“I was born and raised in Telangana and come from a humble background. After completing my Engineering and Post Graduation from MLR Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, I spent nearly eight years working in the software industry.
Before the lockdown, I made a life-changing decision to leave my job and pursue acting full-time. What had started as a strong interest in cinema and performance gradually became something I wanted to pursue seriously. I began my journey through Hindi and Kannada theatre, learning the craft through years of practice on stage. Along the way, I attended several acting workshops, including the FTII Foundation Course in Screen Acting, and also trained in clowning.
Over the past four-plus years, I have built experience across theatre, films, web series, commercials, modelling, and independent cinema.
In Kannada cinema, I will be seen in Rangasthala as the Second Lead Villain and Dear Baby in a major supporting role.
In Hindi cinema, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata marks my Bollywood debut feature film, starring Kangana Ranaut. I have also worked on an upcoming web series directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.
My independent and art-house film work includes Takkar (Hindi), where I play the lead role; Parallel, a Hindi-English sci-fi feature in which I portray the main villain; Taxi Wali (Hindi) in a major supporting role; and films such as Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know (Kannada), Mishti (Bengali/Hindi), Angry Shoes (Hindi), Tirmana (Kannada), Shakahari (Marathi), and Bones and Bellies (Marathi/Hindi).
Alongside films, I have appeared in more than 15 television commercials and digital campaigns for brands including Paytm, Hero MotoCorp, and Britannia Good Day. I also work as a freelance model and have walked for major brands and fashion events.
My journey from Telangana to Mumbai, from a software engineer to a full-time actor, has been shaped by theatre, cinema, hard work, and the support of incredible mentors, friends, and teachers.
I am deeply grateful to Mallek Tusshar, Simran Hora, Krishand, and Harshil Koushik. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have played an important role in my artistic journey.
From Telangana to Bollywood and Sandalwood, this is only the beginning.”
— Santhosh Yadav Vallala