Gilli Nata, popularly known as Malavalli Nataraj, has become a household name in the Kannada entertainment industry. Rising from a humble farming background, Gilli’s story is nothing short of inspiring — from working as a set hand in television shows to winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12. His raw rural humor, Mandya dialect rhymes, and relatable comedy sketches have made him a beloved figure across Karnataka.
In this article, we’ll dive into Gilli Nata age, biography, background, family, career journey, net worth (2026), and more.
Who is Gilli Nata?
Gilli Nata, an actor and comedian based in Karnataka, India, is creator of comedic content through Facebook & YouTube. He has made a name for himself by using rural humor and a distinct dialect from Mandya, along with his ability to create relatable comedy based on absurd situations that happen in reality; his work first gained popularity when he created a series of YouTube & Facebook skits that parodied normal day-to-day real estate agents and eventually led him to create the viral “Nalli Mule” web series.
Gilli Nata Biography / Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Real Name | Nataraj (Malavalli Nataraj) |
| Nickname | Gilli Nata |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Content Creator |
| Famous For | Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Winner, Comedy Kiladigalu, Nalli Mule |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Matadapura, Malavalli, Mandya district, Karnataka, India |
| Hometown | Malavalli, Mandya, Karnataka |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Current Residence | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Food Habits | Non-Vegetarian (regional preference) |
| Caste | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hobbies | Acting, Farming, Dancing |
Gilli Nata Age
As of April 2026, Gilli Nata’s age is 30 years.
Born on April 5, 1996, he represents the energy, ambition, and resilience typical of his generation. Over the years, he has evolved from a rural entertainer into a nationally recognized performer.
Gilli Nata Real Name and Why He’s Called “Gilli”
His real name is Nataraj, but he became widely known as Gilli Nata. The nickname “Gilli” symbolizes a lively, witty, and mischievous personality — perfectly matching his high-energy comedy style.
Gilli Nata Early Life and Background
Gilli Nata was born on April 5, 1996, in Matadapura village, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka. Coming from a humble farming family, he learned early lessons about struggle, hard work, and humility.
His childhood was filled with simplicity — helping his father on the farm, attending a local school, and performing small skits for fun. These experiences later became the foundation for his down-to-earth humor.
Gilli Nata Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm / 1.75 m) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Skin Tone | Wheatish |
| Tattoo | None Reported |
His strong physique and expressive features give him a commanding screen presence. His physical comedy and expressive body language often add a unique layer of humor to his sketches and performances.
Gilli Nata Family
Coming from a humble farming background, Gilli Nata’s family has been the pillar of his strength. Though their names remain undisclosed, his father is a farmer and his mother a homemaker. Despite initial reluctance to support his entertainment career, they now take pride in his success.
| Relation | Name / Details |
| Father | Farmer (Name not disclosed) |
| Mother | Not publicly named |
| Siblings | Not known |
After his Bigg Boss win, Gilli made sure to express gratitude to his parents, crediting them for their sacrifices and moral guidance.
Gilli Nata Education
Gilli’s educational background reflects his grounded beginnings. He completed his SSLC from a local school in Matadapura, followed by an ITI Diploma. Despite family pressure to find stable work after ITI, he followed his dreams — using his street-smart wit to build a career in entertainment.
| Attribute | Details |
| Qualification | SSLC + ITI Diploma |
| School | Local school, Matadapura, Malavalli |
| College | ITI Institute (Name not disclosed) |
Career Journey: From Set Boy to Star
Gilli Nata’s career is a real-life underdog story. Starting as a set worker in Bengaluru, earning barely ₹650 per day, he learned the nuances of showbiz behind the camera before stepping in front of it.
He rose to prominence with Comedy Kiladigalu Season 4, where he became the first runner-up. His signature “property comedy” sketches — poking fun at land dealers and rural life — went viral on Facebook and YouTube in 2018. This led to the creation of Nalli Mule, one of his most popular web series.
Key Career Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
| Pre-2018 | Worked as a set assistant on Kannada serials |
| 2018 | Viral videos on Facebook and YouTube |
| 2020s | Nalli Mule web series success |
| Comedy Kiladigalu S4 | Runner-up |
| 2025 | Winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 |
| 2026 (Ongoing) | Film projects, brand endorsements, live events |
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12: The Game Changer
Gilli Nata’s stint in Bigg Boss Kannada 12 transformed his career overnight. His unfiltered rural humor, rhyming dialogues, and grounded personality struck a chord with audiences. Known for his “no filter” comedy and heartwarming nature, he became one of the most loved contestants — eventually winning the season with a ₹50 lakh cash prize and a car.
His Bigg Boss journey also showcased his emotional depth, leadership, and friendship, turning him into a symbol of hope for self-made entertainers.
Awards and Achievements
- Winner – Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 (2025)
- First Runner-up – Comedy Kiladigalu Season 4
- Social Media Influencer Award (2024)
- Viral Content Creator Award for Nalli Mule Series (2023)
Gilli Nata House, Car, and Lifestyle
After his Bigg Boss win, Gilli shifted to Bengaluru, where he now resides. He owns a car from the show prize and often shares glimpses of his simple yet happy lifestyle. Despite success, he still prefers regional food and farming visits during breaks.
Gilli Nata Relationship Status
As of now, Gilli Nata is unmarried and has not publicly disclosed any relationship. Despite rumors from his Bigg Boss house days, he remains focused on his acting career and content creation.
Gilli Nata Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2026, Gilli Nata’s estimated net worth is between ₹2 crore – ₹3 crore INR. His income comes from YouTube, web series, live shows, brand collaborations, and TV appearances.
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
| YouTube & Reels | ₹20–30 lakh/year |
| TV Shows / Guest Appearances | ₹10–15 lakh/episode |
| Bigg Boss Prize | ₹50 lakh + car |
| Films / Ads | ₹20–50 lakh/project |
| Brand Endorsements | ₹5–10 lakh each |
| Web Series / Events | ₹10 lakh+ per project |
Gilli Nata Social Media Presence
| Platform | Account | Followers |
| @official_gilli_nata | 1.9M followers | |
| Threads.net | @official_gilli_nata | 28K followers |
| Twitter (X) | @gillinata | 398 followers |
| @Gilli Nata | 38K followers |
He connects with fans daily through reels, comedy clips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his shoots.
Interesting Facts About Gilli Nata
- He began his career as a set worker earning ₹650/day.
- Comes from a humble farming family in Mandya, Karnataka.
- Famous for his Mandya dialect rhymes and property comedy sketches.
- Appeared in popular Kannada shows like Dance Karnataka Dance and Bharjari Bachelors.
- Despite fame, he continues to visit his village and support local farming events.
Gilli Nata Controversies and Rumors
Though mostly controversy-free, Gilli faced mild gossip around his outspoken behavior in Bigg Boss Kannada 12. However, fans admired his honesty and authenticity, turning even conflicts into comedy moments.
Conclusion
From the fields of Mandya to the glittering sets of Bigg Boss, Gilli Nata’s journey is a perfect example of grit, humor, and perseverance. His rise proves that authenticity and hard work always find a way to shine through. As he steps into more film and digital projects, fans can expect even bigger performances from this Kannada comedy king.
FAQ’s
What is Gilli Nata’s real name?
His real name is Malavalli Nataraj.
What is Gilli Nata’s age in 2026?
He is 30 years old as of April 2026.
Where is Gilli Nata from?
He belongs to Matadapura village in Malavalli, Mandya, Karnataka.
Is Gilli Nata married?
No, he is currently unmarried.
What is Gilli Nata’s net worth in 2026?
Around ₹2–3 crore INR.
Why is Gilli Nata famous?
For his Mandya dialect comedy, Nalli Mule web series, and Bigg Boss Kannada 12 victory.
Also Read More : Rahul Jagtap Age: Biography, Family, Career, Lifestyle, and More