Acting

Master Anand

Born 4 January 1984 · 42

**Master Anand** (born Hariharan Anand, January 4, 1984) is an Indian actor, television presenter, and director who works predominantly in Kannada cinema and television. One of the most celebrated child artists in Sandalwood history, he transitioned into comedy roles, filmmaking, and reality television hosting. Born in Bengaluru, Anand debuted at age four in V. Ravichandran's musical hit *Kindari Jogi* (1989). He shot to widespread fame playing Ganesha alongside Anant Nag in Phani Ramachandra's classic comedy *Gauri Ganesha* (1991), which won him his first Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor. He won the award a second time for *Thayi Illada Thavaru* (1995) and received a Filmfare Award for *Makkala Sakshi* (1996), eventually acting in over 50 films as a child artist across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam cinema. Transitioning to adult roles, he scored a major box-office hit with the multi-starrer youth comedy *Friends* (2002). He went on to act in and direct the popular television sitcom *SSLC Nan Maklu* (2010) on Asianet Suvarna, followed by his feature directorial debut *5 Idiots* (2011). Anand found massive resurgence in reality television during the 2010s. After winning *Dancing Stars* Season 2 (2014) and finishing as second runner-up on *Bigg Boss Kannada* Season 3 (2015), he became one of Zee Kannada's flagship television anchors. Known for his high-energy delivery, witty banter, and comic timing, he has hosted major prime-time shows including *Comedy Khiladigalu*, *Drama Juniors*, and *Super Dampati*.