Gilli Nata, a talented upstart in the Kannada entertainment industry, full of energy and comics, who has gained many fans, recently people have shown him encouragement for his journey through social media. His birth name is Malavalli Nataraj, and he rose to fame after featuring in reality shows. Later, he won **Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 in the year of 2026. Born and raised in Mandya district, Karnataka, Gilli Nata struggled to find his way into the entertainment world. This article also talks about Gilli Nata age, date of birth, real name, wife, and more.
Who is Gilli Nata?
Gilli Nata is a rising Kannada entertainer, comedian, and television personality. His real name is Malavalli Nataraj, and he became widely popular after appearing on reality and comedy shows.
He gained massive recognition after winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, which made him a household name across Karnataka. His energetic personality and humorous style helped him win the hearts of audiences.
Gilli Nata Age
He was born on 21 June 1998 in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India. As of 2026, Gilli Nata is 27 years old. Coming from a humble background, he worked hard to build a successful career in the entertainment industry. His dedication and talent helped him rise from working behind the scenes to becoming a well-known television personality.
Gilli Nata Biography Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Malavalli Nataraj |
| Stage Name | Gilli Nata |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, TV Personality |
| Date of Birth | 21 June 1998 |
| Age | 27 Years |
| Birthplace | Dadadapura, Mandya District, Karnataka |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Known For | Comedy Shows and Reality TV |
| Famous Achievement | Winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 |
Gilli Nata Early Life and Background
Gilli Nata was born in Dadadapura village in Mandya district of Karnataka. Coming from a modest background, he faced many struggles during the early stages of his life.
Before gaining fame, he worked in the television industry as a set assistant. Despite the challenges, his passion for entertainment motivated him to pursue a career in acting and comedy.
Why is He Called “Gilli Nata”?
The stage name Gilli represents his energetic and fast comedic style. Just like the small wooden piece called gilli in the traditional Indian game, his performances are quick, lively, and unpredictable. This unique nickname helped him build a distinct identity in the entertainment industry.
Gilli Nata Family
Gilli Nata was born as Malavalli Nataraj in Dadadapura village in the Mandya district of Karnataka. He comes from a simple and hardworking family background. Although he has become very popular after winning **Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, he prefers to keep most details about his parents and family members private.
However, he has often mentioned in interviews that his family supported his dreams, even during the difficult period when he was working behind the scenes in the television industry before becoming famous.
Gilli Nata Relationship Status
As of 2026, Gilli Nata is believed to be single and has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship. The actor mainly focuses on his career in television, comedy shows, and films.
Gilli Nata Physical Status
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Around 65 kg |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Fit and Energetic |
| Skin Tone | Wheatish |
Gilli Nata Career Journey
Gilli Nata started gaining attention after appearing in the comedy reality show Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4, where he finished as a runner-up. Later, he showcased his talent in the dance reality show Dance Karnataka Dance, where he received the Best Entertainer Award.
However, his biggest breakthrough came when he participated in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12.
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Winner
In January 2026, Gilli Nata won the title of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12. His emotional journey, humor, and authenticity made him one of the most loved contestants of the season.
Winning the show brought him:
- ₹50 lakh prize money
- A brand-new SUV
- Massive popularity across Karnataka
Gilli Nata Television Shows
| Year | Show Name | Role / Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4 | Contestant – Runner-Up |
| 2024 | Dance Karnataka Dance | Contestant – Won Best Entertainer Award |
| 2026 | Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 | Contestant – Winner |
What is Gilli Nata (The Traditional Game)?
Apart from the celebrity, Gilli Nata is also a regional name for the ancient Indian sport Gilli Danda. This game has been played in India for over 2,500 years and is considered one of the earliest stick-and-ball games in history.
Basic Equipment
The game uses two wooden pieces:
- Gilli: A small tapered wooden peg
- Danda: A long stick used to hit the gilli
Players strike the gilli into the air and then hit it as far as possible using the danda.
Comparison: Gilli Nata Actor vs Gilli Nata Game
| Feature | Gilli Nata (Actor) | Gilli Nata (Game) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mandya, Karnataka | Ancient India |
| Age | 27 Years | 2500+ Years Old |
| Known For | Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Winner | Traditional Indian sport |
| Key Elements | Acting and Comedy | Gilli and Danda sticks |
| Popularity | Reality TV and Films | Street and rural games |
Awards and Recognition
- Winner – Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 (2026)
- Runner-Up – Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4
- Best Entertainer Award – Dance Karnataka Dance
These achievements helped establish Gilli Nata as a rising entertainer in the Kannada television industry, and his popularity continues to grow after his success on reality shows.
Gilli Nata Net Worth
After gaining massive popularity from reality shows and especially winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, Gilli Nata’s financial status has improved significantly.
- Estimated Net Worth: ₹60 lakh – ₹1 crore (approx.)
- Main Income Sources:
- Television shows
- Brand endorsements
- Stage performances and events
- Film and entertainment projects
Gilli Nata Social Media Presence
| Platform | Account Name | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @Gofficial_gilli_nata | 2.2M followers | |
| GilliNata | – | |
| YouTube | @gillinataofficial_bbk12 | 2.22K subscribers |
| Twitter / X | @gillinata | 401 |
Gilli Nata Controversies
Gilli Nata has mostly maintained a positive public image in the entertainment industry. As of now, there are no major controversies associated with his career.
Like many reality show contestants, he occasionally faced criticism or disagreements during his time on Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, but these moments were part of the competitive environment of the show and did not lead to any serious controversies.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Gilli Nata’s real name is Malavalli Nataraj, but he became widely known by his stage name Gilli Nata.
- Before entering the entertainment industry, he reportedly worked as a set assistant, which helped him understand the television industry from behind the scenes.
- He gained popularity after participating in Comedy Khiladigalu Season 4, where his comic timing impressed both judges and audiences.
- Gilli Nata is known for his energetic performance style and natural humor, which made him a fan favorite on television shows.
- His nickname “Gilli” reflects his quick and lively personality, similar to the fast movement in the traditional Indian game.
Conclusion
The keyword Gilli Nata age can refer to two different things: the age of the rising Kannada entertainer Gilli Nata, or the traditional Indian sport sometimes known by the same name.
As of 2026, Gilli Nata (Malavalli Nataraj) is 27 years old, and his victory in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 has made him a widely recognized personality. His inspiring journey and energetic performances continue to attract fans across India.
FAQ’s
Who is Gilli Nata?
Gilli Nata is a rising Kannada entertainer, comedian, and television personality.
What is Gilli Nata date of birth?
He was born on 21 June 1998 in the Mandya district of Karnataka, India.
What is Gilli Nata real name?
Gilli Nata real name is Malavalli Nataraj.
Is Gilli Nata married?
As of 2026, Gilli Nata is believed to be single and has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship.
How tall is Gilli Nata?
Gilli Nata is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
Also read about: Rahasya Gorak Age, Biography, Husband, Family, Career, Movies, Net Worth, and More