Naveen Shankar is an Indian actor and TV presenter known for his work in the Kannada film industry, gaining popularity through films like Hondisi Bareyiri (2023) and Gurudev Hoysala (2023). |
He was raised in Ilkal, Bagalkot, Karnataka. |
Inspired by teachers and Kannada films on DD channels during his school days, Naveen developed a passion for acting and storytelling. |
While in college, he founded a Kannada theatre group and acted in numerous plays. |
In 2009, during his first year of college, Naveen left his course to work as a film journalist for a local news channel. |
He also engaged in theatre plays, collaborating with different theater production houses and performing in various plays and street plays. |
Naveen became an anchor for the U2 Music channel in 2012. |
His acting career started with Gultoo (2018) and included roles like an MMA boxer in Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage (2022). |
Apart from these, he has acted in films like Hondisi Bareyiri, Gurudev Hoysala, and Kshetrapati. |
Naveen is known to enjoy alcohol at social gatherings and occasionally smokes cigarettes. |
He follows the teachings of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji and looks up to the late Shankar Nag as a source of inspiration. |
Adding 'Shankar' to his name was Naveen's way of paying homage to Shankar Nag, whom he greatly admires. |
The director of his debut film, Janardhan Chikkanna, was also his college batchmate, who played a pivotal role in kickstarting his career. |
Naveen is an animal lover and has a pet dog and cat. |
In his free time, he finds joy in traveling and reading books. |