Gilli Nata is 30 years old, depending on sources citing his birth between 1996 and 1998. Most recent profiles, including Wikipedia, confirm he turned 28 in June 2026.
Gilli Nata Date of Birth
Born on 21 June 1998 (per Wikipedia), though some sources mention 5 April 1996 or general 1996. The 1998 date aligns with his Bigg Boss profile and recent coverage.
Gilli Nata Birthplace and Hometown
Born in Dadadapura (or Dhadapura/Matadapura) village, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka, India. He grew up in this rural farming area before moving to Bengaluru.
Gilli Nata Early Life and Background
Gilli Nata grew up in a simple farmer’s family amid financial struggles, initially dreaming of becoming a director. He helped with farm work, including shepherding, before pursuing entertainment in Bengaluru as a set assistant and art department worker.
Gilli Nata Education Qualification
Gilli Nata did his early schooling in Mandya, Karnataka and passed his SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) there. After that, he enrolled in a two-year diploma course at an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) where he acquired practical vocational skills that aligned with his initial aspirations in the field of film and entertainment. There are no documents that indicate higher education such as college or university studies, as he redirected his focus on practical work on film sets of Bengaluru thereafter.
Gilli Nata Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’7″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Build | Sturdy, athletic |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Distinctive Features | Expressive face, Mandya dialect charm |
Gilli Nata Family (Father, Mother, Siblings)
Gilli Nata hails from a close-knit farming family in Mandya, Karnataka, where they supported his early struggles before his comedy breakthrough. Detailed public info on siblings remains limited, but his parents remain central to his grounded persona post-Bigg Boss fame.
| Family Member | Name | Occupation/Notes |
| Father | Kullaiah | Farmer |
| Mother | Savitha | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Not publicly detailed (likely brothers/sisters from village background) | Rural family support |
Gilli Nata Wife/Girlfriend and Reationship Status
As of March 2026 Gilli Nata is still single and doing only one thing – skyrocketing his career after winning Bigg Boss Kannada 12. He was publicly associated with Yashaswini who was referred to as his girlfriend during the show.
Gilli Nata Career Journey
Started working as a set assistant and assistant director in Kannada films. Made comedy skits on YouTube/Facebook on daily life, social media addiction, and Mandya culture which became viral. Got the recognition as first runner-up in Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (2022) which was a breakthrough followed by Dance Karnataka Dance and Bharjari Bachelors.
How Gilli Nata Became Famous
Gilli Nata first gained popularity by uploading to YouTube and Facebook comedy skits done in the Mandya dialect. Through these, he was able to portray, in a very humorous and touching way, the rural life of the common man which in turn, got a very wide appreciation. Certainly, his recognition to the masses was when, among the many, he was the 1st runner up of Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 in 2022 on TV. It was then that, without a doubt, he showed very good dancing skills on Dance Karnataka Dance and, not surprisingly, this whole atmosphere led him to obtain the Zee Kannada Best Entertainer Award. Most importantly was his Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winning moment in January 2026, where his cleverness combined with his persistence and realness totally mesmerized the audience, thereby drastically increasing his fame all over the country.
Gilli Nata Profession and Work
Gilli Nata is mainly known as a comedian, actor, and TV personality in the Kannada entertainment world. He initially worked as a set assistant and in the art department of films, but soon became a television star with his participation in Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (first runner-up, 2022) and Dance Karnataka Dance, where he was also honored with the Best Entertainer Award by Zee Kannada. Besides his lead role in the comedy film Langoti Man (2024 debut), Gilli has had minor roles in Super Hit (2024), 1st Day 1st Show (2025), and The Devil (2025), since his biggest moment so far was winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 held in January 2026, which got him 50 lakh and a car. In 2026, he remains busy with new endorsements and projects and recently got the Best Entertainer of the Year 2025-2026 award from News 18 Kannada.
Gilli Nata Net Worth in 2026
Gilli Nata’s net worth in 2026 may reach 5-7 crore, which is a substantial increase over his pre-fame level of about 70 lakhs in 2025. The main reason for the increase will be his winning of Bigg Boss Kannada 12. He got a cash prize of 50 lakh plus a Maruti Suzuki SUV (worth 15-20 lakhs). He also got a weekly salary of 50,000 during the show and his income from television movies YouTube skits, and endorsements has been going on. He also bought a 23 lakh MG Hector car in 2025. Besides, he may have real estate investments, brand endorsements, and sponsorships, all of which have contributed to his financial upturn after his January 2026 win.
Gilli Nata Lifestyle and Assets
Gilli Nata has kept a simple lifestyle that is both local and global at the same time. This is how he has combined country life with city luxuries after becoming a celebrity on Bigg Boss. Currently, he is living in a city area of Bengaluru where he chooses to lead a life that revolves around his family rather than showcasing his luxurious side. According to the show, his recent renovations include a house in Sadashivanagar and he has also made sensible purchases in the real estate sector.
Gilli Nata Car and Bike Collection
Won a Maruti Suzuki car from Bigg Boss Kannada 12. Likely owns bikes popular among rural youth; no detailed collection public.
Gilli Nata Social Media Accounts (Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
| Platform | Handle/Name | Followers (approx., March 2026) |
| @official_gilli_nata | 1.3 million+ | |
| YouTube | Gilli Nata Official | 500K+ subscribers |
| Gilli Nata | 300K+ followers |
Gilli Nata YouTube Channel and Content
Gilli Nata operates the official “Gilli Nata” YouTube channel that has more than 500K subscribers as of March 2026, where he posts short comedy skits and village life content that rural people can relate to. His videos are mainly humorous with a Mandya dialect and feature daily scenarios such as family larks, being hooked on social media, and the rural-urban conflict. Well-liked series like “Nalli Mule” and “Online Love” have amassed millions of views. Since winning Bigg Boss Kannada 12, uploads also comprise behind-the-scenes clips, fans’ interactions, and endorsements. He mixes his signature zesty style with the motivational updates.
Gilli Nata Popular Videos / Work
- Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (runner-up)
- Langoti Man (film debut)
- Bigg Boss Kannada 12 highlights
- Viral skits: Wrong Side Ranganatha, Rolex Rajanna.
Gilli Nata Controversy
Gilli Nata has been embroiled in a couple of controversies, mostly in Bigg Boss Kannada 12 however none of them have interrupted his winning path or led to significant legal problems. One of the major issues was his fight with Risha Gowda, another contestant. He was charged with touching her clothes without her permission, and this resulted in the Women’s Commission of Karnataka receiving a complaint in Nov 2025. The commission, after watching the video, did not find convincing proof against him.
Interesting Facts About Gilli Nata
- Once herded goats and helped on family farms in Dadadapura village before chasing entertainment dreams in Bengaluru.
- Earned just ₹650 daily as a set assistant early on, sleeping on film sets while scripting comedy skits at night.
- Dreams of directing films but pivoted to comedy using authentic Mandya dialect, creating viral hits like “Nalli Mule.”
- First runner-up in Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 (2022), then won Zee Kannada’s Best Entertainer Award via Dance Karnataka Dance.
- Film debut in Langoti Man (2024); appeared in Darshan’s The Devil (2025), blending acting with high-energy dance.
- Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winner (Jan 2026), beating strong rivals to claim ₹50 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki SUV.
- Stayed humble post-fame, buying an MG Hector car (₹23 lakhs) in 2025 and crediting family in emotional speeches.
Conclusion
Gilli Nata is a perfect example of a typical rags-to-riches story in the Kannada entertainment industry. He was just a farm boy from Mandya and now he is a comedy legend as well as the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winner. His natural sense of humor, tireless dedication to work, and being a family man are the qualities that keep fans going and they will most probably open the doors for him to feature in bigger movies, get more brand endorsements, and build a strong, loyal fanbase even in 2026. Not only is his net worth increasing and he is becoming more influential on social media, but he also stays humble and is setting an example for young people in villages to pursue their dreams bravely.
FAQs
Gilli Nata’s real name is Malavalli Nataraj, a name tied to his Mandya village roots.
Gilli Nata is 30 years old in 2026, born around 1996, marking his rapid rise post-Bigg Boss.
Gilli Nata won Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 in January 2026, taking home ₹50 lakh and a car as champion.
Gilli Nata shines as a Kannada comedian and actor, famous for Mandya-dialect skits and films like Langoti Man.
Gilli Nata’s 2026 net worth hits ₹5-7 crores for Gilli Nata, fueled by TV wins and endorsements.
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