Manju Pavagada is an Indian actor, comedian, and theatre artist born on 11 November 1987 in Pavagada, Tumkur district, Karnataka, into a middle-class family. Before entering entertainment, he worked for a period at a petrol bunk (petrol station) in Karnataka - a chapter of his life he has often referenced to illustrate his humble beginnings. He began his professional career as a theatre artist in 2012, performing in multiple plays before gradually transitioning to film and television. His television breakthrough came through the popular Colors Kannada comedy show Majaa Bharatha, where his natural comic timing and screen presence made him a fan favourite across Karnataka. His film career includes Love You 2 (2018), Ramarjuna (2021), and Bajrangi 2. He is fluent in Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, and English. In February 2021, he entered Bigg Boss Kannada Season 8 hosted by Kiccha Sudeep on Colors Kannada. The season had an unprecedented format: it was suspended on Day 71 due to the COVID-19 second wave in Karnataka and resumed on Day 72 - rechristened 'Bigg Boss Second Innings' - on 23 June 2021. Manju was one of the twelve non-evicted contestants who returned for the second innings. He competed consistently through all 119 days, winning the season on 29 August 2021 and taking home the trophy and a cash prize of ₹53 lakh.

His breakout comic role in the Kannada comedy reality show Majaa Bharatha (Colors Kannada); his film appearances in Love You 2 (2018), Ramarjuna (2021), and Bajrangi 2; his theatrical career beginning in 2012 before entering films and television; winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 8 (2021), hosted by Kiccha Sudeep.

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