Akul Balaji Biography: Wife, Age, Son, Net Worth, Height, Parents, TV Shows, Movies, Controversy

Akul Balaji is an Indian actor, television host, and dancer who came into the spotlight when he co-hosted the popular Kannada reality show Pyate Hudgir Halli Lifu alongside Sudeep.

His on-screen charm and versatility extended across Kannada and Telugu television, and his presence was further cemented when he won the second season of Bigg Boss Kannada in 2014.

Profile

• Full name: Akula Balaji
• Date of birth: 23 February 1979
• Age: 46 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Rly. Koduru, Andhra Pradesh, India
• State of origin: Andhra Pradesh
• Nationality: Indian
• Profession: Actor, television host, dancer
• Height: 5′ 7″ (170 cm)
• Eye color: Black
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Father: Akula Bhaskar Rao; Mother: Sarala Devi
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Jyothi Akul (also known as Jyothi Samarthi) (married 2008–present)
• Children: Krishaan Nag
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Hinduism
• Ethnicity: Indian (South Indian)
• Net worth: $1 million

Early Life and education

Akul Balaji is now 46 years old. He was born on 23 February 1979 in Rly. Koduru, Andhra Pradesh, to his parents Akula Bhaskar Rao and Sarala Devi.

He moved to Bengaluru at the age of 16 and immersed himself in dance training, starting with Bharatanatyam under Usha Datar, then contemporary dance at Natya STEM Dance Kampni under Madhu Nataraj, and Kathak under Dr. Maya Rao.

In 2004, he appeared in the theatre production Evam Inderjit, directed by Pawan Kumar, and completed an advanced acting workshop under Mahesh Dattani.

Personal Life

Akul Balaji married Jyothi (Jyothi Samarthi), the niece of Telugu actress Vijaya Nirmala, in 2008. The couple has one son, Krishaan Nag.

Publicly, he has shared tender moments of his bond with his son—once writing “my little 11-year-old baby Krish” in a birthday tribute. He also welcomed a French bulldog named Pootis into his family, adding another layer of warmth to his personal life.

Career

Akul Balaji began his career in television acting, appearing in serials such as Agatha (2002), Guptha Gamini, Yava Janumadha Maithri, Jagalagantiyaru, and Pellinati Pramanalu (2012).

He gained widespread recognition hosting Kannada shows like Kuniyonu Baara, Comedy Killadigalu, Pyate Hudgir Halli Lifu (seasons 1 & 2), Halli Haida Pyateg Banda, Pyate Mandi Kadige Bandru (seasons 1 & 2), Hosa Luv Story, and Nodi Swamy Naavirode Heege. He also hosted Mand Munde Mahalakshmi (ETV Kannada), Sye Ante Sye (Zee Telugu), and ThakaDhimiTha Dancing Stars (ETV Kannada).

In 2010, he earned the award for The Most Popular Anchor from Big FM Big TV. He reached a career milestone in 2014 by winning Bigg Boss Kannada Season 2.

In 2021, he made a comeback to acting by portraying Abhiram in the Telugu daily soap Oohalu Gusagusalade, which ran from 10 May 2021 to 8 June 2024.

He also hosted the Kannada dance reality show Dancing Champion on Colors Kannada, beginning in January 2022. In 2022, he announced his digital debut with a game show titled Akool Adda, launched with support from Kiccha Sudeep.

In films, he made his Telugu debut with Neramu Siksha (2009) and appeared in Kannada film Loosegalu (2013). He also featured in Crazy Star (2014).

Awards

• He won The Most Popular Anchor award (Big FM Big TV, 2010)
• Winner of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 2 (2014)

Net worth

Akul Balaji’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1 million. His earnings stem from his work in television shows, acting, hosting, and digital projects.

Controversy

In September 2020, he was investigated by the Bengaluru CCB in relation to allegations that his farmhouse was a gathering place for drug users. He was also named in an FIR for allegedly hosting a wedding at his resort during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, though he later stated he had been cleared.

Social Media

• Instagram: @akul_balaji
• Twitter (X): akulbalaji
• YouTube: Akul Balaji

Filmography

• Kallarali Hoovagi (2006)
• Milana (2007)
• Athmeeya (2008)
• Paramesha Panwala (2008)
• Neramu Siksha (2009)
• Banni (2009)
• Myna (2013)
• Pyarge Aagbittaite (2013)
• Loosegalu (2013)
• Crazy Star (2014)
• Gowri (2024)