On August 16, 2025, the name Ajay Rao continues to shine in the Kannada film industry. Ajay Rao, also known as Krishna Ajay Rao, is a popular Indian actor and producer. He was born on January 24, 1980, in Hospet, a small town in Karnataka, India. His journey from a simple background to becoming a beloved star, often called "Sandalwood Krishna," is inspiring. This article tells the story of his life, career, and achievements in simple words. It aims to engage readers with a clear and detailed look at his life.
Early Life And Family
Ajay grew up in Hospet, a town in the Vijayanagar district. His early life was simple. He lived with his family in a close-knit community. Not much is known about his parents or siblings. Ajay kept his family life private. He went to a local school in Hospet. Later, he joined Vijayanagara College in the same town. He studied hard and earned a graduate degree. His education gave him confidence. But his heart was set on acting. Even as a young boy, he dreamed of being on the big screen.
Ajay’s love for films started early. He watched Kannada movies with excitement. The colorful stories and strong characters fascinated him. He wanted to be part of that world. After finishing college, he decided to chase his dream. He moved to Bengaluru, the heart of the Kannada film industry, also called Sandalwood. It was not easy. The city was big, and the industry was tough. But Ajay was determined. He believed in himself and worked hard to get a chance.
Ajay Rao Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Krishna Ajay Rao |
| Nickname | Sandalwood Krishna |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Hospet, Vijayanagar District, Karnataka, India |
| Education | Graduate from Vijayanagara College, Hospet |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Debut Film | Excuse Me (2003) |
| Famous Films | Excuse Me (2003), Taj Mahal (2008), Krishnan Love Story (2010), Krishna Leela (2015), Krishna-Rukku (2016), Shokiwala (2022) |
| Awards/Nominations | Nominated for Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Kannada) for Taj Mahal (2008), Krishnan Love Story (2010), Krishna Leela (2015) |
| Production Company | Shree Krishna Arts and Creations (Started in 2015) |
| First Film as Producer | Krishna Leela (2015) |
| Marital Status | Married to Sapna (since December 18, 2014) |
| Children | Daughter named Cherishma (born in 2018) |
| Hobbies | Singing, Traveling, Watching Movies, Working Out |
| Notable Contribution | Sang a song for Maamu Tea Angadi (2015) |
| Upcoming Project | Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2 (2025, as Bharath) |
| Known For | Romantic and Action roles, Down-to-earth personality, Connecting with fans |
| Social Media Presence | Active: shares film updates and interacts with fans |
| Personal Values | Hard Work, Honesty, Discipline |
| Current Age (as of 2025) | 45 years old |
Debut
In 2003, Ajay got his big break. He debuted in the Kannada film *Excuse Me*. He played the lead role of Ajay. The movie was a blockbuster. People loved his acting. His charm and natural style won hearts. The film’s success made him a star overnight. Fans started calling him "Sandalwood Krishna" because of his fresh and unique acting. *Excuse Me* was a romantic drama. It showed Ajay’s ability to connect with audiences. This was just the beginning of his journey.
Notable Works
After *Excuse Me*, Ajay worked in many films. He chose different roles to show his talent. In 2005, he acted in *Surya The Great* as Surya. The film was an action drama. Fans liked his energy. In 2006, he played Chinnu in *O Priyathama*. This romantic role made him more popular. He also appeared in *Amrutha Vaani* and *Ganesha* in 2007. Each role was different. Ajay proved he could handle action, romance, and drama. His hard work made him a favorite in Sandalwood.
In 2008, Ajay starred in *Taj Mahal*. He played Ajay Kumar, a young man in love. The film was a hit. It earned him a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Kannada. This was a proud moment. Ajay’s acting touched many hearts. In 2010, he acted in *Krishnan Love Story*. He played Krishna, a lively and emotional character. The film was a success. Fans loved his chemistry with the heroine. It got him another Filmfare nomination. Ajay’s career was growing fast.
Producer
Ajay did not stop at acting. He wanted to do more. In 2015, he became a producer. He started his own company called Shree Krishna Arts and Creations. His first film as a producer was *Krishna Leela*. He also acted as Krishna in it. The movie was a big hit. It showed his skills as both an actor and a producer. He earned another Filmfare nomination for this role. Producing films was a new challenge. But Ajay handled it well. He wanted to tell good stories through his films.
Personal Life
Ajay’s personal life is as interesting as his career. He married Sapna in 2014. They had been together for a long time before marriage. Their wedding was on December 18, 2014. It was a joyful event. In 2018, they welcomed a daughter named Cherishma. Ajay loves his family. He keeps them away from the spotlight. He says family gives him strength. Sapna supports his career. Their bond is strong, and fans admire their love story.
Life Journey
Ajay’s film journey continued with more hits. In 2011, he acted in *Krishnan Marriage Story*. He played Krishna again. The film was a success. In 2012, he did *Breaking News* as Arjun. In 2014, he appeared in *Rose* and *Jai Bajarangabali*. He was credited as Krishna Ajai Rao in these films. In 2016, he starred in *Krishna-Rukku* and *John Jani Janardhan*. Each film showed his growth as an actor. He worked hard to make every role special.
In 2021, Ajay acted in *Krishna Talkies* and *Love You Rachchu*. Both films were loved by fans. In 2022, he played Krishna in *Shokiwala*. He also did a cameo in *Dilpasand*. His fans enjoyed seeing him in different roles. In 2025, he is set to appear in *Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2* as Bharath. This film is expected to be a big release. Ajay’s choice of films shows his love for variety. He never sticks to one type of role.
Ajay is known for his down-to-earth nature. He connects with fans easily. He is active on social media. He shares updates about his films. Fans love his simple and friendly style. He often thanks them for their support. Ajay also enjoys singing. In 2015, he sang a song for the film *Maamu Tea Angadi*. He did a cameo in that film too. His voice surprised fans. It showed another side of his talent.
Hobbies
Ajay’s life is not just about films. He loves spending time with his family. He enjoys simple things like eating home-cooked food. He also likes traveling. He often visits quiet places to relax. His hobbies include singing and watching movies. He stays fit by working out. His discipline inspires many. Ajay believes in hard work and honesty. These values guide his life and career.
Challenges
Ajay has faced challenges too. The film industry is not easy. Sometimes, films do not do well. But Ajay never gives up. He learns from every experience. He listens to feedback and improves. His fans admire his strength. They call him a fighter. Ajay says failure teaches him more than success. This mindset keeps him grounded.
Ajay’s contribution to Kannada cinema is huge. He has acted in over 20 films. Many of them are hits. He has also produced successful films. His work has inspired new actors. He is a role model for young people in Karnataka. His journey from Hospet to Sandalwood shows dreams can come true. Hard work and passion are his secrets.
Life Today
Today, Ajay Rao is 45 years old. He is still active in films. His upcoming projects excite fans. He plans to produce more films. He wants to tell stories that touch hearts. Ajay also wants to help new talent in Sandalwood. He believes in giving back to the industry. His fans are eager to see what he does next.
In conclusion, Ajay Rao’s life is a story of dreams and hard work. He started as a small-town boy with big dreams. He became a star through talent and effort. His films like *Excuse Me*, *Taj Mahal*, and *Krishna Leela* are loved by many. He is also a loving husband and father. Ajay’s journey inspires us all. He shows that with passion, anything is possible. His legacy in Kannada cinema will live on. Fans will always remember him as "Sandalwood Krishna."