After 111 days of intense drama and competition, Gilli Nata emerged victorious in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12, defeating Rakshitha Shetty in the grand finale aired on January 18, 2026.
The much-awaited Bigg Boss Kannada 12 finale delivered on its promise of entertainment, emotions, and surprises as host Kichcha Sudeep announced Gilli Nata as the season’s champion during a star-studded ceremony on Colors Kannada.
Bigg Boss Kannada 12 Finale: Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | Gilli Nata |
| First Runner-up | Rakshitha Shetty |
| Second Runner-up | Ashwini Gowda |
| Finale Date | January 18, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Finale Time | 6:00 PM IST |
| Host | Kichcha Sudeep |
| Prize Money | ₹50 Lakh Cash + Maruti Suzuki Victoris |
| Duration | 111 Days (15 Weeks) |
| Top 6 Finalists | Gilli Nata, Rakshitha Shetty, Ashwini Gowda, Kavya Shaiva, Dhanush Gowda, Mutant Raghu |
| Channel | Colors Kannada |
| OTT Platform | JioHotstar |
| Initial Contestants | 19 |
The Final Showdown
The grand finale kicked off at 6 PM with electrifying performances and emotional reunions with eliminated contestants. What started as a race among six finalists gradually narrowed down through strategic eliminations:
- 6th Place: Dhanush Gowda
- 5th Place: Mutant Raghu
- 4th Place: Kavya Shaiva
- 3rd Place: Ashwini Gowda
- 2nd Place: Rakshitha Shetty
- Winner: Gilli Nata
The voting lines, which remained open until 12 PM on finale day via the JioHotstar app, saw massive participation from fans across Karnataka and beyond. Each account could cast up to 99 votes, reflecting the intense fan engagement throughout the season.
Who Is Gilli Nata?
Gilli Nata captured audience hearts with his authentic personality, strategic gameplay, and emotional vulnerability throughout the 111-day journey. His consistent performance in tasks, ability to form genuine connections, and entertainment quotient made him a strong contender from the beginning.
Social media trends on X (formerly Twitter) showed overwhelming support for Gilli Nata even before the finale, with his name generating the highest impressions among all finalists.
The Winning Moment
In his victory speech, an emotional Gilli Nata thanked the audience, his fellow housemates, and host Kichcha Sudeep for making his Bigg Boss journey unforgettable. Along with the coveted trophy, he took home ₹50 lakh in cash and a brand-new Maruti Suzuki Victoris car.
Season 12’s Journey
Premiering on September 28, 2025, Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 featured 19 initial contestants including Cockroach Sudhi, Spandana Somanna, Rashika Shetty, Manju Bhashini, and others. The season witnessed intense drama, unexpected friendships, fierce rivalries, and emotional breakdowns that kept viewers glued to their screens.
Host Kichcha Sudeep shared a heartfelt tribute before the finale, posting on X: “And thus… by sundown today, #BBK12 shall come to a close,” thanking contestants, the technical team, and the entire Bigg Boss crew.
The Star-Studded Finale
The finale episode featured special performances from popular Kannada film industry celebrities, musical acts, and a touching tribute montage celebrating Sudeep’s hosting journey this season. Young children below five years were brought on stage, each presenting a rose to the beloved host in an emotional gesture.
Previous Winners Legacy
Gilli Nata joins an elite list of Bigg Boss Kannada champions from previous seasons. His victory marks another successful chapter in the franchise’s history under Sudeep’s charismatic hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much prize money did Gilli Nata win in Bigg Boss Kannada 12?
Gilli Nata won ₹50 lakh in cash along with a Maruti Suzuki Victoris car and the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 trophy.
