Jaggesh

Jaggesh, born Eshwar Gowda, is a prominent Kannada actor, filmmaker and politician known for his distinctive comic timing and expressive performances in mainstream cinema. Popularly hailed as "Navarasa Nayaka" in Sandalwood, he has appeared in well over a hundred films and built a strong fan following across Karnataka through his relatable on-screen persona and trademark dialogue delivery.

He began his film journey with small and supporting roles in the 1980s, including characters in films like "Ibbani Karagithu", "Ranadheera" and "Ranaranga", before emerging as a leading man in the early 1990s. Movies such as "Bhanda Nanna Ganda", "Tharle Nan Maga", "Super Nan Maga", "Server Somanna", "Eddelu Manjunatha" and "Neer Dose" are often cited among his notable works and showcase his evolution from slapstick comedy to more layered performances.

Beyond acting, Jaggesh has directed and produced films, further strengthening his position in the Kannada film industry as a multifaceted creative force. He later expanded his public role by entering politics, serving as a Member of the Legislative Council in Karnataka and holding a cabinet-rank post as vice-chairman of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation before becoming a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.