Gilli Nata, whose real name is Nataraj, entered the Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 (BBK 12) house as one of the most anticipated contestants. Hailing from a farming family in Mandya district's Malavalli taluk, Gilli Nata built his reputation through his unique, rustic style of comedy delivered in the distinct Mandya dialect. His background as a runner-up in Comedy KhiladigaLu Season 4 and his subsequent appearances in shows like Dance Karnataka Dance had already established him as a beloved Kannada television personality with spontaneous humor and natural comic timing.
The Controversial 'Gimmick' That Dominated Headlines
The season took a dramatic turn when Gilli Nata became embroiled in a major controversy inside the house, which many critics termed a 'gimmick' designed for attention. The incident involved a heated exchange with a fellow contestant, Risha Gowda, over a bucket of hot water during a domestic task. Gilli's alleged remarks and subsequent actions were deemed inappropriate by some, leading to a formal complaint being filed against him with the Karnataka State Women's Commission. Though initial video footage observations reportedly did not show clear evidence of misconduct, the incident was extensively discussed.
The Weekend Verdict: Host Kichcha Sudeep Weighs In
The controversy reached its peak during the subsequent "Kichcha Sudeep's Panchayati" weekend episode. While host Kichcha Sudeep addressed the matter, he warned Risha for physically pushing Gilli (a clear rule violation that earned her a "Red Card" warning). Crucially, Sudeep also questioned Gilli about his behavior and advised him to ensure his comedy did not insult or demean others. Despite the intense scrutiny and the collective disapproval from other housemates who criticized his brand of humor as insulting, Gilli Nata continued in the competition, keeping the spotlight firmly fixed on him.
The Instagram Phenomenon: Controversy Fuels Follower Record
Paradoxically, the intense controversy and media coverage surrounding the "Gilli gimmick" translated into an unprecedented surge in his social media following. While inside the controlled environment of the Bigg Boss house, cut off from the outside world, Gilly Nata's official Instagram handle has reportedly achieved a record number of followers among the BBK 12 contestants. This surge demonstrates a familiar reality TV phenomenon: negative publicity often acts as a massive catalyst for social media growth, turning notoriety into mainstream popularity and strengthening his fan base outside the house.
The Strategic Advantage of Being the Center of Attention
Gilli Nata's continued presence and his ability to generate extreme reactions—from adoration for his comedy to fierce criticism for his controversial moments—have solidified his position as one of the most talked-about contestants this season. Host Kichcha Sudeep even revealed that Gilli Nata was the very first contestant to be confirmed for the season, signing the agreement as early as February, six months before the show premiered. This early commitment suggests the producers recognized his potential to create compelling, high-drama content. By mastering the art of the 'gimmick,' whether intentional or not, Gilli Nata is leveraging controversy into a strategic advantage, making him a potential title contender and ensuring he remains the season’s most discussed personality both on-screen and online.
