Vinnakota Venkata Sameer (also known as Sameer Hasan) is an Indian actor born on 26 February 1973 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to a Muslim father Intikhab Hasan (who was based abroad for work) and a Hindu Brahmin mother Mahalaxmi. He was raised as a Hindu by his mother and maternal family, and has a sister Purnima. Since his parents relocated to Dubai when he was young, he grew up with his grandparents in Visakhapatnam. He completed his schooling at Kalakshetram, Chennai, and graduated with B.Com and B.B.M. from Dr. Lankapalli Bullayya College, Visakhapatnam. In 2020, he legally changed his name from Sameer Hasan to Vinnakota Venkata Sameer to reflect his maternal heritage. He began acting in Telugu TV serials during the Doordarshan era and is best known on television for his supporting role in the popular serial Ruthu Ragalu. He made his film debut in Subha Sankalpam (1995, directed by K. Viswanath) and has since appeared in 50+ Telugu films including Student No.1 (2001), Indra (2002), Simhadri (2003), Tagore (2003), Sye (2004), Mass (2004), Magadheera (2009), Pilla Zamindar (2011), Mr. Perfect (2011), Damarukam (2012), Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Sarrainodu (2016), Agnyaathavaasi (2018), Maharshi (2019), Devadas (2018), and Pantham. He won the celebrity couple show Moguds Pellams (MAA TV) alongside his wife Aparna. He is currently settled in Hyderabad. In 2017, he participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1 on Star Maa and was automatically nominated for eviction in Week 2 (for failing a secret task in Week 1). He was evicted in Week 3 (Day 20), finishing 13th.
Telugu TV serial Ruthu Ragalu (Doordarshan, best-known supporting role); Telugu film debut Subha Sankalpam (1995, K. Viswanath); appearances in blockbusters Indra (2002), Simhadri (2003), Magadheera (2009, with Ram Charan), Attarintiki Daredi (2013), Agnyaathavaasi (2018, with Pawan Kalyan), and Maharshi (2019, with Mahesh Babu); winner of celebrity couple show Moguds Pellams (MAA TV) with wife Aparna; Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1 contestant (2017, 13th place).