Manjunath Gowda (screen name: Ugramm Manju) is an Indian actor and action choreographer born on 10 October 1985 in Chalaganahalli, Malur, Kolar district, Karnataka. His father Rame Gowda was a theatre artist, which introduced him to performing arts from an early age. His mother is Lalithamma, and he has three sisters (one settled in Australia, one a police sub-inspector). He did his schooling at Vijaya High School, Bengaluru, pre-university at JSS Pre-University College, Malur, and graduated from National College, Jayanagar, Bengaluru. He entered Kannada cinema in supporting roles and made a major impact with his intense villain portrayal in Prashanth Neel's Ugramm (2014), starring Srimurali - the film became a critical and commercial hit and earned him wide recognition, leading him to prefix 'Ugramm' to his name. He has since appeared in Ricky (2016), Avadhi (2016), Kirik Party (2016), Kireeta (2017), *121# (2018), Viraaj (2018), Rajannana Maga (2018), Relax Satya (2019), Moorane Krishnappa, Ronny, Rangasamudra, Kaiva (2023), and Max (2024), among others. On 29 September 2024, he entered Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 on Day 1 and spent 119 days in the house. Known for his bold, unapologetic personality and determination in tasks, he finished as the 4th runner-up (5th place) on 26 January 2025.

Kannada blockbuster Ugramm (2014, directed by Prashanth Neel, with Srimurali) as a villain - the role that earned him the prefix 'Ugramm' in his name; action choreography for multiple Kannada films; Kirik Party (2016); Avadhi (2016); Ricky (2016); Kaiva (2023); Max (2024); 4th runner-up of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 (2025).

Frequently Asked