From Serving Tea on Set for ₹50 to Charging ₹200 Crores per Film – The Inspiring Journey of 'KGF' star Yash!

Yash is such a shining star of Kannada cinema, who made his mark not only in Karnataka but all over India and the world with his hard work, dedication and acting skills. Blockbuster films like 'KGF' and 'KGF: Chapter 2' have made him a pan-India superstar. Coming from a simple background, Yash's success story is a wonderful example of struggle and determination. From the son of a bus driver to making his place among the top actors in Indian cinema, Yash's journey is inspiring and unique.

Both the films, 'KGF' and 'KGF: Chapter 2', together earned more than Rs 1500 crore, which is one of the highest-grossing Kannada films ever. This success established Yash as a superstar, but it was not easy for Yash to reach here.

When Yash was just 16 years old, he convinced his parents to leave home and fulfill his dream of cinema. He was hired as an assistant director in a Kannada film. However, the project was shut down just two days after he reached Bangalore. Talking about this, the actor said, 'I ran away from my house. When I came to Bangalore, I was scared as soon as I reached. Such a big, intimidating city, but I was always a confident boy. I was not afraid to struggle. When I reached Bangalore, I had only Rs 300 in my pocket. I knew that if I went back, my parents would never let me come back here.'

Yash had only Rs 300 and he joined the Benaka Drama Troupe. Here he worked as a backstage hand. Here he used to do small jobs like serving tea and earn Rs 50 per day. Yash also enrolled in college while honing his art in theatre. Eventually, he got a chance to act in the TV series Nanda Gokula, where he met actress Radhika Pandit (now wife). In 2007, Yash entered films with a supporting role in Jambada Hudugi, before playing the lead role in Rocky (2008).

Yash finally got success as a lead star with the romantic comedy Modalasala. The following year he established himself as a bankable star with the success of Kirataka. Over the next few years, he gave hits like Mogina Manasu, Drama, Googly, Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari and Masterpiece.

In 2018, Yash starred in KGF: Chapter 1, which broke all box office records by earning 250 crores. It was the highest-grossing Kannada film of all time. This record stood for four years. After that KGF: Chapter 2 broke it by earning a whopping Rs 1250 crore. The film is one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time and is the only Kannada film to earn more than Rs 1000 crore.

The national stardom he got from KGF helped Yash to break out of Kannada cinema. According to reports, he was signed to play the role of Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayan. The film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi is said to be the most expensive film in India. Yash is also the co-producer of this film and as per reports, he has charged Rs 200 crore to be a part of the film. This is a big journey for someone who once used to survive on Rs 50 per day.