Sadhu Kokila

Sadhu Kokila Biography

Sahaya Sheelan Shadrach, known by his stage name Sadhu Kokila, is an Indian comedian, musician, actor, film director, producer, occasional screenwriter and lyricist who works in Kannada cinema. He was born on 24 March 1966 in Bangalore, then in Mysore State, into a Tamil Nadar family of musicians: his father Natesh was a violinist in the music band of the Karnataka Police Department, while his mother Mangala and his sister were playback singers. He studied at St. Joseph’s Indian High School, Bangalore, and his brother Layendra is also an actor and music director.

He entered films as a composer and was given the name Sadhu Kokila by Upendra, who directed his debut film Shhh! (1993). As a music director he is a two-time recipient of the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Music Director, for Rakshasa (2004–05) and Inthi Ninna Preethiya (2007–08). He has also directed ten Kannada films, the best known being Raktha Kanneeru (2003).

As an actor he became one of Sandalwood’s most prolific comedians, winning the SIIMA Award for Best Comedian three times — for Hudugaru (2011), Yaare Koogadali (2012) and Yajamana (2019) — and an IIFA Utsavam award for Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari. He married Saleena in 1993; the couple have two children.

Basic Details

• Full Name: Sahaya Sheelan Shadrach
• Stage Name: Sadhu Kokila
• Date of Birth: 24 March 1966
• Age: 60 (as of 2026)
• Birthplace: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Actor, comedian, music director, film director
• Years Active: 1993 – present
• Education: St. Joseph’s Indian High School, Bangalore
• Family: Father Natesh (violinist); mother Mangala (playback singer); brother Layendra (actor and music director); married to Saleena since 1993, with two children

Career Highlights

Recent Activity

• Appeared in the 2025 Kannada crime comedy Bank of Bhagyalakshmi.
• Had five Kannada releases in 2024: Upadhyaksha, Just Pass, Love Li, Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi and Night Curfew, plus UI and Karki Nanu BA, LLB.
• Continues to work as both an actor and a music composer in Kannada cinema.