Sumukha (born September 9) is an Indian actor, writer and director working primarily in Kannada cinema. He is best known for his performances in films such as Yaanaa (2019), Physics Teacher (2022), and Manada Kadalu (2025).
Early life and background Sumukha was born in Bengaluru, Karnataka to actor Shashi Kumar and filmmaker Nanditha Yadav. He began his acting journey at a tender age, appearing as a child actor in films, television, and theatre productions. Growing up in a family rooted in the performing arts, he developed a strong foundation in acting and storytelling from an early age. After completing his schooling at The Valley School in Bengaluru, he relocated to Mumbai, Maharashtra to further develop his acting skills and pursue professional opportunities in theatre and film.
Theatre career Sumukha has performed in theatre productions at venues including Prithvi Theatre and National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, as well as Ranga Shankara and Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru, contributing to his early development as an actor.
Film career Sumukha made his acting debut with the Kannada coming-of-age drama Yaanaa (2019), in which he played a central role. A review by Bangalore Mirror noted that he "impresses the most" among the cast. In 2022, Sumukha appeared in Physics Teacher, a philosophical drama that he also wrote and directed. The film was selected for the Bengaluru International Film Festival. Among his other early projects was Rajasthan Diaries, directed by Nanditha Yadav and filmed in 2019. The film remained unreleased as of 2024.
Sumukha subsequently appeared in Manada Kadalu directed by Yogaraj Bhat, which marked his move into mainstream commercial cinema. The film was described as a significant milestone in his career by critics, earning him recognition as a leading actor in Kannada cinema. In an interview, he shared that the project enabled him to embrace a broader audience while continuing to uphold his artistic sensibilities.
In 2026, Sumukha was announced as the lead in My Baby, directed by Preetham Gubbi. His other announced projects include Ganapati Bappa Morya, a political thriller directed by Sanjay KK. He is also set to appear in a comedy directed by Pannaga Bharana. In a 2026 interview, he said that he was seeking roles that would contribute to his long-term development as an actor.
Television Sumukha has appeared in Hindi-language teleplays presented by Zee Theatre, including Agnipankh, Shobha Yatra, Vaastav and Shadyantra.
Personal life In February 2026, Sumukha married Maitri Uka, an architect from Mumbai, in a private ceremony in Rishikesh.
Filmography
Film Year Title Role(s) Language Notes 2017RajuKannadaKarnataka State Film Award for Best Story 2019YaanaaVarun 2022Physics TeacherBadriAlso writer and director Official BIFFES selection 2025Manada KadaluSumukha VedKannada, MarathiFilmed in 2019; unreleased 2026 KannadaPreetham Gubbi film in Pre-production 2027 MayaKannada, MalayalamFilming KannadaPannaga Bharana film in Pre-production
Television Year Title Role(s) Language Notes 2017Agnipankh Yashwant Hindi Teleplay on Zee Theatre 2018Shobha YatraBabu Genu Vaastav 2022ShadyantraShashank
Theatre Year Title Role(s) Language Notes 2018Janpath Kiss Hindi Assistant director 2019 Hamidabai Ki KothiAssistant director
Web Series Year Title Role(s) Language Notes 2021Namma Oorina RasikaruKannada
Awards and nominations Award Year Category Work Result Chittara Star Awards 2026 Promising Star MaleManada Kadalu Best Lead Pair Of The Year South Indian International Movie Awards SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Kannada
References
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