Bengaluru, January 19, 2026 – The much-awaited grand finale of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 concluded on a high note last night (January 18, 2026), with popular comedian and actor Gilli Nata (real name: Malavalli Nataraj) emerging victorious after an intense 112-day journey inside the house.
Hosted by the charismatic Kichcha Sudeep, the season, which aired on Colors Kannada and streamed on JioHotstar, captivated audiences with its drama, emotions, and entertaining twists. Gilli Nata lifted the prestigious trophy amid thunderous applause, taking home a massive cash prize of ₹50 lakh, a brand-new Maruti Suzuki Invicto SUV (or Victoris in some reports), and additional appreciation from fans across Karnataka.
Gilli Nata’s relatable humor, down-to-earth village-style personality, honesty, and inspiring life story resonated deeply with viewers, turning him into a massive fan favorite. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most talked-about personalities in Kannada entertainment, his journey has been hailed as truly motivational.
Rakshita Shetty secured the first runner-up position, earning widespread respect for her emotional honesty and strong connect with the audience. Ashwini Gowda finished as the second runner-up.
In his post-win moment, Gilli Nata expressed heartfelt gratitude, giving a “big salute” to his fans and saying their love and support brought him this far. Thousands of supporters mobbed him upon his return home, creating an electric atmosphere of celebration.
The season featured 24 contestants initially, narrowing down to a strong top 6 finalists including Gilli Nata, Rakshita Shetty, Ashwini Gowda, Kavya Shaiva, Mutant Raghu, and Dhanush Gowda. Gilli’s win has sparked the “Gilli Wave” across social media, with fans and celebrities alike congratulating the deserving champion.
Congratulations to Gilli Nata on this well-deserved victory! 🏆✨ The Bigg Boss legacy in Kannada continues to shine brighter!
