Kiran Raj
Kiran Raj | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 July 1993 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Works | Tu Aashiqui (2017–18) Kannadathi (2020–23) ) Karna (2025-present) |
| Website | www.kiranraj.me |
Kiran Raj (born 5 July)[1] is an Indian actor and model who works in Kannada and Hindi television and cinema. He is best known for portraying Harsha Kumar in the drama series Kannadathi (2020–2023).[2][3] As of 2025, Raj is reported to be among the highest-paid actors in Kannada television.[4][5]
Career
As of June 2025, Raj is playing the titular character of a gynaecologist in Zee Kannada's Karna.[6][7][8] The show gained the highest TRP ratings on Kannada television in the first three weeks.[9][10]
Following the release of Ronny: The Ruler (2024), Raj received increased attention for his performance, which contributed to his growing presence in Kannada cinema. In interviews, he stated that the film marked an important phase in his career and expressed interest in exploring a wider range of roles across different genres.[11]
In 2021, Raj became the first Kannada television actor to trend on Google Search in India, reflecting his popularity at the time among television audiences.[12]
In 2025, Raj garnered further attention with the teaser of his upcoming film Jockey 42, which received significant online viewership shortly after its release. The teaser highlighted a restrained performance by the actor and generated anticipation for the film prior to its theatrical release.[13]
During the same period, Raj continued his work in Kannada television with Karna, which recorded high viewership ratings during its initial weeks of broadcast.[14]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Huli | Uncredited role[15] | |
| 2017 | March 22 | Rahul | |
| 2018 | Asathoma Sadgamaya | Raghava | [16] |
| 2024 | Bharjari Gandu | Akash | [17] |
| Megha | Megha | [18] | |
| Ronny: The Ruler | Raghava / Ronny | [19] | |
| TBA | Jockey 42 | Kiran and Raj |
Television
- Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (cameo)[20]
- Tu Aashiqui (2017–18) as Murali "Monty" Shetty[21]
- Life Super Guru as himself[15]
- Devathe (2015–17)[22]
- Chandramukhi (2020) as Rakesh[21]
- Kinnari (2020) as Nakul (replaced by Pavan Kumar)[23]
- Kannadathi (2020–23) as Harsha Kumar[24]
- Karna (2025–present) as Karna
References
- ^ "Chitkala Biradar sends birthday wishes to on-screen son Kiran Raj from San Diego; says, "You are the reason behind Ammamma's fame"". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj on winning 'Best Actor' award for the third time: This award solidifies my beliefs and inspires me to work even harder". The Times of India. 12 October 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj: Always ready for a great performance". Eastern Eye. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "ಕರ್ಣ ಧಾರಾವಾಹಿಗೆ ನಟ ಕಿರಣ್ ರಾಜ್ ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಸಂಭಾವನೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಗೊತ್ತಾ? ಇದು ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಿರುತೆರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸಂಭಾವನೆ". Zee News Kannada (in Kannada). Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Bhat, Padamshree (11 March 2025). "ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಿರುತೆರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸಂಭಾವನೆ ಪಡೆದ ಕಿರಣ್ ರಾಜ್!". Asia Net News (in Kannada). Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj reigns as TRP king: Karna tops ratings yet again". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj makes a triumphant return to Kannada television as a gynecologist in 'Karna'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Joy, Pratibha (13 June 2025). "Kiran Raj on his return to the small screen: The honest and practical truth is…". OTT Play. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ M., Manohara (26 July 2025). "Karna Serial: ಬಂದಿದ್ದು ಲೇಟಾದ್ರೂ ಮುನ್ನುಗ್ಗಿದ". One India (in Kannada). Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "ಟಿಆರ್ ಪಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಿರಣ್ ರಾಜ್ ನಂಬರ್ 1". Kannada News (in Kannada). 16 July 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj soars after Ronny: The Ruler success, sets sights on diverse new roles". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj becomes the first Kannada TV actor to trend on Google Search; details inside". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj shines in a silent yet powerful Jockey 42 teaser, breaks the internet". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Kiran Raj reigns as TRP king: Karna tops ratings yet again". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ a b "Did you know eminent actor Kiran Raj started his career as a junior artist?". The Times of India. 31 May 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Asathoma Sadgamaya Movie Review". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (12 April 2024). "'Bharjari Gandu' movie review: Interesting premise let down by an unfocused execution". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (3 December 2024). "'Megha' movie review: Impactful illustration of communication in relationships". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Ronny: The Ruler Movie Review: Ronny review: Yet another gangster drama". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Addicted to acting since childhood: TV star Kiran Raj". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ a b "Kiran Raj, who has been a part of TV shows like Tu Aashiqui and Chandramukhi, wishes to explore life to the fullest". The Tribune. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ SM, Shashiprasad (21 June 2018). "Kiran Raj straddles 2 worlds". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Pavan Kumar aka Nakul of Kinnari fame gets candid about his journey in the show". The Times of India. 25 June 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 January 2025.
- ^ "Kannada serials revolve around emotions and sentiment, says Kiran Raj". The Times of India. 30 May 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 January 2025.