Featured BiographyImage source: StarsUnfolded
Quick Info
Date of birth7 June 1991
Age33 Years
BirthplaceBengaluru, Karnataka
ProfessionModel, Actor
NationalityIndian
Marital statusMarried
SpouseRadhika Nanaiah
FamilyFather: Prabhu K N Ponnappa; Mother: Shobha Koothanda; Sister: Loshik Ponnappa
Tarak Ponnappa Biography
Tarak Ponnappa is an Indian model‑turned‑actor from Bengaluru known for his work in Kannada cinema, notable supporting and antagonist roles, and a breakout
Early life and backgroundTarak Ponnappa was born on 7 June 1991 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and grew up in a family with Kodava roots. He attended BEL Vidyalaya in Bengaluru before moving on to higher studies at the Acharya Institute of Technology, where he pursued engineering. He later completed an M.Tech in Highway Technology at the Resource Centre for Asphalt and Soil Training Academy (Rasta), Bengaluru. His parents are Prabhu K N Ponnappa, who worked at Bharat Fritz Werner, and Shobha Koothanda. He has a sister named Loshik Ponnappa.
Career
Tarak began his professional life as a model around 2013 while still studying at the Acharya Institute of Technology. He worked as a freelance model and was associated with Prasad Bidapa Model Management. During his modelling career he took part in fashion events such as Karnataka Fashion Week and the Femina Wedding Show, and modelled for brands including John Players, KnockOut Soda and Sashi Vangapalli Couture.
After roughly four years in modelling, Tarak moved into acting. His first Kannada feature film credit was Ajaramara (2017), in which he played Ranavir. He followed that with roles across a range of Kannada films, often as an antagonist: Ronnie in the comedy‑drama Brihaspathi (2018); O Ullas in Adyaksha in America (2019); and roles in films such as 6 to 6 (2018) and Moksha (2021), where he portrayed Inspector Krishnamurthy.
Tarak gained wider recognition through the pan‑India action franchise K.G.F., appearing as the antagonist Daya in K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018) and returning in K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022). He also featured in Amruth Apartments (2021) as Vasudev Murthy and appeared in the 2021 films Kotigobba 3, Triple Whammy and Yuvarathnaa.
His work has not been limited to Kannada cinema. Tarak made his Telugu screen debut with the investigative thriller C.S.I Sanatan, in which he was cast as Vikram Chakravarthy. On television, he played Omkar in the Kannada serial Raja Rani (2018) and later took a role in the Telugu TV show Ravoyi Chandamama (2021), a project that prompted him to learn Telugu.
Tarak has also appeared in short films, notably the critically appreciated 2019 short Aavarta, in which he played a young gangster named Anthony. He took the lead in the dark romantic comedy Gilky (2022), portraying the title character, and received attention for his preparation and physical transformation for that role.
Public profile
Tarak stands 6 feet 2 inches tall (188 cm) with black hair and black eyes. He is often described by the nicknames Jeffery and Jeffy and has been credited under variations of his name, including Thaarak Ponnappa and Jeffery Ponnappa.
He is a fitness enthusiast who follows a disciplined regimen and has an interest in singing. His Instagram biography describes him as a flora and fauna enthusiast. Tarak is also a motorcycle fan and owns a Royal Enfield. He has cited Sonu Sood as a favorite actor.
Awards and recognition
Tarak received recognition for his work in short films, winning the Best Actor Male category at the SIIMA Short Film Awards in 2019.
Personal life
Tarak is married to Radhika Nanaiah; the couple wed on 26 January 2020. He hails from Kodagu (Coorg) and belongs to the Kodava ethnolinguistic community. His zodiac sign is Gemini.
Latest updates
In recent years Tarak continued to balance film and television work, with roles spanning Kannada and Telugu projects. His parts in K.G.F: Chapter 1 and K.G.F: Chapter 2 brought him broader visibility beyond regional cinema, and he has taken on diverse characters ranging from leads to antagonists and supporting roles.
He remains active in both onscreen performances and fitness pursuits, and his career path reflects a transition from modelling to a sustained presence in the Kannada film industry and ventures into Telugu cinema.
Editorial Review and Sources
This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Tarak Ponnappa, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.
Reference context: StarsUnfoldedAccuracy
Request a Correction
Tell us what needs to be updated and share a reliable source so the editorial team can review it.
Ownership
Claim This Profile
If this profile is about you or your client, send your contact details and verification context.
Recent Work
Appeared as Daya in the pan‑India film sequel
2022Played the titular role in the dark romantic comedy
2022Played Inspector Krishnamurthy in the Kannada suspense thriller
2021Portrayed Vasudev Murthy in the Kannada murder mystery
2021Career Highlights
- Started career as a model and transitioned to acting
- Appeared as Daya in K.G.F: Chapter 1 and K.G.F: Chapter 2
- Lead roles in films such as 6 to 6 and Gilky
- Won Best Actor Male at the SIIMA Short Film Awards (2019)
People Also Search For
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tarak Ponnappa born?
Tarak Ponnappa was born on 7 June 1991.
What is Tarak Ponnappa known for?
Tarak Ponnappa is known for model, Actor.
What is Tarak Ponnappa’s marital status?
Tarak Ponnappa's marital status is listed as Married.
Who is Tarak Ponnappa married to?
Tarak Ponnappa is publicly listed as married to Radhika Nanaiah.
Related Biographies
View all →
Celebrities☑️Chandru Raheja
Chandru Lachmandas Raheja is an Indian businessman known for leading K. Raheja Corporation and for his long career in real estate, retail and hospitality.ト
Updated 2026-10-04
Celebrities✅Neel Raheja
Neel Chandru Raheja is an Indian businessman who serves as Group President of K Raheja Corp. Born in Mumbai in 1974, he has guided the family's expansion—b
Updated 2026-10-04
Celebrities✅Ravi Raheja
Ravi Chandru Raheja is an Indian businessman known for his leadership role at K. Raheja Corporation. Born and raised in Mumbai, he holds degrees from the H
Updated 2026-10-04
Celebrities6 Girlfriends Of Salman Khan
A look at six women who have been linked to Bollywood star Salman Khan over the years, from early romances to high-profile relationships that captured wide
Updated 2026-10-04