Gilli Nata, whose real name is Malavalli Nataraj, is a popular Kannada comedian and actor known for his unique rural-style humor and rhyming comedy skits. Born in 1996 in Mandya district, Karnataka, he grew up in a humble farming family before moving to Bangalore to chase his dream of working in the entertainment industry.
He first gained attention through his viral comedy videos on Facebook and YouTube, where his natural wit and use of the Mandya dialect made him stand out. Over time, he became a familiar face on Kannada television, appearing in shows like Comedy Kiladigalu, Dance Karnataka Dance, and Bharjari Bachelors.
Early Life & Background
Born in 1996 in Dhadapura, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district, Gilli grew up in a simple farming family. His parents, like many in the region, worked hard in the fields to provide for their children. Growing up in a rural environment shaped his worldview and later influenced his comedy, which often draws from the quirks, struggles, and humor of village life.
His family belongs to the Hindu religion and comes from a farming caste background. Life in Mandya was not easy, and like many children of farmers, Nataraj was expected to contribute to the household and eventually take up a stable job. His father, in particular, wanted him to secure a government or private sector position that would guarantee financial stability.
Family, Parents & Caste
Gilli Nata, born as Malavalli Nataraj, comes from a humble farming family in Dhadapura, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district. His parents worked tirelessly in the fields, depending on agriculture for their livelihood. Growing up in such an environment gave him a firsthand understanding of the struggles of rural life — unpredictable weather, financial uncertainty, and the constant hard work required to sustain a family. These experiences later became the foundation of his comedy, which often reflects the quirks and realities of village life.
He belongs to the Hindu religion and comes from a farming caste background. While caste is often a sensitive subject in India, for Gilli, it is simply a part of his identity and upbringing. His comedy does not focus on caste divisions but instead celebrates the shared culture and humor of rural Karnataka. By staying true to his roots, he has become a voice for people from similar backgrounds, showing that talent can rise above social and economic barriers.
Gilli Nata Wiki Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Malavalli Nataraj |
| Stage Name | Gilli Nata |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Assistant Director |
| Famous For | Viral comedy videos, rhyming humor, Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 |
| Date of Birth | 1996 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 years |
| Birthplace | Dhadapura, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India |
| Hometown | Mandya, Karnataka |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Farming community background |
| Height | 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Education | SSLC; Industrial Training Institute (ITI), 2 years |
| Family Background | Farmer’s family |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (as of 2025) |
| Notable Shows | Comedy Kiladigalu (Season 4, Runner-up), Dance Karnataka Dance, Bharjari Bachelors, Kwatle Kitchen, Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 |
| Film Work | Assistant Director & Dialogue Writer (Dhamaka) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. ₹70 Lakhs |
| @official_gilli_nata/ |
Physical Appearance & Style
Gilli stands at a height of 175 cm and weighs around 80 kg. He has black hair and black eyes, features that reflect his South Indian heritage. His physical appearance is simple and relatable, which adds to his charm as a performer.
Unlike many entertainers who adopt flashy looks, Gilli Nata’s style is rooted in simplicity. He often dresses in casual, rural-inspired outfits that reflect his Mandya background. This authenticity makes him stand out in an industry where many try to project a glamorous image.
Awards & Achievements
One of his earliest achievements was becoming the first runner-up in Comedy Kiladigalu Season 4. This recognition gave him credibility as a comedian and opened doors to more opportunities in television and entertainment.
His participation in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 was another milestone. The show gave him national recognition and expanded his fan base beyond Karnataka. His funny and relatable personality made him one of the most loved contestants of the season.
Education Journey
Nataraj completed his SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) in his hometown. Like many children in rural Karnataka, his education was shaped by limited resources but strong community values. He was known among his peers for his humor and ability to make others laugh, even during school days. Teachers and classmates often recall how he would mimic people or create rhymes that left everyone in splits.
After school, he enrolled in a two-year Industrial Training Institute (ITI) course, which was meant to prepare him for a technical job. This was a practical choice, as ITI graduates often find employment in industries or government sectors. However, while he completed the course, his heart was never in it. He continued to dream of cinema, comedy, and storytelling.
Struggles & Early Career in Bangalore
Determined to chase his dream, Nataraj moved to Bangalore, the hub of the Kannada film industry. He arrived with little money and no connections, a daunting situation for any aspiring artist. Life in the city was not easy. He had to find ways to survive while also trying to break into the entertainment world.
His first job in the industry was as a set worker for movies, serials, and reality shows. He earned around ₹650 per day, which was just enough to cover his basic needs. The work was physically demanding and often went unnoticed, but it gave him a chance to observe the functioning of the entertainment industry up close. He learned how sets were built, how actors performed, and how directors managed their teams.
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First Breakthrough in the Entertainment Industry
One of his earliest breakthroughs came when he worked on the popular comedy show Comedy Kiladigalu as a set worker. While he was not performing at that time, the experience gave him a close look at how comedians crafted their acts. He studied their body language, timing, and ability to connect with audiences. This exposure planted the seeds for his own career as a comedian.
After a failed attempt to make a short film due to lack of funds, Nataraj decided to try his luck with social media. He began posting comedy videos on Facebook and YouTube, using his natural humor and rural dialect to entertain viewers. His very first video went viral, receiving millions of views. This sudden success gave him the confidence to continue creating content and marked the beginning of his rise to fame.
Rise Through Social Media
After spending years as a set worker in Bangalore, Gilli realized that waiting for a big break in films might take too long. He had the passion, but not the financial resources to make a short film or produce large-scale content. Instead of giving up, he turned to social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, which were becoming powerful tools for new creators. This decision changed his life.
His very first comedy video, created with minimal resources, unexpectedly went viral. Within days, it had gathered millions of views, and people across Karnataka were sharing his content. For someone who had once struggled to earn ₹650 a day, this sudden recognition was overwhelming. The viral success gave him confidence and proved that audiences were hungry for authentic, relatable humor.
Transition to Television
The success of his online videos eventually caught the attention of television producers. He was invited to participate in Comedy Kiladigalu Season 4, a popular Kannada comedy show. This was his first major opportunity to showcase his talent on a mainstream platform.
On the show, he impressed both the judges and the audience with his unique style. His ability to deliver rhyming punchlines and connect with viewers earned him the position of first runner-up. While he did not win the title, the recognition he gained was far more valuable. It established him as a serious comedian in the Kannada entertainment industry.
Reality Show Appearances
Gilli surprised many by participating in Dance Karnataka Dance, a reality show that showcased his versatility. While he was primarily known as a comedian, his willingness to try dance performances showed his adventurous spirit and eagerness to entertain in different formats.
He also appeared on Bharjari Bachelors, another reality program that gave him a chance to connect with audiences in a more personal way. These appearances helped him expand his fan base beyond comedy lovers to a wider television audience.
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 Journey
The biggest turning point in his career came when he entered the Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 house. Bigg Boss is one of the most-watched reality shows in India, and being a contestant gave him national-level exposure.
Inside the house, Gilli Nata quickly became a fan favorite. His funny personality, rural charm, and ability to lighten tense situations made him stand out among the contestants. Viewers appreciated his authenticity and the fact that he did not try to put on a fake persona for the cameras.
Film Industry Contributions
While Gilli is best known for his comedy, he has also worked behind the camera. He served as an assistant director and dialogue writer for films like Dhamaka. This experience gave him a deeper understanding of storytelling, scriptwriting, and the technical aspects of filmmaking. For someone who once started as a set worker, this was a significant step forward.
From the beginning, Nataraj’s dream was not just to perform but also to direct films. His time as an assistant director allowed him to learn the craft from professionals and gave him the confidence to pursue his long-term goal of becoming a filmmaker. Even today, he continues to express his desire to direct movies that reflect real-life stories, especially those rooted in rural Karnataka.
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