Gilli Nata Crowned Champion of Bigg Boss Kannada 12; State Erupts in Celebration

New Delhi, january 20, 2026: In a finale that felt more like a statewide festival than a television broadcast, comedian and social media sensation Gilli Nata was officially crowned the winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 on Sunday night. His victory has sparked massive celebrations across Karnataka, with fans taking to the streets to cheer for the “Man of the Masses.”

A Decisive Victory

Hosted by the charismatic Kichcha Sudeep, the grand finale saw Gilli Nata edge out strong competitors to lift the coveted trophy. The win was backed by an unprecedented wave of public support; reports indicate a record-breaking voting turnout, with Gilli receiving a staggering share of the total votes.

Social media influencer Rakshitha Shetty was named the first runner-up, while actor-activist Ashwini Gowda secured the second runner-up position.

The Winner’s Spoils

Gilli Nata didn’t just win the title; he walked away with a life-changing prize package:

• ₹50 Lakh in prize money from the show’s sponsors.
• A Brand-New Maruti Suzuki Invicto SUV.
• ₹10 Lakh Personal Gift: In a heartwarming gesture, host Kichcha Sudeep personally gifted Gilli an additional ₹10 lakh on stage to honor his humble beginnings and hard work.

From Mandya to Stardom: The Journey

Born Malavalli Nataraj in the Mandya district, Gilli Nata’s rise is a true “underdog” story. Coming from a farming background, he started his career in the art departments of film sets before finding fame through comedy sketches on YouTube and his runner-up stint on Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4.

Throughout the 112 days in the Bigg Boss house, Gilli was the season’s primary entertainer. His sharp wit, relatable humor, and “son-of-the-soil” persona resonated deeply with viewers. Despite the high-pressure environment and occasional heated arguments, he remained a fan favorite, often leading audience polls by a massive margin.

“I will remain the same forever; no win will make me change,” Gilli told the audience during his emotional victory speech. He also shared his plans to invest a portion of his winnings into farmland, staying true to his roots.

Statewide Frenzy

The announcement of his win triggered celebrations usually reserved for major sporting events. In towns like Mandya, Mysuru, and Bengaluru, fans burst firecrackers, organized bike rallies, and distributed sweets. On social media, the hashtag #GilliNata trended at number one for hours as fellow celebrities and former contestants flooded the internet with congratulatory messages.

With his transition from a digital creator to a household name now complete, Gilli Nata is expected to make a major splash in the Kannada film industry, having already appeared in the film The Devil alongside Darshan.