Gilli Nata, from the glass house walls of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, is more than just a celebrity, too, he’s a cultural force — the latest wave we’ve been seeing since Season 12. Although there have been artists performing for years on the show as well, fans are characterising the "Gilli Craze" more as a nationwide trend than an international phenomenon.
In the rural peripheries of Mandya and around the world in the Kannada diaspora, Gilli Nata has become the quintessential "People's Champion" of the season. “Gilli National Alla, International!” The catchphrase “Gilli is not only national but international” has spread on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
But this isn’t just overwrought imagery; recent voting data indicates that Gilli has found widespread support from Kannada-speaking communities in the USA, UK and Middle East. His appeal comes from his unapologetic authenticity. Being a farmer by profession from Malavalli, Mandya, Gilli’s use of the local dialect, as well as his “Nalli-Moole” (bone marrow) humour, resonates well with a generation who wants to embrace the rustic beauty and richness of Karnataka. He has not merely played a game; he has taken the soul of rural Karnataka onto the world stage.
The Ultimate Family Favourite
Some contestants will rely on alpha gameplay or controversial “love tracks” to stay front-of-mind but Gilli has found the toughest demographic to win over: the family audience. Grandparents, parents and kids have all found him to be the person they can most relate to. His impromptu wit and ability to transform an escalating situation into a riotous joke have made him an essential part of household dinner conversations. As one fan aptly said on social media, “In a house full of actors acting, Gilli is the only one living his life.”
“99 Votes for Gilli”: The Power Of The Vote
The most eye-opening thing about this season is that the voting is a mixed bag. Reports on sites like Filmibeat and Navasamaja have recently revealed that Gilli Nata is topping the charts by millions of votes.
Battle Vote Count (Finals Week)
- Gilli Nata 2,852,495+
- Rakshitha Shetty 627,513+
The line "99 votes only for Gilli" has since become a rallying call for his fan clubs, declaring that for every 100 votes that are cast, Gilli has claimed a lion's share. His Instagram followers have blown up from a mere 80,000 to over 1.1 million in his house alone, evidence of his big digital “Gilli Army” behind him.
Could the “Entertainer” Ever Lift the Cup?
But even if his “hurtful” comedy style has created friction with his host Kichcha Sudeep, Gilli’s momentum appears unstoppable. He has made it 100 days by being the man who makes 100 days the house’s most fun. Now near the finale, the question is not about who managed to perform the best tasks but who had the most love thrown around them. For millions of fans, the trophy also already belongs to the boy from Mandya.
