The curtains have officially closed on one of the most successful and talked-about seasons of Bigg Boss Kannada. After 112 days of high-octane drama, emotional breakdowns, and intense competition, the grand finale of Season 12, held on January 18, 2026, saw comedian and actor Gilli Nata (Nataraj) lifting the prestigious trophy.
Hosted by the charismatic “Baadshah” Kiccha Sudeep for the 12th consecutive time, this season set new records for viewership and audience engagement.
🏆 The Grand Finale Results
The finale was a star-studded affair featuring the Top 6 finalists. After a grueling elimination process, Gilli Nata was declared the winner, with social media star Rakshitha Shetty following closely behind.
| Position | Contestant | Prize/Reward |
| Winner | Gilli Nata | ₹50 Lakh + Luxury SUV + ₹10 Lakh (Gifted by Sudeep) |
| 1st Runner-up | Rakshitha Shetty | ₹20 Lakh |
| 2nd Runner-up | Ashwini Gowda | ₹7 Lakh |
| 4th Place | Kavya Shaiva | ₹10 Lakh Special Cash Prize |
| 5th Place | Mutant Raghu | Finalist |
| 6th Place | Dhanush Gowda | Finalist |
🌟 Key Highlights of Season 12
1. The “Onti vs Janti” Twist
The season kicked off with a unique concept where contestants entered either as Onti (Solo) or Janti (Duo). This dynamic forced contestants to work in pairs initially, leading to instant friction and some of the season’s most memorable alliances.
2. Gilli Nata’s Dominance
From Day 1, Gilli Nata was the heartbeat of the house. Known for his sharp wit and comedic timing, he managed to stay authentic even during heated arguments. His victory was backed by a staggering 37 crore votes, proving his massive popularity across Karnataka.
3. Historic Female Presence
For the first time in Bigg Boss Kannada history, three women (Rakshitha, Ashwini, and Kavya) made it to the Top 4, highlighting a shift in audience preference toward strong, resilient female gameplay.
4. The Brief Suspension
The season faced an unexpected hurdle on October 8, 2025, when the show was briefly suspended for a few hours due to environmental compliance issues. However, the production team resolved the matter quickly, and the housemates returned the very next day.
🎤 A Fond Farewell from Kiccha Sudeep
In a touching moment before the finale concluded, Kiccha Sudeep expressed his gratitude to the viewers and hinted at the future. He officially “closed the doors” of the BBK12 house, allowing the set to rest until the commencement of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 13.
“This season has been an extraordinary voyage of growth and spectacle. My profound gratitude to every devoted viewer for your unwavering support.” — Kiccha Sudeep
Conclusion
Bigg Boss Kannada Season 12 will be remembered as the season of authenticity over aggression. Whether it was Gilli’s humor or Rakshitha’s raw honesty, the viewers clearly voted for personalities they could relate to.
