Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth22 December 1959
Age66 years
BirthplaceYelandur, Mysuru
ProfessionActor, Professor
NationalityIndian
Marital statusMarried
SpouseMalavika Avinash
FamilySon - Gaalav Yelandur
Avinash Yelandur Biography
Avinash Yelandur was born Yelandur Narayan Ravindra on 22 December 1959 in Yelandur, Mysuru. He grew up in a middle‑class family and completed his schooling at Hardwicke High School and College in Mysuru.
Early life and backgroundAvinash Yelandur was born Yelandur Narayan Ravindra on 22 December 1959 in Yelandur, Mysuru. He grew up in a middle‑class family and completed his schooling at Hardwicke High School and College in Mysuru. He went on to graduate from Maharaja’s College and earned an M.A. in English literature from the University of Mysore. At an early stage he combined academic interests with a passion for theatre and acting.
Before committing full time to performance, Avinash worked as an English lecturer. He taught at the National Institute of Engineering in Mysuru and later at MES College in Bangalore, where he became a popular faculty member. A theatre workshop led by British director Peter Coe in Mysuru inspired him to pursue stage work more seriously, and he subsequently sought formal acting training at the Mermaid Theatre in London.
Career
Avinash’s professional life spans theatre, television and film. He began on stage, returning to India after a stint in London when language barriers limited his opportunities there. Back home he joined prominent Kannada theatre groups, working with companies such as Spandana and Sanketh. Over the years he appeared in a number of well‑regarded stage productions including Indrajala, Huliya Neralu, Ondu Lokada Kathe and Kudure Banthu Kudure. His theatre work opened doors to the film industry.
His screen debut came in 1986 with the Kannada film Madhvacharya, in which he played the young Madhvacharya. On television he was seen in the serial Mayamruga (1998), portraying Krishna Prasad. Avinash has appeared in more than 500 films across five languages, building a reputation for powerful character work and a facility for both positive and negative roles. He is often remembered for his portrayal of Ganapa in the film Dweepa (2002), a performance cited as one of his most notable.
Avinash’s filmography includes work in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and English cinema. Selected screen credits listed in his career include Jungle Boy (1998, English), Thirumalai (2003, Tamil), Golmaal (2003, Telugu), Doubles (2011, Malayalam) and a Hindi entry credited as 5ters: Castle of Dark Master. Among his Kannada films are Chinnari Mutta (1993), Singaaravva (2003), Chigurida Kanasu (2003), Apthamitra (2004), Chandramukhi (2005), Aaptharakshaka (2010), RX Suri (2015), Mounam (2020) and Suraari (2023).
Awards and recognition have followed his work. He has received multiple state and industry honours, including the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Mathadana (2001), Filmfare Best Supporting Actor for Aaptharakshaka (2010), and other distinctions from regional associations and film fan groups. He has also received a Jury’s Special Mention for performances in Dweepa and Singaaravva.
Public profile
Avinash married actress and television presenter Malavika Avinash on 4 March 2001; the couple have a son, Gaalav Yelandur. Malavika was his co‑star in Mayamruga, the television serial that featured early in both their careers. He is 14 years younger than his wife.
Beyond acting, Avinash has been active in theatre training and mentorship. He conducted workshops in Mysuru, helped guide younger performers, and participated in initiatives that promoted sporting activities within the film community, including as a founding member of a club called SnehaLoka. He has also served on the executive committee of the Kannada Film Artists Association.
Avinash attributes important influences to figures such as Dr. Rajkumar and playwright Girish Karnad, both of whom helped shape his approach to performance and the kinds of historical and mythological roles he later took on. Despite a steady public presence through films and awards, Avinash keeps a relatively private life and is described as not highly active on social media.
Latest updates
Across a career of more than two decades and hundreds of films, Avinash continues to be recognized for versatility and commitment to craft. He remains involved with theatre and occasional screen projects while maintaining interests in writing, reading, long drives and travel. He is noted for a disciplined approach to fitness and a continued connection to his ancestral home and rural development causes.
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Recent Work
Kannada film credit listed among his recent film work
2023Kannada film credit listed among his film work
2020Kannada film credit listed among his film work
2015Career Highlights
- Debut in Kannada cinema with Madhvacharya (1986)
- Widespread theatre career with companies such as Spandana and Sanketh
- Notable film performance as Ganapa in Dweepa (2002)
- Acted in over 500 films across five languages
- Recipient of Karnataka State Film Award and Filmfare Best Supporting Actor
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Avinash Yelandur born?
Avinash Yelandur was born on 22 December 1959.
What is Avinash Yelandur known for?
Avinash Yelandur is known for actor, Professor.
What is Avinash Yelandur’s marital status?
Avinash Yelandur's marital status is listed as Married.
Who is Avinash Yelandur married to?
Avinash Yelandur is publicly listed as married to Malavika Avinash.

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