Viraat | |
|---|---|
| Born | Karthik S. Kumar 11 March 1995 Mysore, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Viraat |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Known for | Jothe Jotheyali, Kiss, Royal |
| Height | 6 ft (183 cm) |
Karthik S. Kumar (born 11 March 1995), professionally known as Viraat, is an Indian film and television actor who works primarily in the Kannada entertainment industry. He gained recognition for his lead role in the television series Jothe Jotheyali (2015) and made his feature film debut with Kiss (2019). [1] [2]
Viraat was born in Mysore, Karnataka. He completed a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and worked in Germany prior to pursuing acting.[ citation needed ] After relocating to Bangalore, he received formal training in theatre at Rangayana and performed in more than 35 plays, including Malegalalli Madumagalu, Lights Out, and Maya Loka.[ citation needed ]
He is also trained in filmmaking, martial arts, stunt work, and professional dance.[ citation needed ]
Viraat made his television debut in the Kannada-language series Jothe Jotheyali on Zee Kannada in 2015, playing the lead role of Abhay. The show ran successfully for over 250 episodes and brought him widespread recognition.[ citation needed ]
He debuted in Kannada cinema with the romantic musical Kiss (2019), directed by A. P. Arjun and co-starring Sree Leela. The film was commercially successful and ran for over 100 days in theatres. [3]
He was later cast in the romantic drama Addhuri Love, and in 2025 starred in the action-romance film Royal, directed by Dinakar Thoogudeepa and produced by Jayanna Films. [4] [5] [6]
As of 2025, he is working on a high-budget action film titled V-03.[ citation needed ]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Kiss | Arjun | Debut film |
| 2025 | Royal | Krishna | Lead role |
| TBA | Addhuri Love | TBA | Unreleased |
| TBA | V-03 | TBA | In production |
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Jothe Jotheyali | Abhay | Zee Kannada |
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Zee Kutumba Awards | Best Actor – Lead Role (Male) | Jothe Jotheyali | Won |
| 2015 | Karnataka Sahitya Parishath Award | Best Actor | Jothe Jotheyali | Won |
| 2015 | Sadhane Award | Best Actor | Jothe Jotheyali | Won |
| 2021 | SIIMA Awards | Best Debut Actor – Male | Kiss | Won |
| 2021 | IIFA Utsavam | Best Debut Actor – Male | Kiss | Won |
Viraat was born in Mysore, Karnataka and had a passion for acting since his childhood. Even while pursuing his bachelors, Viraat enrolled himself in Rangayana, the theatre group in Mysore. He was trained in the institute which resulted up in him making stage appearances in as many as 35 plays. This experience landed him in to feature the lead role in the television series Jothe Jotheyali which aired more than 250 episodes.[ citation needed ]
After completing his tele-series, Viraat tried his luck to work in films and approached few directors. Impressed by A. P. Arjun's debut film, Addhuri , he made several attempts to meet Arjun and was instead spotted by his mother who recommended his name for his next film's audition. Eventually Viraat was finalized out of 200 other candidates to play the lead role in Kiss (2019). Arjun, besides directing the film also produced it under his A. P. Arjun Films. Viraat was paired opposite Sree Leela who also made her debut. The film released to mixed reviews from critics and became a commercial success at the box office with its 100 days successful run. [1] Viraat received favorable responses from critics for both his acting and dancing skills. [2] He was nominated at the SIIMA Awards under Best Debut actor category. [3] Following the success of Kiss, Viraat-Arjun teamed up yet again and announced their new project titled Addhuri Lover in 2021.[ citation needed ] However, the film remains unreleased due to the significant delay in production. Currently the project is in development hell with both Arjun and Viraat moving on to newer assignments.[ citation needed ]
Viraat's next project titled Royal released in 2025 which marked a comeback film for the director Dinakar Thoogudeepa after a gap of six years. [4] Viraat was paired opposite Sanjana Anand and the film was produced by Jayanna Combines. [5] Upon release, the film met with average response from critics and audiences. [6]
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Kiss | Arjun | SIIMA Award for Best Debut Actor | [7] |
| 2025 | Royal | Krishna | [8] | |
| TBA | Addhuri Lover† | TBA | Delayed | |
| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Jothe Jotheyali | Abhay | Zee Kannada | Credited as Karthik S. Kumar |