Kannada cinema superstar Yash is celebrating his 40th birthday today (January 8). While the world knows him as the pan-India star of KGF and KGF: Chapter 2, few are aware of the hardships behind his rise to stardom. There was a time when Yash earned just ₹50 a day—and today, he is part of India’s most expensive film.

Left Home With ₹300, Faced Years of Struggle

Born as Naveen Kumar Gowda on January 8, 1986, in Bhuvanahalli village of Hassan district, Karnataka, Yash grew up in a modest family. His father worked as a bus driver. From a young age, Yash dreamed of becoming an actor—a decision his parents initially opposed.

At just 16 years old, Yash left home with only ₹300 in his pocket and moved to Bengaluru to chase his dream. He got his first break as an assistant director, but the film was shelved after just two days of shooting, leaving him without work or money.

Worked for ₹50 as a Theatre Backstage Hand

With no stable income and no place to stay, Yash joined a theatre group. There, he worked behind the scenes—serving tea and water, managing props, and doing odd jobs. In an interview, Yash once revealed that he was paid only ₹50 for this work.

Despite the struggles, theatre became his training ground and shaped his discipline, confidence, and screen presence.

From Background Dancer to Pan-India Star

Yash later worked as a background dancer and gradually found his footing in television and films. His life changed dramatically with the release of KGF, and his superstardom was cemented with KGF: Chapter 2, which became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2022.

Today, Yash enjoys massive popularity not just in South India but across the country and overseas.

Now Part of India’s Costliest Film

Yash will next be seen in Toxic, scheduled for release in March 2026. After that, he will play the role of Ravana in Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor.

The two-part Ramayana is being made on a staggering budget of ₹4,000 crore, making it India’s most expensive film project to date.