Sumukha (born September 9) is an Indian actor known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is best known for his performances in films such as Yaanaa (2019), Physics Teacher (2022), and Manada Kadalu (2025). Sumukha is the son of acclaimed theatre and film personalities Shashi Kumar[1] and Nanditha Yadav.[2][3]
Sumukha was born in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He began his acting journey at the age of 10, appearing as a child actor in films, television, and theatre productions.[4] 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 Bombay, Maharashtra to further develop his acting skills and pursue professional opportunities in theatre and film.[citation needed]
Sumukha made his film debut with the Kannada coming-of-age drama Yaanaa, where he played one of the central roles. His performance was noted in a Bangalore Mirror review, which stated that he "impresses the most" among the cast.[6][7] In 2022, Sumukha starred in Physics Teacher, a philosophical drama that also marked his debut as a writer and director. The film was officially selected for the Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFES), where it garnered praise for its unconventional narrative and Sumukha's compelling performance.[8][9]
Following his earlier performances, Sumukha was approached by Yogaraj Bhat to audition for Manada Kadalu—an opportunity that led to him being cast in the lead role and marked his transition into mainstream commercial cinema.[10] The 2025 film became a significant milestone in his career, earning him recognition as a leading man in Kannada cinema.[11][12] In an interview, he shared that the project enabled him to embrace a broader audience while continuing to uphold his artistic sensibilities.[13] He will soon be seen playing the central character in the bilingual film Rajasthan Diaries, which is set against the backdrop of the desert state and explores themes of identity and belonging.[14] His other upcoming slate includes a rugged thriller directed by Sanjay KK, a slapstick comedy by Pannaga Bharana and a project with Myra Productions, reflecting his interest in exploring diverse genres.[15]
Sumukha has also appeared in the Hindi-language teleplays Shobhayatra (2018) and Shadyantra (2022), presented by Zee Theatre.[16][17]
Personal life
Sumukha's mother, Nanditha Yadav, is a state award-winning director, recognized for her work on the film Raju, which won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Story.[18][19]
Filmography
Key
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Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released
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