Kichcha Sudeepa

Director & actor · born 2 September 1973 · Shivamogga, Karnataka, India

**Sudeep Sanjeev** (born 2 September 1973), universally and affectionately known as **Kiccha Sudeep** or **Sudeepa**, is a highly acclaimed Indian actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, television presenter, and playback singer who predominantly works in Kannada cinema. With a massive pan-Indian appeal and a prolific career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as one of the most prominent, versatile, and highest-paid superstars in the South Indian film industry.

Born in Shimoga, Karnataka, to Sanjeev Manjappa and Saroja, Sudeep pursued a Bachelor's degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru. Driven by a deep passion for the performing arts, he later honed his craft at the renowned Roshan Taneja School of Acting in Mumbai. He made his feature film debut in 1997 with *Thayavva*, but first gained significant recognition for his lead role in Sunil Kumar Desai's romantic drama *Sparsha* (2000).

Where to start: Bāhubali: The Beginning (2015).