Sapthami Gowda is a talented Indian actress known for her powerful performances in the Kannada film industry. She rose to fame with her role as Leela in the blockbuster movie Kantara (2022), which made her a household name across India. Apart from being an actress, Sapthami is also a national-level swimmer and a civil engineering graduate. Her journey from engineering and corporate life to becoming one of South India’s most promising stars is both inspiring and impressive.
Sapthami Gowda – Biography Overview
| Full Name | Sapthami Gowda |
| Nickname | Sappu |
| Profession(s) | Actress, Model, Former Swimmer |
| Date of Birth | 8 June 1996 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 29 Years |
| Birthplace | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Hometown | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Awards | Filmfare Critics Award – Best Actress (Kannada) |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Yoga, Reading, Dancing |
| Net Worth (2025) | ₹7–8 Crores (≈ $1 Million) |
Early Life
Sapthami Gowda was born and raised in Bengaluru, Karnataka. From a young age, she showed remarkable talent not only in academics but also in sports. A passionate swimmer, Sapthami represented her state at several national-level swimming competitions and even won medals for her outstanding performance. This early discipline helped her build a strong foundation of focus and perseverance that later shaped her acting career.
Education
Sapthami completed her schooling at Baldwin Girls’ High School, Bengaluru, and her pre-university studies at Sri Kumaran’s Children’s Home Composite Junior College. She then pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT).
After graduation, she briefly worked at Accenture as a software engineer before realizing her true calling lay in the world of cinema. Her transition from engineering to acting showcases her courage to follow her passion despite having a stable corporate job.
Family
Sapthami comes from a supportive and close-knit family.
- Father: B.G. Gowda, a respected police officer who encouraged her to follow her dreams.
- Mother: Shantha Gowda, a homemaker and her emotional anchor.
- Sister: Uthare Gowda, also a national-level swimmer who shares Sapthami’s athletic spirit.
Her family’s constant encouragement played a crucial role in helping her make bold career choices and transition into films.
Career Journey
Early Path & Debut
Unlike many newcomers who start with modeling or beauty pageants, Sapthami entered the film industry in a unique way. She made her debut in 2020 with the Kannada film Popcorn Monkey Tiger, directed by Duniya Suri. Her performance as “Girija” received praise for its natural charm, earning her the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Kannada.
Breakthrough with Kantara
Sapthami’s career took a major leap in 2022 with Kantara, directed by Rishab Shetty. Her portrayal of Leela, a dedicated forest guard caught between duty, devotion, and culture, was widely appreciated. The film became a nationwide phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing Kannada movies of all time. Sapthami’s grounded performance won her immense love from the audience and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Kannada.
Bollywood & Telugu Debut
After the success of Kantara, Sapthami expanded her career beyond Kannada cinema. In 2023, she made her Bollywood debut with The Vaccine War, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, playing Dr. Sreelakshmy Mohandas, a role that showcased her ability to portray real-life figures with depth.
She will also soon make her Telugu debut in Thammudu opposite actor Nithin, and has an upcoming Kannada project titled Yuva.
Awards & Recognition
- SIIMA Award – Best Female Debut (Kannada) for Popcorn Monkey Tiger (2020)
- Filmfare Critics Award – Best Actress (Kannada) for Kantara (2022)
- Nominated for Best Actress at Filmfare South & SIIMA Awards
Brand Endorsements & Social Causes
Sapthami has been associated with various social initiatives. She was appointed as the brand ambassador for Karnataka’s “Nanna Maithri” scheme and also for the Blind Cricket World Cup. Her involvement in these causes reflects her genuine commitment to giving back to society.
Controversies
Sapthami Gowda has maintained a clean and professional image. She is rarely involved in any controversies and is known for her disciplined, humble nature both on and off-screen.
Personal Life
Sapthami is currently unmarried and prefers to keep her personal life private. She hasn’t shared any details about her dating life. Off-screen, she enjoys swimming, traveling, yoga, and painting. Known for her calm and grounded personality, she chooses roles that challenge her artistically rather than chasing fame.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | **Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @sapthami_gowda | 759K+ | |
| Not Officially Active | — | |
| Twitter (X) | Not Active | — |
Sapthami often shares glimpses from her film sets, travels, and workouts, giving fans a peek into her simple yet inspiring lifestyle.
Net Worth (2025)
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Film Salary (Kannada/Hindi/Telugu) | ₹30–50 lakhs per film |
| Brand Endorsements | ₹5–10 lakhs per campaign |
| Social Media Collaborations | ₹2–4 lakhs per post |
| Event Appearances | ₹3–6 lakhs per event |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | ₹7–8 Crores (≈ $1 Million) |
(Note: Figures are approximate based on industry estimates.)
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′8″ (1.72 m) |
| Weight | 60 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Tattoo | Three triangles on her right arm |
| Distinctive Feature | Athletic build from years of swimming |
Interesting Facts about Sapthami Gowda
- She was a national-level swimmer before entering films.
- Holds a Civil Engineering degree from Bangalore Institute of Technology.
- Worked at Accenture before becoming an actress.
- Was discovered on Instagram by Rishab Shetty for Kantara.
- Her tattoo of three triangles symbolizes “Learn, Explore, Create.”
- Ambassador for Karnataka’s Nanna Maithri Scheme.
- Admirer of actresses like Radhika Pandit, Ramya, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Sapthami Gowda?
She is an Indian actress known for her work in Kannada cinema, especially her performance in Kantara (2022).
Q2. When was she born?
She was born on 8 June 1996 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Q3. What is her educational qualification?
She holds a B.E. in Civil Engineering.
Q4. Who are her parents?
Her father, B.G. Gowda, is a police officer, and her mother is a homemaker.
Q5. What was her debut film?
She made her debut with Popcorn Monkey Tiger (2020).
Q6. Which film made her famous?
Her role as Leela in Kantara (2022) earned her nationwide recognition.
Q7. Has she received any awards?
Yes, she won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (Kannada).
Q8. What is her net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth is ₹7–8 Crores (≈ $1 Million).
