Happy Birthday Yash: Top 5 Must-Watch Films of the KGF Star Streaming on OTT
Known to fans as “Rocking Star” Yash has an inspiring journey from being a TV actor to becoming one of the most celebrated names in Indian cinema. Thanks to the phenomenal success of KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2, Yash’s popularity skyrocketed. Since his film debut in 2007, he has steadily climbed the ladder of success to establish himself as a top actor today.
Memorable Performances
Yash starred alongside Meghna Raj in the official Kannada remake of the Tamil film Sundarapandian. This comedy-drama was a success and paved the way for Yash to become a leading star in the Kannada film industry. The movie is currently available on MX Player.
Born as Naveen Kumar Gowda, the Kannada superstar turns 39 today, January 8. He began his film career in 2007 with Jambada Hudugi and gained recognition for his role in Moggina Manasu, for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Although his first lead role in Rocky (2008) didn’t do well, Yash rose to fame with hits like Googly (2013), Gajakesari (2014), and Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari (2014).
He became a pan-India sensation after his career took a huge turn with KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) and KGF: Chapter 2 (2022). Let’s examine some fascinating tidbits about Yash, his best films, and his next endeavors.
Fascinating Facts About Yash
- Yash, born as Naveen Kumar Gowda, adopted his stage name to match his on-screen persona.
- Apart from acting, he showcased his singing talent in movies like Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari and Masterpiece, delivering hit songs like Annathamma and Annange Love Aagide.
- Before films, Yash started his career with TV serials like Gokula, Male Billu, and Preeti Illada Mele.
- Off-screen, Yash shares a close bond with his younger sister Nandini and often features her in his social media posts.
- Yash met his wife, actress Radhika Pandit, on the sets of the TV series Nanda Gokula. The couple got married in 2016.
- Together with Radhika, Yash founded the Yashomarga Foundation, which supports underprivileged communities. They also invested ₹4 crore to rejuvenate lakes in the Koppal district.
Yash’s Upcoming Projects
Just two days before his 39th birthday, Yash gave fans an exciting glimpse of his upcoming movie, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. Yash plays the main character in the 2025 release, while Sai Pallavi is believed to play the female protagonist. Yash posted the image to Instagram, which depicts him blowing smoke rings while leaning against a vintage car while wearing a white tuxedo jacket and fedora.
In addition to Toxic, Yash will play Rocky again in KGF: Chapter 3. Director Prashanth Neel has stated that Yash would return in this eagerly awaited sequel, even if the release date has not yet been revealed.
According to reports, Yash is also preparing for his Bollywood debut in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. According to rumors, he could play Ravana, with Sai Pallavi playing Sita and Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram.