Gilli Nata Age is reported to be 28 years in 2026, based on the date of birth listed on Wikipedia as 21 June 1998. However, some media reports mention 1996 as his birth year, which would make him 30 years old. This difference has created confusion among readers interested in his actual age and personal background.
Gilli Nata, who hails from Mandya, Karnataka, rose to popularity through his comedy, entertaining social media videos and television appearances. His journey from working behind the scenes in Bengaluru to becoming the winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 is one of the most notable milestones in his career.
So, what is his actual date of birth, and why do different websites report different ages? Let’s explore his real name, age, family background, caste, relationship status, career and Bigg Boss journey, while separating publicly available information from details that remain unconfirmed.
Gilli Nata : Quick Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Popular name | Gilli Nata |
| Full name | Malavalli Nataraj |
| Age in 2026 | 28 years (Wikipedia version) |
| Date of birth | 21 June 1998 (Wikipedia version) |
| Alternate date reported | 5 April 1996 (several news sites) |
| Birthplace | Dadadapura village, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka, India |
| Parents | Kullaiah and Savitha (as per Wikipedia) |
| Education | School in his home area, plus a two-year ITI course |
| Profession | Actor, comedian, content creator |
| Years active | 2022 to present |
| Known for | Winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 (2025–26) |
| Prize won | Rs 50 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki car |
| @official_gilli_nata | |
| Marital status | No verified public information |
Gilli Nata: The Village Boy Who Became a Star
You may know him from your phone screen first. Short comedy clips with a rustic touch, quick rhymes and a very Karnataka style of fun made people hit the share button.
What makes him different is how real he feels. He never tried to sound fancy. He spoke the way people speak in villages, and viewers saw their own homes in his jokes. Reports say he had around 2 lakh Instagram followers before he entered the Bigg Boss house. After the show, that number jumped sharply, as per India TV.
So the next time someone says “he became famous overnight,” you can smile. His road included years of small steps, which we will cover below.
Gilli Nata Real Name: Who Is Nataraj?
His real name is Malavalli Nataraj. Friends and family know him as Nataraj. The word “Malavalli” points to the area he comes from, which is Malavalli Taluk in Mandya district.
So where did “Gilli” come from? It is a stage name, and it stuck because fans loved it. Many Indian creators get a nickname like this. It is short, it is easy to remember, and it feels friendly.
A small tip when you search for him online. You may see his name spelled as Ghilli Nata on some sites. Both spellings point to the same person.
Gilli Nata Date Of Birth: Why 1998 and 1996 Both Appear Online
Now to the question that confuses everyone. Which year is correct?
There are two versions floating around.
| Source type | Date of birth | Age in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 21 June 1998 | 28 |
| Free Press Journal, India TV, FilmiBeat | 5 April 1996 | 30 |
Why do the two versions exist? Here are the common reasons.
- In small towns, birth records were not always written down carefully a few decades ago.
- Fan pages copy each other without checking.
- One wrong year, once printed, gets repeated on hundreds of sites.
- Villages can also have more than one spelling, which adds to the mix-up.
Even the birthplace is spelled two ways. Wikipedia says Dadadapura. Some news outlets say Matadapura. Both are in the same area.
What should you believe? For now, treat it as “reported, not officially confirmed by him.” If he shares his documents or posts about it, this page will be updated. Until that day, I would keep both dates in mind and cite the source whenever you share it.
Gilli Nata Birthday Date: When to Wish Him
If you are a fan and want to send a wish, here is what you need to know.
As per Wikipedia, his birthday falls on 21 June. That day is close to the longest day of the year in India, so it is a bright, sunny date to remember.
Some news sites say 5 April instead. A Deccan Herald report on a new film with KVN Productions mentioned that the official launch was planned around his 30th birthday. That line hints at the April 1996 date, but one line in one report is not final proof.
My practical advice is simple. Wish him on both dates. A happy message never goes wrong. The best place to send it is his official Instagram page, where he posts updates for fans.
Gilli Nata Which Caste: What Is Known
This is a very common search, so let me answer it plainly. There is no confirmed public statement from him about his caste, and no trusted news report that states it.
I will not guess, and I would suggest you avoid websites that do. Caste is a personal matter. It also tells you nothing about his talent or his hard work.
What is documented is his background. He comes from a farming family. He studied in his home area. He did an ITI course. He then moved to the city to chase a career in entertainment. That is the part of his story that fans connected with.
Gilli Nata Wife Name: Is He Married?
Another big question. Let me be honest with you here too.
I checked news reports and his public profile details. I found no verified report that names a wife. I also did not find any wedding announcement from his official page.
You will see some random websites naming a wife or girlfriend. Please be careful. Without a proper source, those are just guesses. If he ever shares news about his personal life, it will be added here with a source link.
Until then, it is kind to let him keep his private life private.
Gilli Nata Bigg Boss: The Win That Changed Everything
Now for the part that made him a household name.
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 began in late 2025 with 24 contestants. Six of them reached the final stage. The grand finale aired on 18 January 2026 on Colors Kannada, and it also streamed on JioHotstar. Host Kiccha Sudeep announced Gilli as the winner and called him a deserving champion.
Here is how the top finishers stood.
| Position | Contestant |
|---|---|
| Winner | Gilli Nata |
| First runner-up | Rakshita Shetty |
| Second runner-up | Ashwini Gowda |
| Other finalists | Mutant Raghu, Dhanush Gowda, Kavya Shaiva |
He took home Rs 50 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki car.
So what made viewers vote for him again and again? Let me break it down in simple words.
- Humour. He could turn a tense moment into a laugh in one line.
- Honesty. He did not seem to act. What you saw was what you got.
- Relatability. His village roots and struggle story felt familiar to many families.
- Entertainment value. Media called him a “TRP magnet” because episodes with his pranks and roasts did very well online.
One report also said he was paid Rs 50,000 per week for the show. This is a media report, not an official statement from the channel, so please read it that way.
Gilli Nata (@official_gilli_nata): His Instagram Presence
His Instagram handle is @official_gilli_nata, and it is the best place to follow him. It is where his comedy videos first caught the public eye, and it is still where he talks to fans directly.
A few things to keep in mind if you follow him.
- Only trust the official handle for personal news.
- Fan pages with similar names can post wrong details, including wrong birth dates.
- Follower counts change daily. Numbers quoted on tracker sites are estimates, so treat them with care.
If a story about him goes viral, check his page first. Nine times out of ten, the truth is right there.
Career Journey: Small Steps Before the Big Stage
Let’s look at how he built his career. It is a good reminder that overnight success usually has years behind it.
Behind the camera first. Reports say he moved to Bengaluru and began as a set assistant. Imagine long days of carrying equipment and watching others perform. That kind of work teaches patience.
Then comedy on screen. He appeared on the TV show Dance Karnataka Dance and received a Best Entertainer award, according to Asianet News coverage.
Then films. Here is a quick list.
| Year | Film or project | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Langoti Man | Film appearance |
| 2025 | Super Hit | Reported as his debut as a lead |
| 2025 | First Day, First Show | Film appearance |
| 2025 | Devil | Role in Darshan’s film, with a new look revealed in November 2025 |
His years of activity are listed as 2022 to the present. That is a short span for the kind of name he has built.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Details such as date of birth, birthplace spelling and earnings are taken from public sources, and some of them conflict. We have no direct link with Gilli Nata or his team. Personal details may be corrected or changed later. Please check official statements before relying on any fact here.
Life After the Trophy: What Is He Doing Now?
Life got busy right after the finale.
Within days, he visited actors Shiva Rajkumar and Sudeep in Bengaluru to thank them and take their blessings. Pinkvilla reported that crowds of fans came onto the roads to welcome him.
On the work side, there are two reported plans.
- He has spoken about preparing to direct a feature film, as per FilmiBeat.
- He has teamed up with KVN Productions for a comedy entertainer, as per Deccan Herald.
Both are reports of plans, so release dates and details may change. His official page is the place to watch for confirmation.
Our Review: Why His Story Works
We went through news coverage, public profiles and clips to write this page. Here is our honest view.
What stands out: His humour feels natural. His rise from set assistant to winner is a real push for young creators who start with nothing.
What to keep in mind: Some personal details, like his birth year and village spelling, differ across sources. Always check more than one trusted site.
Our rating for his journey: 4.5 out of 5. It is warm, funny and hard-earned.
Read Also: Harsh Gujral Age
Conclusion
To sum up, Gilli Nata Age is reported as 28 years in 2026 according to some online biographies, which list his date of birth as 21 June 1998. However, other publications report 5 April 1996, which would make him 30 in 2026. Since these details have not been consistently confirmed through reliable official sources, his exact age remains uncertain.
Beyond the confusion surrounding his birth details, Gilli Nata has built an inspiring career through hard work and determination. Coming from a farming family in Mandya, Karnataka, he moved to Bengaluru and initially worked as a set assistant while pursuing his interest in entertainment. His comedy performances, social media content and television appearances gradually brought him recognition. Winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 in January 2026, along with the ₹50 lakh prize and a car, became a major milestone in his journey.
FAQs
1. How old is Gilli Nata in 2026?
He is 28 as per his Wikipedia date of birth. Some news sites list a 1996 birth year, which would make him 30.
2. Is Gilli Nata his real name?
No. It is a popular name. His real name is Malavalli Nataraj.
3. Did he win Bigg Boss Kannada 12?
Yes. He won on 18 January 2026 and received Rs 50 lakh and a Maruti Suzuki car.
4. Where is he from?
He is from a village in Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka.
5. Has he shared details about his marriage or caste?
No verified public statement exists on either topic.
