Ashika Ranganath

Ashika Ranganath (born 5 August 1996) is an Indian actress who works in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil films. She made her acting debut with the Kannada film Crazy Boy. Ashika received the SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Kannada for her performance in Madhagaja (2021) and O2 (2025).

Early life Ashika Ranganath was born on 5 August 1996 to a Kannada speaking couple Ranganath and Sudha Ranganath in Tumkur district. She has an elder sister Anusha Ranganath, who is also an actress in Kannada movies. She studied in Bishop Sargant School, Tumkur. Later, she moved to Bengaluru for pre-university and joined Jyoti Nivas College, where she auditioned for a Clean and Clear Fresh Face Bangalore contest, emerging as the runner-up of Miss Fresh Face 2014. She then completed her degree in commerce from MES College of Arts, Commerce and Science. In addition to acting, she is also trained in various dance forms including freestyle, Belly and western.

Career Ashika Ranganath started her acting career with Crazy Boy in 2016, directed by Mahesh Babu, who picked her during a Clean and Clear Fresh Face Bangalore contest. She was nominated for SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Kannada. In 2017, she appeared in Mass Leader alongside Shivrajkumar, Mugulu Nage opposite Ganesh, which were commercially successful. In 2018, she appeared in Raju Kannada Medium, Thayige Thakka Maga and Raambo 2. In Raambo 2, she played the lead opposite Sharan and received her first SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Kannada. The film was a box office success.

After a small hiatus, Ashika Ranganath appeared in the song "Pataki Poriyo" in Kotigobba 3 with Sudeepa. Later, she appeared in Madhagaja opposite Sriimurali, which won her the SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Kannada. It was a box office success and A Shraddha of The New Indian Express noted, "Ashika has a different role to play and she brings elegance to the film as a rural belle."

Ashika had five film released in 2022. She first appeared in the titular song of James. She then appeared in Avatara Purusha, Ranganath with Sharan, in Garuda and in Kaaneyaadavara Bagge Prakatane. She then played the lead opposite Ishaan in Raymo, an average grosser. Sridevi S stated, "Ashika has pulled off her dual-shade role easily. She looks very pretty and convincing." She received her third SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Kannada nomination. She then made her Tamil film debut opposite Atharvaa in Pattathu Arasan.

In 2023, Ashika Ranganath made her Telugu film debut opposite Nandamuri Kalyan Ram in Amigos. In 2024, she appeared opposite Nagarjuna in Naa Saami Ranga which was moderate success. Neeshitha Nyayapati called her the "screen stealer". Ashika then appeared in two Kannada films - Avatara Purusha 2 and O2. Vivek MV of The Hindu noted, "Ashika is a revelation, unveiling the talented performer in her."

Ashika will next appear in Gatha Vaibhava directed by Simple Suni, and in Vishwambhara, with Chiranjeevi.

Media image In the Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women list, Ashika was placed 11th in 2017, 2nd in 2018 and 2019, and 4th in 2020. She is one of the most followed Kannada actress on Instagram.

Filmography

Films Year Title Role Language Notes Ref. 2016 Crazy Boy Nandini Kannada 2017 Mass Leader Shreya Mugulu Nage Vaishali Hande 2018 Raju Kannada Medium Vidya Raambo 2 Mayuri Thayige Thakka Maga Saraswathi 2021 Kotigobba 3 Chameli Special appearance in song "Pataki Poriyo" Madhagaja Pallavi 2022 James Herself Special appearance in song "Trademark" Avatara Purusha Siri Garuda Pooja Kaaneyaadavara Bagge Prakatane Rashmika Cameo appearance Raymo Mohana Pattathu Arasan Pavithra Tamil 2023 Amigos Ishika Telugu 2024 Naa Saami Ranga Varamahalakshmi "Varalu" Avatara Purusha 2 Siri Kannada O2 Dr. Shraddha 2025 Gatha Vaibhava Adhunika, Devakanye Devi (Devathe), Elizabeth and Mangala (Thulasi) Kannada Quadruple role 2026 Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi Manasa Shetty Telugu Tamil Post-production Telugu Post-production

Music video Year Title Singer Ref. 2022 "Mallige Hoova" All Ok

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result Ref. 2017South Indian International Movie Awards Best Female Debut – Kannada Crazy Boy 2019 Best Actress – Kannada Raambo 2 2022 Madhagaja 2023 Raymo 2025 O2 Best Actress – Telugu Naa Saami Ranga