Vennela Kishore
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1980-09-19
    • Born Place: Kamareddy, Telangana, India
  • Also Known As:

    Bokkala Kishore Kumar, Vennela Kishor, Vennila Kishore, ونلا کیشور

Vennela Kishore

Vennela Kishore (born Bokkala Kishore Kumar on September 19, 1980) is a premier Indian actor and director celebrated as one of the most successful comedians in modern Telugu cinema. Originally from Kamareddy, Telangana, he pursued a master's degree in Information Systems from Ferris State University, Michigan, and established a career as a software quality engineer in the United States. His life took a dramatic turn when director Deva Katta cast him in the 2005 romantic comedy Vennela, which was primarily filmed in the U.S. and earned him the lifelong moniker "Vennela." Despite a stable technical career, Kishore’s passion for acting led him to resign and return to India in 2008 to join the film industry full-time. He quickly gained legendary status for his impeccable timing, dry wit, and ability to elevate supporting roles in blockbusters like Dookudu, Pilla Zamindar, Srimanthudu, and Bhale Bhale Magadivoy. Throughout his career, Kishore has received significant critical acclaim, winning two Nandi Awards for Best Male Comedian (for Inkosaari in 2009 and Bhale Bhale Magadivoy in 2015) along with several SIIMA and IIFA Utsavam awards. Although he ventured into directing with films like Vennela 1½ and Jaffa, he later refocused on acting, becoming an indispensable part of major ensemble casts. As of 2026, he remains incredibly prolific, appearing in a wide range of projects including high-profile films like The Raja Saab, Santhana Prapthirasthu, and Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi.

Person History