Gilli Nata Biography: Gilli Nata has emerged as one of the most relatable and popular faces on Kannada television, thanks to his earthy humour, rural charm, and sharp comic timing. Best known for his performance in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, Gilli Nata’s rise is a classic story of talent meeting perseverance.
Born in 1996, his real name is Nataraj, also widely known as Malavalli Nataraj, a nod to his roots in the Malavalli region of Mandya district, Karnataka. Coming from a modest farming background, his early life was far removed from the glamour of television. After completing his SSLC and ITI education, he moved to Bengaluru with dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry.
Like many aspiring artists, his initial years were marked by struggle. He worked behind the scenes as a spot boy and assistant on television and film sets. During this phase, he began creating short comedy videos in the Mandya dialect. His raw, rustic humour and viral punchlines—especially local slang-based expressions—quickly caught public attention on social media.
His television breakthrough came with Comedy Kiladigalu Season 4, where he finished as the first runner-up. The show helped shape his on-screen identity as “Gilli” and introduced him to a statewide audience. He later appeared in popular Kannada programs such as Dance Karnataka Dance and Bharjari Bachelors, earning praise for his versatility and stage presence.
Also Read: Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Winner: Gilli Nata Leads the Winner Buzz Ahead of Final Reveal
Gilli Nata’s popularity reached new heights with Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, where his humour-driven gameplay, roasting style, and strong screen presence made him one of the season’s most talked-about contestants. Fans often credited him for maintaining entertainment value while staying strategically aware.
Gilli Nata Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Nataraj (Malavalli Nataraj) |
| Popular Name | Gilli Nata |
| Birth Year | 1996 |
| Age | Around 29 (2025–26) |
| Hometown | Mandya district, Karnataka |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Content Creator |
| Known For | Mandya-style humour, Bigg Boss Kannada 12 |
From rural Karnataka to prime-time television, Gilli Nata’s journey proves that authenticity, local flavour, and consistent hard work can build lasting stardom in the digital and TV era.
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
