Actor Yash Left Home With Just ₹300, Chased His Dreams and Became a Superstar
From a small village in Karnataka to ruling millions of hearts, Yash’s journey is a story of courage, struggle, and unstoppable determination
Mumbai:
When we talk about the South Indian film industry, many stars come to mind—and among them, actor Yash stands tall. Loved by millions, Yash has carved his place in cinema purely through hard work and passion. However, his journey to stardom was anything but easy. From a very young age, he was deeply drawn to films and acting, and this passion pushed him to take a bold step that changed his life forever—he ran away from home to follow his dreams.
Yash was born on January 8, 1986, in Bhuvanahalli, a small village in Karnataka’s Hassan district. His real name is Naveen Kumar Gowda. His father worked as a bus driver with BMTC, while his mother was a homemaker. Coming from a modest background, his parents wanted him to study well and secure a government job. But Yash’s heart belonged to acting. He actively participated in school plays and dance competitions, and the applause from the audience made him feel like a hero even back then.
The most dramatic turn in Yash’s life came when he decided to leave his home with just ₹300 in his pocket and move to Bengaluru. He knew that if he returned home, his family would stop him from pursuing a career in films. In Bengaluru, Yash began his journey by working backstage in theatre. He didn’t get lead roles initially and had to accept replacement roles and small assignments. Yet, he performed every role with complete dedication—these small efforts eventually laid the foundation for his big dreams.
In 2008, Yash made his debut in Kannada cinema with the film “Moggina Manasu,” which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. After this, he appeared in several films such as “Raajadhani,” “Gajakesari,” and “Masterpiece.” Gradually, his popularity grew, but his career witnessed a massive transformation in 2018 with the release of “KGF: Chapter 1.” His powerful portrayal of Rocky captured the hearts of audiences and turned him into a pan-India superstar.
Yash’s personal life has also remained a topic of interest among fans. After dating his co-star Radhika Pandit for several years, the couple got married in 2016. Together, they founded the Yasho Marga Foundation, which works towards providing water and education facilities in rural areas of Karnataka. The couple is blessed with two children, Ayra and Yatharv.
After KGF, Yash reached new heights of fame and success. “KGF: Chapter 2” not only won immense love from audiences but also created history by earning over ₹1,100 crore, setting a new benchmark in Kannada cinema.
