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Chikkanna
Chikkanna
from Wikipedia

Chikkanna (born 22 June 1984), is an Indian Comedy actor who works in Kannada cinema and appears primarily in comic roles.[1] He made his debut in films with Kirataka (2011), following which he was recognized for his performances in Raja Huli (2013) and Adyaksha (2014).[2] Chikkanna played the lead role for the first time in the film Upadhyaksha (2024). [3]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Chikkanna began his acting career in comedy shows in Mysore with Drishya Kalavide. He then appeared in Comedy Kiladigalu in Zee Kannada, and a Prank Show which aired on Udaya TV. Actor Yash noticed his performance at the diamond jubilee celebrations of Kannada cinema and cast him in the 2011 film, Kirataka. In Raja Huli (2013) and Adyaksha (2014), he played roles alongside Yash and Sharan. In the 2015 film Sharp Shooter, he played alongside Diganth and wrote the lyrics for the track "Kuntebille".[4]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Film Role Notes Ref.
2011 Kirataka
2012 Lucky
Mr. 420 Madesha
Villain
Snehitaru Harish
2013 Raja Huli Chikka Won—SIIMA Award for Best Comedian
Bulbul
Rajani Kantha
Victory
Jinkemari Muddukrishna
2014 Navarangi
Anjada Gandu Ramesha
Kwatle Satisha Chikkanna
Savaari 2
Baasu Ade Hale Kathe
Darling
Adyaksha Narayana Won—SIIMA Award for Best Comedian
Tirupathi Express Malya
Just Love
2015 Rudra Tandava
Bombay Mittai Sundra
Patharagitthi
Ranna Lakshmi Narayana
Vajrakaya
Sapnon Ki Rani
Chandrika Bilingual (Kannada, Telugu)
Mr. Airavata
Ram-Leela
Rathavara
Mumtaz
Bangalore 560023
Sharpshooter Also lyricist for song "Kuntebille" and Singer for "Kannale Mashup"
Masterpiece Bruce Lee Won—SIIMA Award for Best Comedian
Nominated, IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role
2016 Maduveya Mamatheya Kareyole
Mast Mohabbat
Whatsapp Love
Tyson
Thale Bachkolli Powder Hakkolli Indra
Lakshmana
Jigarthanda
Ishtakamya
Doddmane Hudga Lavanga
Nanna Ninna Prema Kathe Also playback singer
Kotigobba 2 Chikkanna Nominated -SIIMA Award for Best Comedian
Mudinja Ivana Pudi Saravana Tamil film
Happy Birthday
2017 Chowka Manju
Style Raja
Hebbuli Sundara
Raajakumara Chikka
Bangara s/o Bangarada Manushya
Tiger Bahubali
Siliconn City
Raj Vishnu Shankar Nag
Satya Harishchandra Dodda
Jaali Baaru Mattu Poli Hudugaru
Mufti
Anjani Putra Chikka
2018 Samhaara Raja Huli Nominated - Filmibeat Award for Best Comedian - Kannada
Dalapathi
Bhootayyana Mommaga Ayyu Ayyu
Amma I Love You
Double Engine Krishna
Kannadakkaagi Ondannu Otti
Kismath
Raambo 2 Jagga Nominated - 8th South Indian International Movie Awards best comedian
2019 Natasaarvabhowma Keshav Nominated - 9th South Indian International Movie Awards best comedian [5]
Kaddu Mucchi
Seetharama Kalyana Arya's friend
Amar Chikka
Padde Huli
Kiss Jaggi
Mane Maratakkide Raghupathi
Odeya Lawyer Chari
2020 Shri Bharatha Baahubali
French Biriyani Gabru
Billgates
Pogaru Shiva's friend
2021 Roberrt Agni [6][7]
Krishna Talkies Suri [8]
Rider Chikku
2022 James Madan
Kaaneyaadavara Bagge Prakatane
Bairagee Dancer Cameo appearance
2023 Mr. Bachelor Chikku
Raja Marthanda [9]
2024 Upadhyaksha Narayana [10]
2025 Choo Mantar RJ
Forest Buddy Kumara
Raju James Bond TRP

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Chikkanna (born 22 June 1984) is an Indian actor and comedian who predominantly works in , where he is recognized for portraying comic characters in supporting roles. Born in Ballahalli near Mysuru, , to Bhaire Gowda, Chikkanna began his career in entertainment through local comedy performances with the troupe Drishya Kalavide and later gained prominence on Udaya TV's comedy shows as well as stage events like the . His transition to films occurred with his debut in the 2011 Kannada comedy , directed by Pradeep Raj, which marked the start of his prolific output in the industry. Over the following years, he appeared in more than 50 films, often collaborating with leading directors and actors, and earning acclaim as one of the highest-paid comedians in . Among his notable works are (2013), Adyaksha (2014), Sharp Shooter (2015), (2016), Tiger (2017), and more recent releases like (2023) and Upadhyaksha (2024), his lead debut that earned a SIIMA nomination for Best Male Debutant, where his timing and exaggerated humor have become signature elements. Chikkanna's performances have been honored with awards, including the IIFA Utsavam Best Performance in a Comic Role for (2017) and SIIMA Best Comedian nominations for (2018) and (2019). Beyond acting, he has ventured into lyric writing and owns a goat and sheep farming business in Mysuru, established in 2020, reflecting his interests in and rural life. In his personal life, Chikkanna remains unmarried as of November 2025 but announced his engagement to Pavana Gowda, a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur from Mandya district, in September 2025, with their arranged marriage scheduled for the end of the year. A non-vegetarian with hobbies including travel, cycling, and basketball, he maintains an active presence on social media and continues to be a prominent figure in Kannada entertainment, blending comedy with entrepreneurial pursuits.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Chikkanna was born on 22 June 1984 in Ballahalli, a village in the of , . He grew up in , where his family resided, and completed his higher in the region. His father, Bhaire Gowda, was a key figure in his upbringing, though details about his mother and any siblings remain undisclosed in public records. From a young age, Chikkanna showed an inclination toward performance, participating in local cultural events and festivals in . After his formal education, he began honing his comedic skills through stage shows organized by the Mysore-based troupe Kalavide, performing during occasions like and other regional celebrations. These early experiences in community theater laid the foundation for his future career in , reflecting the cultural vibrancy of his hometown.

Entry into entertainment

Chikkanna began his foray into the entertainment industry through stage performances with the Mysore-based comedy troupe Drishya Kalavide, where he participated in various comedy shows during festivals and events like Karnataka Rajyotsava. These early experiences honed his comedic timing and stage presence, marking his initial steps beyond local theater. Transitioning to television, Chikkanna gained visibility by appearing in the comedy series Comedy Kiladigalu on , which showcased his humorous sketches and helped build a regional fanbase. He further appeared in a prank show on , where his performance at the diamond jubilee celebrations of caught the attention of actor Yash. This pivotal moment led Yash to recommend him for a role in the 2011 film , serving as Chikkanna's entry into .

Career

Television beginnings

Chikkanna initiated his entertainment career through local comedy performances in Mysore, participating in shows organized by the Mysore-based troupe Drishya Kalavide. These included skits and acts staged during festivals and Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations, where he honed his comedic timing and stage presence. Transitioning to television, Chikkanna gained wider visibility as a comedian on Comedy Kiladigalu, a popular sketch comedy program aired on Zee Kannada. The show featured his humorous impersonations and ensemble acts alongside other performers, contributing to his growing recognition in the Kannada entertainment circuit. He further appeared in a prank-based television program on , where his spontaneous and witty style was showcased through surprise setups and comedic interactions. This exposure on , combined with a notable skit performed with Pratap during the Amrutha Mahotsava—celebrating 75 years of —drew the attention of actor Yash, marking a pivotal moment in his early career. These television endeavors, spanning local stages to regional broadcasts around 2005–2010, established Chikkanna as an emerging talent in comedy, emphasizing relatable humor rooted in everyday culture and festival traditions.

Film debut and breakthrough

Chikkanna entered with his debut in the 2011 romantic comedy , directed by Pradeep Raj and starring Yash in the lead role. He was offered the supporting comic part after Yash spotted his comedic talent during a television show on and at the diamond jubilee celebrations of . His portrayal of a quirky in the film, a remake of the Tamil movie , was well-received and helped him gain initial recognition in the industry. Chikkanna's breakthrough came with the 2013 comedy-drama , directed by Guru Deshpande and also featuring Yash, where he played a prominent supporting role that highlighted his timing and expressive humor. The film, produced by , became a commercial success, and Chikkanna's performance earned him the SIIMA Award for Best Comedian at the 2014 ceremony, solidifying his reputation as a rising comic talent. He further cemented his breakthrough status in 2014 with , a comedy directed by and starring Sharan and , in which Chikkanna delivered a memorable supporting comic performance that contributed to the film's popularity. For this role, he won the SIIMA Award for Best Comedian in 2015, marking back-to-back accolades and establishing him as one of cinema's most sought-after comedians.

Established comic roles and lead transition

Chikkanna solidified his position as one of cinema's most sought-after comedians through a series of memorable supporting roles that highlighted his impeccable timing, expressive facial contortions, and relatable rural humor. Debuting in the 2011 film , he quickly gained traction with his performance in (2013), where his comic sequences alongside Yash earned widespread acclaim and the SIIMA Award for Best Comedian in . His role in (2014), a directed by and starring Sharan, further cemented his reputation, as his portrayal of a bumbling contributed significantly to the film's success as a family entertainer. Over the subsequent decade, Chikkanna appeared in more than 50 films in comic capacities, including notable turns in (2018) and (2017), where his ability to blend with emotional depth made him a staple in ensemble casts, often stealing scenes from leads. This prolific comic phase, spanning from 2011 to the early 2020s, showcased Chikkanna's versatility within the genre, allowing him to collaborate with directors like Chandra Mohan in films such as Bombay Mittai (2019) and Double Engine (2018), where his prankish energy drove key humorous subplots. His consistent demand as a —appearing in multiple releases annually—stemmed from his roots in sketches, which translated seamlessly to cinema, earning him a loyal for light-hearted, Mysore-accented banter. However, by the late 2010s, Chikkanna began experimenting with more prominent characters, such as in Raju Kannada Medium (2018), signaling an evolution while retaining his comedic core. The transition to lead roles marked a pivotal shift for Chikkanna, culminating in his debut as a solo hero in Upadhyaksha (2024), a sequel to Adhyaksha directed by Anil Kumar. In the film, he portrayed Narayana, a village vice president engaging in witty rivalries and romance, blending his signature humor with heroic elements like action and sentiment in a narrative set across Mysuru and other locales. Director Anil Kumar described the process as "delicate," involving workshops to refine Chikkanna's physicality and expressions while preserving his comedic essence, resulting in a performance that critics praised for evoking laughter without overshadowing the story's emotional beats. The film's release on January 26, 2024, was a commercial success, affirming his viability as a leading man and opening doors to further projects. Emboldened by Upadhyaksha's reception, Chikkanna has since embraced lead opportunities that integrate , as he emphasized in interviews that humor remains his "forte" and will feature prominently in all future works. His next venture, Lakshmiputra (upcoming as of November 2025), directed by Vijay S. Swamy and produced by , features him in a lead role involving action sequences for the first time, with filming commencing in January 2025 and the first look released in October 2025. Additionally, he has signed a high-budget project Jodethu (2025) with producer Somashekar Kattigenahalli, described as his biggest-budget film yet blending , family emotion, and action. This reflects a broader trend among comedians, positioning Chikkanna as a bridge between supporting humor and starring appeal.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Chikkanna has maintained a relatively private , with limited public information about his romantic relationships prior to his recent . He has not been publicly linked to any long-term partners in the past, and earlier rumors of a 2020 to actress Saroja were debunked as false, stemming from on-screen collaborations and fan speculation. In August 2025, Chikkanna announced his engagement to Pavana Gowda, a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur from , . The match was arranged through family connections, with both parties' relatives approving the union after initial meetings. Pavana, who hails from Mahadevapura village in taluk, is the founder of Greenaura Techno Ventures and shares interests in environmental conservation and . The couple made their first public appearance together at Pavana's birthday celebration, where photos of them went viral on . As of November 2025, Chikkanna and Pavana remain engaged, with their wedding planned for the end of 2025. Chikkanna has expressed that the decision was made a month prior to the public announcement, emphasizing family involvement and mutual compatibility over a . No further details on the ceremony have been disclosed, though it is expected to be a low-key event attended by close industry friends and family.

Interests and philanthropy

Chikkanna maintains a keen interest in , particularly , as a means to connect with his rural background. In December 2020, he launched a commercial goat and operation on a sprawling property in Mysuru, , diversifying his pursuits beyond acting while honoring his origins in the region. The farm houses livestock including sheep and cows, and Chikkanna has personally contributed to its development, including performing tasks during the period. In terms of , Chikkanna has actively supported community welfare efforts, especially during crises. Amid the lockdown in May 2021, he organized daily to approximately 200 destitute in Mysuru, partnering with friends to provide packets at K.R. Hospital. This initiative stemmed from his personal reflections on facing hunger in his struggling early career, underscoring his commitment to aiding the underprivileged.

Filmography

Feature films

Chikkanna made his debut in Kannada feature films with the comedy (2011), directed by Pradeep Raj, where he played a supporting role that showcased his innate comedic flair. His breakthrough came with roles in (2013), an action drama directed by Guru Deshpande, and Adhyaksha (2014), a comedy helmed by , in which he portrayed the character and earned widespread recognition for his timing and expressions. These early appearances established him as a go-to comedian in the industry, often cast in ensemble casts to provide comic relief. By the mid-2010s, Chikkanna had solidified his presence in over 50 feature films, primarily in supporting comic roles across genres like action, romance, and drama. He shared screen space with leading actors in high-profile projects, such as Yash in the action thriller (2015), directed by Manju Mandavya, where his antics added levity to the intense narrative, and Sudeep in the action film (2016), helmed by , contributing to its commercial success. Other notable collaborations include Ranna (2015) with Sudeep and (2016) with , both directed by Max, highlighting his versatility in blending humor with emotional undertones. In addition to acting, he has occasionally provided playback singing, as in Sharp Shooter (2015) and Nanna Ninna Prema Kathe (2016). Chikkanna's filmography expanded into diverse roles in the late 2010s and 2020s, including appearances in multi-starrers like Bangaravaalu (2018), a romantic drama, and action thrillers such as Roberrt (2021) directed by and Pogaru (2021) by Upendra. These films underscored his ability to adapt to ensemble dynamics while maintaining his comic signature, often drawing from rural influences in his portrayals. His transition to lead roles marked a pivotal phase, beginning with Upadhyaksha (2024), a comedy-drama directed by , where he played the protagonist in a village-set story of rivalry and romance, receiving praise for elevating the film's humor and emotional depth. The film, produced by Umapathy Films, grossed positively at the and highlighted his growth from sidekick to hero. Recent and upcoming works reflect Chikkanna's broadening appeal, with roles in genre-blends like the horror-comedy (2025) and the drama (2025), alongside action-romance (2024) and upcoming Jodettu (2025). His contributions have helped popularize light-hearted, relatable comedy in , often emphasizing themes of and rural life without overshadowing the leads.
YearFilmRoleDirectorNotes
2011SupportingPradeep RajDebut film; comedy focus.
2013SupportingGuru DeshpandeEarly recognition for comedy.
2014NarayanaNanda KishoreBreakthrough performance.
2015SupportingManju MandavyaWith Yash; action-comedy.
2016SupportingCommercial hit with Sudeep.
2021FriendUpendraAction drama ensemble.
2024UpadhyakshaNarayana (Lead)Anil KumarLead debut; praised for humor.

Television appearances

Chikkanna's television career began in the mid-2000s with comedic performances that highlighted his natural flair for humor and timing. He first gained noticeable exposure through Comedy Kiladigalu, a popular comedy sketch show on , where he participated in various skits and impersonations that showcased his versatile comic persona. The program, which aired around 2005–2006, served as a key platform for emerging talents in entertainment, allowing Chikkanna to refine his skills in front of a wider audience. Following his stint on Comedy Kiladigalu, Chikkanna appeared in a prank-based show on , where he engaged in light-hearted, surprise-driven segments that emphasized and quick wit. This untitled prank series, broadcast in the late , played a pivotal role in his early visibility, as it was during a performance at its celebrations that actor Yash spotted his potential, paving the way for his transition to films. The show's format, involving elaborate setups and reactions, aligned well with Chikkanna's energetic style and helped establish him as a promising in television. In subsequent years, Chikkanna made several guest appearances on prominent TV programs, often infusing episodes with his signature humor. Notable among these was his participation in No.1 Yaari with Shivanna on in 2018, where he joined hosts and fellow actors like Sharan and Tarun Sudhir for candid chats and comedic interludes that explored industry friendships and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. These appearances, while not regular roles, underscored his enduring popularity and ability to entertain across mediums, frequently drawing on his film experiences to engage viewers.

Awards and nominations

Film awards

Chikkanna has received several for his comedic in , primarily recognizing his timing and versatility in supporting roles. His breakthrough came with nominations and wins at major South Indian award ceremonies, highlighting his contributions to films like and . These honors underscore his status as one of the leading comedians in the industry, with multiple wins at the (SIIMA) and the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Utsavam.
YearAwardCategoryFilmResult
2015SIIMA Awards (Kannada)Best ComedianAdhyakshaWon
2017IIFA Utsavam (Kannada)Best Performance by an Actor in a Comic RoleKotigobba 2Won
2017SIIMA Awards (Kannada)Best Comic ActorKotigobba 2Nominated
2019SIIMA Awards (Kannada)Best ComedianRaambo 2Nominated
2020SIIMA Awards (Kannada)Best ComedianNatasaarvabhowmaNominated
2022SIIMA Awards (Kannada)Best Actor in a Comedy RolePogaruWon
2025SIIMA Awards (Kannada)Best Debutant Actor (Male)UpadhyakshaNominated
Chikkanna's awards often celebrate his ability to blend humor with emotional depth, as seen in his hat-trick of recognitions across SIIMA ceremonies for consistent excellence in . He has also been honored with the State Film Award for Best Comedian, though specific year and film details remain less documented in major outlets. These achievements have solidified his reputation, leading to transitions into lead roles while maintaining his comic legacy.

Other recognitions

Chikkanna is widely regarded as the "Comedy King" of , a moniker reflecting his enduring popularity and contributions to comedic roles across films and television. This title underscores his status as a leading figure in the industry, acknowledged by media outlets for his unique timing and versatility in entertaining audiences. Beyond his on-screen work, Chikkanna has received media recognition for his philanthropic initiatives, particularly during the . In 2021, he collaborated with friends to provide daily meals to around 200 destitute residents at an old-age shelter in Mysuru, sourcing rice and groceries to address hunger amid the . This effort, which he planned to sustain until restrictions eased, stemmed from his own past struggles with financial difficulties before entering the film industry.

References

  1. https://www.[imdb](/page/IMDb).com/name/nm6492899/awards/
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