The countdown to the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 grand finale has officially begun—and if fan sentiment is any indicator, we might already know who’s walking out of the house with the trophy. According to a recent poll conducted by ETimes, reality TV sensation Gilli Nata isn’t just leading the race—he’s dominating it with a jaw-dropping 63% of the public vote .
This overwhelming support has sent shockwaves through the Kannada entertainment circuit, with fans, critics, and even fellow contestants weighing in on whether the game is already over before the final episode airs. But what’s behind this massive surge? And do the other finalists—Ashwini Gowda, Rakshitha Shetty, and Mutant Raghu—still have a fighting chance?
Table of Contents
- Gilli Nata: The People’s Champion
- The Final Four: A Closer Look at Each Contender
- Why Fans Are Rooting for Gilli Nata
- Can the ETimes Poll Be Trusted?
- What This Means for the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 Finale
Gilli Nata: The People’s Champion
Known for his raw authenticity, unfiltered opinions, and street-smart charisma, Gilli Nata entered the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 house as a wildcard—but quickly became its emotional anchor. His journey from underdog to frontrunner has resonated deeply with viewers across Karnataka, especially among younger audiences who see him as a voice of the common man.
The ETimes poll results are staggering: Gilli Nata holds 63% of the vote, a margin so wide it suggests not just popularity, but a cultural moment. In contrast, Ashwini Gowda and Rakshitha Shetty are tied at 19% each, while Mutant Raghu trails slightly behind at 16% . This isn’t just a lead—it’s a landslide.
The Final Four: A Closer Look at Each Contender
While Gilli Nata dominates headlines, the other finalists bring their own unique strengths to the table:
- Ashwini Gowda: A model and social media influencer, Ashwini won hearts with her grace under pressure and consistent performance in tasks. Her loyal fanbase remains highly active online.
- Rakshitha Shetty: A television actress known for her bubbly personality, Rakshitha’s emotional vulnerability and strong friendships inside the house earned her widespread sympathy and support.
- Mutant Raghu: The comedian and entertainer brought comic relief and strategic gameplay. Though often underestimated, his resilience kept him in the game far longer than many predicted.
Yet despite their individual appeal, none have matched the viral momentum of Gilli Nata—a phenomenon that blends entertainment, relatability, and regional pride.
Why Fans Are Rooting for Gilli Nata
So, what makes Gilli Nata so special? It’s not just about screen time or drama. Viewers connect with his authenticity. In a season filled with polished personas, he stood out by being unapologetically himself—whether he was mediating conflicts, sharing life stories, or calling out unfair behavior.
His background as a grassroots performer (often referred to as a “Gilli” artist in Karnataka) adds a layer of cultural resonance. For many, his potential victory symbolizes a win for everyday talent over celebrity privilege—a narrative that aligns perfectly with the ethos of reality TV.
Social media trends back this up. Hashtags like #GilliNataWinner and #BBK12Gilli have consistently trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with fan pages organizing mass voting campaigns [[INTERNAL_LINK:bigg-boss-kannada-social-media-trends]].
Can the ETimes Poll Be Trusted?
While the ETimes poll is widely cited, it’s important to note it reflects *online* sentiment—not official voting data from Colors Kannada or the show’s producers. Online polls can be influenced by organized fan groups, bot activity, or regional internet penetration biases.
That said, ETimes is a credible entertainment news outlet under the Times Group, and their polls have historically aligned with actual outcomes in past seasons of Bigg Boss across languages . Still, surprises are part of the Bigg Boss DNA. Remember when [Name Redacted] was the poll favorite in BBK10 but lost in a shocking twist? It can happen.
For a more holistic view, industry analysts also point to TRP ratings, audience engagement metrics, and sponsor interest—all of which reportedly favor Gilli Nata heading into the finale week .
What This Means for the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 Finale
If the poll holds true, Gilli Nata’s win would mark a significant shift in the Bigg Boss Kannada legacy. Previous winners have largely come from film, TV, or modeling backgrounds. A victory for a non-mainstream performer like Gilli could open doors for more diverse representation in future seasons.
For Colors Kannada, the broadcaster, this outcome also makes commercial sense. Gilli Nata’s massive organic following translates to higher post-show endorsement deals, digital content opportunities, and cross-platform visibility—key metrics in today’s fragmented media landscape.
That said, Bigg Boss thrives on unpredictability. Host Kichcha Sudeep is known for dramatic twists, and the live finale often includes last-minute audience votes that can sway results. So while the odds are heavily stacked in Gilli Nata’s favor, the door isn’t completely closed for an upset.
Final Thoughts
All signs point to Gilli Nata becoming the Bigg Boss Kannada 12 winner—a victory that would be as much about cultural representation as it is about entertainment. His journey embodies the core promise of reality TV: that anyone, regardless of background, can capture the nation’s imagination. Whether the official result mirrors the ETimes poll remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the finale will be must-watch television.