Gilli Nata’s Bigg Boss Kannada 12 win sparks statewide celebrations

On Sunday night, Karnataka witnessed scenes of celebration usually reserved for major cricket wins. Firecrackers lit up the sky, crowds spilled onto the streets, and an unmistakable frenzy swept across the state — all for the victory of a reality show contestant. Comedian Gilli Nata, who hails from humble beginnings in Mandya district, emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, hosted by Kannada star Sudeep. Social media influencer Rakshita Shetty and actor-activist Ashwini Gowda came in as first and second runners-up respectively.

Reports claim Gilli received a record-breaking 40–50 crore votes, the highest ever recorded in the Kannada edition of the show. The win earned Gilli a prize of ` 50 lakh, a brand-new SUV, and an additional Rs 10 lakh gifted personally by host Sudeep. Fans gathered in large numbers outside the show’s studio in Bidadi, celebrating well into the night and turning the moment into a public spectacle. True to his roots, Gilli has said he plans to invest his winnings in farmland
before stepping into films — a grounded conclusion to an extraordinary journey that turned a comedian into a statewide phenomenon.

Bond of bickering, banter and friendship

Beyond Gilli’s raw sense of humour and sharp timing, one of the defining aspects of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 was the camaraderie he shared with fellow finalists Ashwini Gowda and Rakshita Shetty. Despite intense competition — and brawls that even landed one contestant in legal trouble — the trio, towards the end of the season, displayed mutual respect, emotional support and sportsmanship that strongly resonated with audiences.
Gilli was often seen standing by fellow contestants, including Rakshita, during difficult moments in the house, while his equation with Ashwini evolved from strategic rivalry to genuine admiration. These relationships humanised the finalists and added emotional depth to the season, significantly boosting viewer engagement and
voting momentum.

Why season 12 stood out

• The ‘common man–comedian’ factor: Gilli’s Mandya roots and relatable humour struck a deep chord
• Record-breaking votes: Season 12 set new benchmarks, with over 37 crore votes even before the finale, which drew even more
• A rare host moment: Sudeep’s personal ` 10 lakh gift to Gilli
• Finale frenzy: Crowds thronged the Bidadi Studio as the result was announced, while celebrities, former contestants and fans flooded social media
• Street celebrations: Gilli’s victory sparked spontaneous celebrations across parts of Karnataka, with firecrackers and fans gathering in public spaces