Rocking Star Yash turns 39: Know KGF's Rocky Bhai's fascinating journey of 'rags to riches'

Kannada Film Industry's (KFI) Rocking Star Yash, born on January 8, 1986, turns 39 today. As narrated in his blockbuster flick, 'Powerful People Make Places Powerful...' hailing from a humble background, Yash, born as Naveen Kumar Gowda, is credited to have taken KFI to the global map. He is one of the actors who established themselves without any backing. While Yash remains the highest-paid Kannada actor, he has reportedly scripted history by becoming the highest-paid villain in Indian cinema history charging Rs 200 crore for his role of Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. 

As fans celebrate his 39th birthday with zest, here's a glimpse into his fascinating journey of 'rags to riches'.

Yash's Journey from Rags to Riches

Yash hails from a small town in Hassan district of Karnataka and was born into a typical middle-class family. His father worked as a bus driver in KSRTC Transport Service.

After wrapping up his education in Mysore, he moved to Bengaluru. There, he joined the popular theatre troupe formed by renowned dramatist BV Karanath.

During his theatre stint, he learned the nuances of acting. Thereafter, he kicked off his journey in the showbiz with the TV serial 'Nanda Gakula'. Further, he worked in a couple of more soap operas in Kannada.

He made his silver screen debut in 2007's film 'Jambada Hudugi,'  but in a cameo. Later, he bagged the Filmfare Award in a supporting role for his second film 'Moggina Manasu,' in which Radhika Pandit was the leading lady.

After featuring in movies like 'Rocky', 'Kallara Santhe' and 'Gokula', Yash tasted his first success as a solo lead with 'Modolasala' (2010).

Also Read: Yash is the most expensive villain ever! Know fees of KGF's Rocky Bhai in Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana

For the next few years, Yash delivered back-to-back hits, including 'Kirataka', 'Lucky', 'Jaanu', 'Drama', 'Googly' and 'Gajakeshari', which paved the way for him to the top league of KFI. In 2014, Yash's movie 'Mr and Mrs Ramachari,' also starring Radhika Pandit in the lead, emerged as a blockbuster and became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films. 

After 'Masterpiece' and 'Santhu Straight Forward', Yash came up with KGF: Chapter 1 in 2018 which emerged as a pan-India film and earned widespread recognition. Later, KGF: Chapter 2 in 2022 significantly changed the demography of the Indian cinema industry by bringing a massive pan-India audience to Kannada cinema. The KGF series broke the regional barriers and established Yash as a major pan-India star.

Well, as Rocky Bhai stated in KGF, he wants the 'World,' Yash continues his quest to manifest his dreams with his upcoming movies including Toxic: A Fairytale For Grownups, Ramayana and KGF: Chapter 3, which will undoubtedly be appealing for the global audience.

Yash is more than just an Actor!

Fans are well aware that Yash is an outsider. The feat he achieved with his zeal and hard work is certainly rare. Well, Yash is more than just an actor. Without restricting himself to only acting, he grooms budding writers into directors. Moreover, he also actively participates in every discussion including music, dance and fights.

Also Read: 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' copied from 'KGF: Chapter 2'! Fans draw comparisons between Yash and Allu Arjun's flicks