Hanumantha Lamani, who last year wrote history as the first-ever wild card contestant to win the show, is now supporting Gilli Nataraj. At a recent high-profile stage event with a large audience, Hanumantha took the microphone and asked, "Are you all watching Bigg Boss? Who is your vote for?" The response from the audience was deafening as the crowd chanted "Gilli... Gilli!" in unison. A beaming Hanumantha responded with a "thumbs up" gesture, signaling his support for the comedian. Because Hanumantha has his own immense fandom and a humble "son of the soil" image, his endorsement has greatly helped Gilli’s campaign just days before the finale.
ತೊಗೊಳ್ರೊ..
— Dhanu Gowda (@DhanuGowda94765) January 16, 2026
ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಕೇಳ್ತಾ ಇದ್ರಿ ಹನುಮಂತು ವೋಟ್ ಅಪೀಲ್ ಮಾಡಿಲ್ವ ಅಂತ
ನೋಡ್ರಿ ನಮ್ ಹುಡುಗ ಯಾವ ಥರ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾನೆ ಅಂತ 😌
VOTE FOR GILLI 🔥 #bbk12 #Gilli #GilliNata pic.twitter.com/Nw60rAMTgj
The “Gilli Fever” Grips Local Businesses
The support for Gilli has spread beyond social media, with bizarre and heartwarming incidents spreading through Karnataka. In a viral post shared by veteran actor Shankar Ashwath, the hysteria has spread to local mobile shops and hotels:
Free Screen Guards: A mobile shop owner refused to take money for a screen guard from a customer, saying, "If you vote for Gilli, the tempered glass is free!"
The "Gilli" Deal
Similar reports have emerged from hotels offering free Biryani and retail boutiques giving discounts to anyone who proves they voted for Gilli.
Stunned by this grassroots movement, Shankar Ashwath said, "May good things happen to good people; let the deserving one come forward."
Why Gilli is the Frontrunner
Since Day 1, Gilli Nataraj (Malavalli Nataraj) has been the heartbeat of Season 12. Always entertaining the audience, he is famous for his Nalli Mule comedy and rustic charm. Admittedly, he's gotten some attention for his sharp tongue occasionally, but overall people see him as a small man true to his rural roots. Gilli is the frontrunner, with polls on the ground revealing an astronomical vote count, including reports that he has received more than 5.5 million votes. Whether he faces strong contenders like Ashwini Gowda or Dhanush, the momentum seems firmly in his favor.
