Actor
Avinash Yelandur
Based In
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Origin
Yelandur, Karnataka, India
Years Active
1985 – Present
Avinash Yelandur Biography
Avinash Yelandur Basic Information
- Full Name: Yelandur Narayan Ravindra
- Popular Name: Avinash
- Profession: Actor, Former Professor
- Date of Birth: 22 December 1959
- Age: 66 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Yelandur, Karnataka, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hindu
- Languages Known: Kannada, Tamil, English
- Industry: South Indian Film Industry (mainly Kannada and Tamil)
Physical Appearance
- Height: Approximately 6 feet (183 cm)
- Hair Color: Black (now partially grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Education
- School: Hardwicke High School, Mysore
- College/University: University of Mysore
- Qualification: Master’s Degree in English Literature
- Worked as an English lecturer before entering films.
Family
- Father: B. K. Narayana Rao (Lawyer)
- Mother: Indira Rao
- Wife: Malavika Avinash
- Marriage Year: 2001
- Son: Gaalav
Career Highlight
| Year | Film Name | Role | Highlight / Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Trishula | Damodar Rao | Film debut |
| 1986 | Madhvacharya | Young Madhvacharya | Early recognition role |
| 1989 | Tarka | Cowry | Critically acclaimed performance |
| 1994 | Nishkarsha | Ramakrishna | Notable crime drama appearance |
| 2001 | Huchcha | Kiccha’s Brother | Commercial breakthrough |
| 2001 | Mathadana | Puttathammayya | Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 2002 | Dweepa | Ganapa | Nationally acclaimed film |
| 2004 | Apthamitra | Acharya Ramachandra Shastri | One of his most iconic roles |
| 2005 | Chandramukhi (Tamil) | Ramachandra Acharya | Major Tamil cinema success |
| 2006 | Cyanide | Kempaiah IPS | Critically praised performance |
| 2010 | Aptharakshaka | Acharya Ramachandra Shastri | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada |
| 2010 | Prithvi | Narasimha Nayak | Popular commercial success |
| 2011 | 7 Aum Arivu (Tamil) | Pallava King | High-profile Tamil film |
| 2013 | Kaddipudi | ACP Vijaya Prasad | Strong supporting role |
| 2014 | Ugramm | Shivarudra Lingaiah | Cult classic Kannada film |
| 2014 | Veeram (Tamil) | Aavudayappan | Blockbuster Tamil film |
| 2015 | Yennai Arindhaal (Tamil) | Hemanika’s Father | Major role alongside Ajith Kumar |
| 2017 | Hebbuli | ACP Prathap | Successful action film |
| 2017 | Raajakumara | Jagadeesh | One of the biggest Kannada hits |
| 2019 | Pailwaan | Rukmini’s Father | Pan-India release |
| 2020 | Act 1978 | Chief Minister of Karnataka | Critically acclaimed social drama |
| 2021 | Roberrt | Omkar Shukla | Commercial blockbuster |
| 2021 | Yuvarathnaa | Jayapal | Major Kannada release |
| 2022 | James | Army Officer | Tribute film starring Puneeth Rajkumar |
| 2022 | Sardar (Tamil) | Victor (Chetta) | Successful Tamil action thriller |
| 2023 | Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A | Shankare Gowda | Critically acclaimed romantic drama |
| 2023 | Kaatera | Shanubogha | Major box-office success |
| 2024 | Bagheera | Ramakanth Appayya | Important supporting role |
| 2024 | Bhairathi Ranagal | Khandre | High-profile Kannada release |
| 2026 | Raakshasa (TV Series) | — | Digital streaming debut on ZEE5 |
Awards List
| Year | Award Name | Category | Film / Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Karnataka State Film Award | Best Supporting Actor | Mathadana | Won |
| 2001 | South Indian Cinematographers Association Award | Best Supporting Actor | Mathadana | Won |
| 2001 | Film Fans Association Award | Best Supporting Actor | Mathadana | Won |
| 2002 | Film Fans Association Award | Best Supporting Actor | Dweepa | Won |
| 2002 | Jury Special Mention Award | Special Jury Recognition | Dweepa | Won |
| 2003 | Jury Special Mention Award | Special Jury Recognition | Singaaravva | Won |
| 2010 | SIFA Award | Best Supporting Actor | Aptharakshaka | Won |
| 2010 | Filmfare Award South | Best Supporting Actor – Kannada | Aptharakshaka | Won |
| 2010 | Suvarna TV Award | Excellence in Cinema | Prithvi | Won |
| Unknown | Udaya TV Award | Excellence in Cinema | Contribution to Cinema | Won |
| Unknown | Aryabhata Award | Best Actor (Television) | Shikari | Won |
| Unknown | Rajyotsava Award | State Honor | Contribution to Kannada Cinema | Won |
| Unknown | Kempegowda Award | Civic Honor | Contribution to Arts and Cinema | Won |
About Avinash Yelandur
Avinash Yelandur is an Indian actor known for his work in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films, with over 200 film appearances.
His real name is Yelandur Narayan Ravindra.
He is widely recognized for playing Acharya Ramachandra Shastri in Apthamitra, Chandramukhi, and Aptharakshaka.
Yes, he is married to actress and television personality Malavika Avinash.
He won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Mathadana.