Kiccha Sudeep (born Sudeep Sanjeev on September 2, 1973, in Shimoga, Karnataka, India) is a multifaceted Indian artist known for his work as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, television presenter, and singer, primarily in the Kannada film industry. He has also made significant contributions to Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema.
Early Life and Education
Sudeep was born to Sanjeev Manjappa, a businessman, and Saroja, a homemaker. He has two older sisters, Sujatha and Surekha. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bangalore. During his college years, Sudeep was an active cricket player, representing Karnataka in Under-17 and Under-19 teams. To overcome his inherent shyness and hone his acting skills, he attended the Roshan Taneja School of Acting in Mumbai.
Film Career
Sudeep’s cinematic journey began with the film “Thayavva” in 1997, which did not perform well at the box office, earning him the nickname “Iron Leg” due to a series of initial setbacks. His breakthrough came with the 2001 film “Huchcha,” a remake of the Tamil film “Sethu,” where he portrayed the character “Kiccha,” which became iconic and led to his enduring moniker, Kiccha Sudeep.
Notable Films:
- Nandhi (2002): A revenge drama that earned him his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
- Swathi Muthu (2003): A poignant portrayal of an autistic individual, securing his third consecutive Filmfare Award.
- My Autograph (2006): Sudeep’s directorial debut, a critically acclaimed remake of the Tamil film “Autograph.”
- Eega (2012): A Telugu-Tamil bilingual fantasy film where Sudeep played the antagonist; the film received the National Award for Best Special Effects.
- Hebbuli (2017): An action thriller highlighting Sudeep’s versatility and commercial appeal.
- The Villain (2018): A multi-starrer alongside Shiva Rajkumar, which was well-received by audiences.
- Pailwaan (2019): A sports drama where Sudeep portrayed a wrestler and boxer, showcasing his physical transformation and dedication.
Bollywood and Other Regional Works
Sudeep expanded his horizons with notable roles in Bollywood and other regional cinemas:
- Phoonk (2008): A horror film marking his Bollywood debut.
- Rann (2010): A political drama directed by Ram Gopal Varma.
- Baahubali: The Beginning (2015): A cameo as Aslam Khan, a Persian arms trader.
- Dabangg 3 (2019): Portrayed the antagonist Balli Singh opposite Salman Khan.
Television Career
Since 2013, Sudeep has been the host of “Bigg Boss Kannada,” the regional adaptation of the popular reality show, which has become one of the highest-rated programs in Karnataka.
Musical Contributions
Sudeep has lent his voice to over 20 songs in various films, including “Vaalee” (2001) and “Kempe Gowda” (2011), showcasing his musical talents.
Directorial Ventures
Beyond “My Autograph,” Sudeep has directed films such as “No 73, Shanthi Nivasa” (2007) and “Kempe Gowda” (2011), reflecting his multifaceted involvement in the film industry.
Personal Life
In 2001, Sudeep married Priya Radhakrishna, and they have a daughter named Saanvi, born in 2004. The couple faced marital challenges, leading to a separation in 2015, but they later reconciled.
Awards and Recognition
Sudeep is a three-time recipient of the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Kannada for his performances in “Huchcha,” “Nandhi,” and “Swathi Muthu.” His role in “Eega” contributed to the film’s National Film Award for Best Special Effects. In 2013, he was listed among Forbes India’s Top 100 Celebrities, highlighting his significant influence in the entertainment industry.
Controversies
Sudeep has been involved in several controversies:
- 2009: Actress Ramya accused him of misconduct during the filming of “Just Maath Maathalli.”
- 2023: Producer M.N. Kumar alleged that Sudeep failed to return an advance payment for a project.
- 2022: Engaged in a Twitter dispute with actor Ajay Devgn regarding the status of Hindi as India’s national language.
Interesting Facts
- Automobiles: Sudeep owns luxury cars, including a Lamborghini Aventador, Hummer H3, and a BMW M5, the latter gifted by Salman Khan.
- Philanthropy: He established a foundation supporting underprivileged children.
- Viral Content: Featured in a parody of “Gangnam Style” in 2012, which garnered millions of views.