:Yash (actor)

Yash was born on 8 January 1986 in Boovanahalli, a village in Hassan, Karnataka.{{cn|date=February 2025}} He was given two names: Naveen legally, and his mother's side of the family named him Yashwanth.{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/kgf-actor-yash-father-worked-as-bus-conductor-he-didnt-have-place-to-live-all-about-star-struggles-5361043/|title=KGF actor Yash's father worked as bus conductor, he didn't have place to live – all about star's struggles|first=Vineeta|last=Kumar|date=27 April 2022|publisher=Zee Media Corporation|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430014811/https://www.india.com/entertainment/kgf-actor-yash-father-worked-as-bus-conductor-he-didnt-have-place-to-live-all-about-star-struggles-5361043/|url-status=live}}{{efn|The variant spelling Yeshwaant is also reported in sources.}} Yashwanth was chosen as they believed his time of birth astrologically necessitated a name beginning with the letter ಯ (ya). In keeping with a Hindu tradition of giving children a deity's epithet, Yash was described as Nanjundeshwara ("poison-drinker god", referring to Shiva).{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/330705/temple-river.html|title=Temple by the river|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=7 May 2013|access-date=18 May 2022|author=B.V. Prakash}} Before starting his acting career, he was advised by others in the industry to adopt a stage name.{{Cite news|url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/bollywood/kgf-star-yash-changed-his-screen-name-yash-from-his-real-name-friends-addressed-him-as-tiger|title=रॉकिंग स्टार: इस वजह से केजीएफ फेम यश ने बदला था अपना असली नाम, दोस्तों के बीच दूसरे नाम से मशहूर हैं 'रॉकी भाई'|newspaper=Amar Ujala|language=Hindi|date=28 August 2021|access-date=2 May 2022|first=Vijayashree|last=Gaur|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913024535/https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/bollywood/kgf-star-yash-changed-his-screen-name-yash-from-his-real-name-friends-addressed-him-as-tiger|url-status=live}}

Yash's father, Arun Kumar Gowda, was a driver for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and later the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation. His mother, Pushpa, is a homemaker.{{cite magazine|title=Yash: The chosen 'hero'|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/yash-the-chosen-hero/71111/1|url-status=live|access-date=2 May 2022|magazine=Forbes India|first=Naini|last=Thaker|date=21 October 2021|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026052628/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/yash-the-chosen-hero/71111/1}} He has a younger sister, Nandini, who is married to a computer engineer. Yash aspired to be an actor from a young age and actively participated in theatre and dance competitions at his school in Mysore. When he was young, his family also ran a provision store, where he would help out regularly. Yash wanted to quit school and pursue full-time acting after completing grade 10 but had to complete senior school on the demand of his parents. He studied at the Mahajana Education Society for all his school years.{{Cite news |date=7 January 2011 |title=A hero from childhood |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/127219/a-hero-childhood.html |newspaper=Deccan Herald |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414093941/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/127219/a-hero-childhood.html |author=Sreekantswamy B. |url-status=live }} His parents initially disapproved of his acting ambitions, and his father wanted him to be a government officer. In 2003, they relented and allowed him to move to Bangalore at the age of 16 to work on a film as an assistant director, but stated that he would not be allowed to go back if he returned. The project was cancelled after only two days of filming, but Yash stayed in Bangalore. He stated he had {{INRConvert|300|year=2003}} with him at the time.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/had-just-rs-300-when-i-came-bengaluru-kgf-star-yash-speaks-tnm-94433|title=Had just Rs 300 when I came to Bengaluru: 'KGF' star Yash speaks to TNM|newspaper=The News Minute|date=3 January 2019|access-date=8 May 2022|last=K. Jha|first=Subhash}} He joined a theatre group, the Benaka drama troupe, which was formed by dramatist B. V. Karanth.{{cite news|title=Yash honed his acting skills in theatre|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know-/Yash-honed-his-acting-skills-in-theatre/articleshow/40574408.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=26 January 2017|date=21 August 2014|archive-date=10 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110010931/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know-/Yash-honed-his-acting-skills-in-theatre/articleshow/40574408.cms|url-status=live}} He worked as a backstage worker and was paid {{INRConvert|50}} per day.

Yash eventually became a backup actor, and in 2004, portrayed Balarama, the lead role in a play. While still working in theatre, he completed his Bachelor of Arts at Bangalore's K.L.E. College. He made his television debut the same year with the teleserial Uttarayana. In 2005, he was offered a role in the teleserial Nanda Gokula, where he starred alongside Radhika Pandit. He went on to appear in several other teleserials such as T. N. Seetharam's Male Billu and Preeti Illada Mele. Once Yash had secured a stable income, his parents moved in with him to Bangalore. During this time, he was offered roles in seven films, but his insistence on having the script for each film made available to him was viewed as "arrogance from a newcomer" and often refused.

Yash debuted in 2007 with a supporting role in Priya Hassan's Jambada Hudugi, which saw him play a man whose infertile wife seeks uterus transplantation.{{cite web | url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/jambhada-hudugi-review-kannada-movie-8741 | title=Jambhada Hudugi review. Jambhada Hudugi Kannada movie review, story, rating|work=Indiaglitz|date=15 June 2007 }} A critic from Indiaglitz wrote that "Yash is very good in his debut". He next played the romantic interest of his Nanda Gokula co-actor Radhika Pandit's character in the teen drama Moggina Manasu (2008), directed by Shashank, which follows the love lives of four girls who become friends in college. He was cast in a last-minute decision after Shashank's initial choice for the role fractured their leg and required rest for six months. Shashank then happened to see Yash in an episode of Preeti Illada Mele and was impressed by his performance. Yash was sporting a beard for Preeti Illada Mele but Shashank reached out to him and convinced him to shave clean for the role.{{cite web|url=https://www.ottplay.com/interview/yash-is-a-pan-india-star-today-due-to-his-commitment-to-his-craft-says-moggina-manasu-maker-shashank/857200bffb301|title=Yash is a pan-India star today due to his commitment to his craft, says Moggina Manasu maker Shashank|first=Prathibha|last=Joy|website=Ottplay|publisher=HT Media|date=7 January 2022|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503044220/https://www.ottplay.com/interview/yash-is-a-pan-india-star-today-due-to-his-commitment-to-his-craft-says-moggina-manasu-maker-shashank/857200bffb301|url-status=live}} R.G. Vijayasarathy of Rediff.com found the film worked despite its screenplay and highlighted Yash's performance among the male cast as impressive. The role won him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in Kannada at the 56th Filmfare Awards South.{{cite news|title=56th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008 South: The winners|newspaper=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/56th-Idea-Filmfare-Awards-2008-South-The-winners/articleshow/4845030.cms|access-date=5 April 2015|date=1 August 2009|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143005/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/56th-Idea-Filmfare-Awards-2008-South-The-winners/articleshow/4845030.cms|url-status=live}} The film is considered to be Yash's breakthrough project.

Yash then starred in the title role in the romance Rocky (2008) opposite Bianca Desai, playing a college student who has a troubled relationship with his parents. Rocky emerged to be a critical and commercial failure; Vijayasarathy, who found him promising in Jambada Hudugi and Moggina Manasu, wrote that "he looks uncomfortable here, as the role lacks clarity".{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/avoid-rocky/20081226.htm|title=Avoid Rocky|date=26 December 2008|author=R.G. Vijayasarathy|website=Rediff.com|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=15 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115021322/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/avoid-rocky/20081226.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/news/story/kgf-2-yash-flop-film-rocky-disaster-box-office-collection-unknown-facts-tmov-1447053-2022-04-16|title=जब बॉक्स ऑफिस पर बुरी तरह फ्लॉप हुआ 'रॉकी', KGF स्टार Yash की इस फिल्म के बारे में जरूर जानें|work=Aaj Tak|language=Hindi|date=16 April 2022|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426062140/https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/news/story/kgf-2-yash-flop-film-rocky-disaster-box-office-collection-unknown-facts-tmov-1447053-2022-04-16|url-status=live}} In the first of his two releases in 2009, the Sumana Kittur-directed action drama Kallara Santhe, he played Somu, a post-graduate student and later auto rickshaw driver who is driven to consider suicide. To promote the film, he drove the winners of a local contest around Bangalore in an auto rickshaw, an event that attracted media attention.{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kgf-chapter-2-star-yash-turned-into-an-auto-driver-to-promote-his-2009-film-throwback-thursday-2946229|title=Throwback Thursday: When KGF Chapter 2 star Yash turned into an auto-driver to promote his 2009 film|date=14 April 2022|access-date=10 May 2022|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis}} Writing for The New Indian Express, a critic was not impressed with the screenplay: "Though this film showcases contemporary issues such as extra-marital affairs, corruption and nepotism among politicians, the director has not succeeded in presenting them very well."{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2009/dec/19/slow-and-not-quite-steady-114419.html|title=Slow and not quite steady|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=19 December 2009|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503191318/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2009/dec/19/slow-and-not-quite-steady-114419.html|url-status=live}} The second release, Prakash's family drama Gokula, featured an ensemble cast including Vijay Raghavendra and Pooja Gandhi. A critic for The Times of India found the film to appeal only to "those who love sentimental stories celebrating the bond between mothers and sons", but appreciated the starring performances, including Yash's.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/gokula/movie-review/5283674.cms|title=Gokula Movie Review {3/5}|newspaper=The Times of India|date=27 November 2009|access-date=3 May 2022}} Both Kallara Santhe and Gokula failed to do well commercially.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/yash-the-rise-of-the-rocking-star-1098994.html|title=Yash: The rise of the 'Rocking Star'|author=Vivek M.V.|date=8 April 2022|access-date=4 May 2022|newspaper=Deccan Herald|archive-date=4 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504135641/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/yash-the-rise-of-the-rocking-star-1098994.html|url-status=live}}

In 2010, Yash starred in the romantic comedy Modalasala, alongside Bhama. The Daily News and Analysis felt the film had "its funny moments and occasionally, an overdose of sentimental scenes" and highlighted Yash's prowess as a dancer, calling him "easily one of the best we have in Sandalwood".{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-modala-sala-is-a-one-time-watch-1489026|title=Review: 'Modala Sala' is a one-time watch|first=Sunayana|last=Suresh|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|date=9 December 2010|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821031221/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-modala-sala-is-a-one-time-watch-1489026|url-status=live}} The film was a commercial success, becoming Yash's first solo box office hit.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/birthday-special-have-you-seen-these-5-popular-yash-movies-936246.html|title=Birthday special: Have you seen these 5 popular Yash movies?|date=8 January 2021|access-date=11 May 2022|newspaper=Deccan Herald}} His next release was the crime action Rajadhani (2011), about a group of friends who commit a murder for money and go on the run from a cop played by Prakash Raj. The film failed to meet critical and commercial expectations, with Rediff.com saying that its promising messages were lost in consumerism, but found Yash to be the best performer among the cast: "He puts up a restrained performance and gets to play more than a motor-mouth lover boy."{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-rajadhani/20110603.htm|title=Review: Rajadhani disappoints|date=3 June 2011|first=Shruti Indira|last=Lakshminarayana|website=Rediff.com|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414185347/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-rajadhani/20110603.htm|url-status=live}} The same year, he appeared in Kirataka, a remake of the Tamil-language romantic comedy Kalavani (2010), playing a wayward student who falls in love with his batchmate, played by Oviya.{{Cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/karnataka-film-chamber-of-commerce-gets-set-to-let-the-secret-out/articleshow/64484219.cms|title=Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce gets set to let the secret out|access-date=11 May 2022 |newspaper=Bangalore Mirror|first=Shyam|last=Prasad S. |date=7 June 2018}} Lakshminarayana was appreciative of the film and wrote, "Yash is easily Kannada industry's best brat. The film gives him scope to exhibit his dance moves and at the same time brings out his acting talent."{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-kirataka/20110627.htm |title=Review: Kirataka is a breezy entertainer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105121657/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-kirataka/20110627.htm |archive-date=5 January 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016|website=Rediff.com|first=Shruti Indira|last=Lakshminarayana|date=27 June 2011}} With earnings of {{INR}}30 million domestically, Kirataka was one of the top-grossing Kannada films of 2011.{{Cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/top-earning-kannada-movies-of-2011/articleshow/21446749.cms|title = Top earning Kannada movies of 2011 |date=29 December 2011 |newspaper=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=11 May 2022}}

Yash had three film releases in 2012. The romantic comedy Lucky saw him play Lucky, an aspiring commercial director who gets an unrecognisable makeover and changes his name to Vicky. Vicky tried to woo Gowri (played by Ramya), a radio jockey, but finds that she loves Lucky. Srikanth Srinivasa of Rediff.com commended the "relaxing, feel-good movie," writing, "Yash looks dashing in the second half as the well-behaved Vicky but he is also equally at ease in his earlier avatar as Lucky."{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-lucky-is-a-treat-to-watch/20120224.htm|title=Review: Lucky is a treat to watch|website=Rediff.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105121456/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-lucky-is-a-treat-to-watch/20120224.htm |archive-date=5 January 2016|date=24 February 2012|access-date=11 November 2016|first=Srikanth |last=Srinivasa}} In contrast, a critic for the Indo-Asian News Service felt it was dragged down by being "predictable, inconsistent and illogical" and stated Yash "scores well as a dancer," but disliked his chemistry with Ramya.{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-review-lucky-is-predictable-450256.html|title=Kannada Review: 'Lucky' is predictable|work=CNN-News18|publisher=Indo-Asian News Service|date=26 February 2012|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503212858/https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-review-lucky-is-predictable-450256.html|url-status=live}} The action romance Jaanu, directed by Preetham Gubbi, followed a hotel owner who must overcome familial pressure to unite with his lover.{{cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-review-jaanu-is-worth-a-watch-480445.html|title=Kannada Review: 'Jaanu' is worth a watch|work=CNN-News18|publisher=Indo-Asian News Service|access-date=3 May 2022|date=3 June 2012|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414185518/https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-review-jaanu-is-worth-a-watch-480445.html|url-status=live}} A critic for the Indo-Asian News Service stated the film was "good for a one-time watch" and appreciated the fight sequences involving Yash. Both Lucky and Jaanu were fairly successful commercially.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/the-nailbiting-suspense-pertains-to-the-box-office/article3353625.ece|title=The nail-biting suspense pertains to the box office|first=Muralidhara|last=Khajane|date=26 April 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=12 May 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-south-top-kannada-grossers-of-2012/20130117.htm|title=The Top Kannada grossers of 2012|date=17 January 2013|website=Rediff.com|access-date=12 May 2022}} His final release of the year was Yograj Bhat's romantic comedy Drama, starring opposite Radhika Pandit. Shruti I.L. of Daily News and Analysis found the pair to be "a cute on-screen couple" and felt they "liven[ed] up the screen with their effortless performances."{{cite news |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-review-drama-kannada-is-full-on-entertainment-1768941 |title=Review: 'Drama' (Kannada) is full-on entertainment |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=24 November 2012 |access-date=4 May 2022 |author=Shruti I.L. |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426134501/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-review-drama-kannada-is-full-on-entertainment-1768941 |url-status=live }} It was one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of 2012.

Yash first appeared on-screen in 2013 in the Kannada-Tamil bilingual Chandra, with a cameo appearance in the song "Tasse Otthu" (Kannada)/"Raaja Raajan" (Tamil). He then starred in Googly, a college romance directed by Pavan Wadeyar, playing Sharath, a misogynist university student who dates Swathi (played by Kriti Kharbanda), but breaks up with her after being convinced that she is cheating on him. Years later, he becomes a successful businessman and encounters her.{{cite news|title=Googly Movie Review {3.5/5}|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/googly/movie-review/21169267.cms|access-date=27 May 2022|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 May 2016}} Intent on moving away from village-centric roles as in Kirataka and Drama, Yash saw Googly as a means to reinvent himself and adopted a different hairstyle for a "young and charming look". The film performed well and was one of the year's highest-grossing Kannada films.{{cite news|first=S. Shiva|last=Kumar|title=How different are they?|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/how-different-are-they/article5071447.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=4 July 2017|date=29 August 2013|archive-date=2 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702224722/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/how-different-are-they/article5071447.ece|url-status=live}} The Times of India noted that the success of Googly contributed to Yash's increasing stardom and put him on the path to becoming one of the leading stars of the industry.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/news-interviews/Googly-setting-new-records-for-Yash/articleshow/21335728.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102113734/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-25/news-interviews/40793296_1_actor-yash-googly-satellite-rights |url-status=live |archive-date=2013-11-02 |newspaper=The Times of India |title=Googly setting new records for Yash }} A critic writing for the newspaper found that Wadeyar "infused life into the story with excellent making" and granted "full marks" to Yash, highlighting his performance in the "sentimental sequences". Googly was followed by a series of hero-centric films whose primary selling point was Yash's screen presence, establishing him as a "mass hero". His final release of the year was Guru Deshpande's comedy-drama Raja Huli, a remake of the Tamil-language Sundarapandian (2012), which emerged to be a commercial success.{{cite news|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/yashs-raja-huli-takes-box-office-by-storm-526302|title=Yash's 'Raja Huli' Takes Box Office by Storm|date=30 November 2013|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=20 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220161256/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/yashs-raja-huli-takes-box-office-by-storm-526302|url-status=live|newspaper=International Business Times India}} Shyam Prasad S. of Bangalore Mirror called the film "a perfect blend of entertainment and drama" and noted, "Despite a hero-glorifying title, the film is not an action-adventure."{{cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/yash-meghana-raj-harsha-charanraj/articleshow/25072379.cms|last=Prasad S.|first=Shyam|title=Movie review: Raja Huli|newspaper=Bangalore Mirror|date=1 November 2013|access-date=27 June 2022}}

In 2014, he starred in Gajakesari, which was directed by Krishna and became commercially successful at the box office.{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/Gajakesari-Breaks-Even-Before-Release/2014/05/20/article2234830.ece1|title=Gajakesari Breaks Even Before Release|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=20 May 2014|access-date=23 May 2014|archive-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522230814/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/Gajakesari-Breaks-Even-Before-Release/2014/05/20/article2234830.ece1|url-status=live}} A critic for Sify found it to carry "a neatly sketched story and a well-executed script with good visuals" and appreciated his performance, suggesting that "nobody could have done this better than him."{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/gajakesari-review-kannada-pcmbrbbdefacf.html|title=Gajakesari|date=23 May 2014|website=Sify|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503184829/https://www.sify.com/movies/gajakesari-review-kannada-pcmbrbbdefacf.html|url-status=dead}}

His next film Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari opposite Radhika Pandit had its theatrical release on 25 December 2014, and opened to positive reviews and collected an estimated {{INR}}50{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/content-over-star-power-story-of-south-cinema-in-first-half-of-2015/story-KaqHkEArfSnQWbN6iJ5dCI.html|title=Content over star power: Story of south cinema in first half of 2015|date=1 July 2015|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=23 January 2020|archive-date=19 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019182049/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/content-over-star-power-story-of-south-cinema-in-first-half-of-2015/story-KaqHkEArfSnQWbN6iJ5dCI.html|url-status=live}} crore, and went on to become one of the highest grossing Kannada cinema.[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-pk-mr-mrs-ramachari-dominate-bengaluru-collection-centres-619818 Box Office Collection: 'PK', 'Mr & Mrs Ramachari' Dominate Bengaluru Collection Centres] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208044412/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-pk-mr-mrs-ramachari-dominate-bengaluru-collection-centres-619818 |date=8 December 2015 }}. Ibtimes.co.in (9 January 2015). Retrieved on 11 November 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/birthday-gift-to-yash-ramachari-to-enter-20-cr-club-soon-news-kannada-pbikMujcjecag.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108225927/http://www.sify.com/movies/birthday-gift-to-yash-ramachari-to-enter-20-cr-club-soon-news-kannada-pbikMujcjecag.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2015|title=Birthday gift to Yash: Ramachari to enter cr club soon!|agency=www.sify.com}}{{cite web |title= 'Mr and Mrs Ramachari' Review: Audience Live Response |url= http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mr-mrs-ramachari-review-audience-live-response-618291 |publisher= ibtimes.co.in |date= 25 December 2014 |access-date= 2 January 2015 |archive-date= 27 December 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141227211553/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mr-mrs-ramachari-review-audience-live-response-618291 |url-status= live }}

In 2015, he acted in Masterpiece, which emerged as a commercial hit at the box office.[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/masterpiece-movie-review-live-audience-response-660740 Masterpiece movie review: Live audience response – IBTimes India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528094823/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/masterpiece-movie-review-live-audience-response-660740 |date=28 May 2017 }}. Ibtimes.co.in (24 December 2015). Retrieved on 30 September 2018. Archana Nathan of The Hindu disliked the film for its contrived parallel of the main character with Bhagat Singh and wrote of Yash, "His dialogue delivery is high-pitched and monotonous as is his acting."{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/masterpiece-review-a-particular-kind-of-bad/article8034201.ece|title=Masterpiece: A particular kind of bad|date=27 December 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|first=Archana|last=Nathan|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=3 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503183100/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/masterpiece-review-a-particular-kind-of-bad/article8034201.ece|url-status=live}} In 2016, he starred in Santhu Straight Forward which performed fairly well at the box office by collecting ₹30 crore.[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/santhu-straight-forward-box-office-collection-yash-radhika-starrer-hit-by-demonetisation-706471 Santhu Straight Forward box office collection: Yash-Radhika-starrer hit by demonetisation – IBTimes India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202170959/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/santhu-straight-forward-box-office-collection-yash-radhika-starrer-hit-by-demonetisation-706471 |date=2 December 2016 }}. Ibtimes.co.in (1 December 2016). Retrieved on 30 September 2018.

File:Yash, Vishal, Srinidhi Shetty at the ‘KGF’ Press Meet In Chennai.jpg, Srinidhi Shetty at the ‘KGF’ Press Meet In Chennai]]

In 2018, Yash starred in the first instalment of the two-part Prashanth Neel-directed K.G.F series, K.G.F: Chapter 1, which was released in Kannada along with dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. Produced on a budget of {{INR}}80crore, it was the most expensive Kannada film at the time and emerged as the highest-grossing Kannada film during its theatrical run.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-kgf-box-office-collection-record-1st-kannada-movie-to-release-in-pakistan-earns-whopping-rs-200-cr-worldwide-80693|title=KGF Box Office collection: Record! 1st Kannada movie to release in Pakistan; earns whopping Rs 200 cr worldwide|date=17 January 2019|work=Zee Business|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=8 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208132858/https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-kgf-box-office-collection-record-1st-kannada-movie-to-release-in-pakistan-earns-whopping-rs-200-cr-worldwide-80693|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/yash-reveals-he-has-approached-sanjay-dutt-for-kgf-chapter-2-1452187-2019-02-09|title=Yash reveals he has approached Sanjay Dutt for KGF Chapter 2|date=9 February 2019|magazine=India Today|access-date=2 May 2022|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327163005/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/yash-reveals-he-has-approached-sanjay-dutt-for-kgf-chapter-2-1452187-2019-02-09|url-status=live}} Yash grew out his beard for the role.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kannada-actor-yash-sports-new-look-kgf-66808|newspaper=The News Minute|date=15 August 2017|access-date=2 May 2022|title=Kannada actor Yash sports new look for KGF|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306185943/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kannada-actor-yash-sports-new-look-kgf-66808|url-status=live}} K.G.F: Chapter 1 emerged to be a pan-Indian film, earning him nationwide recognition. The sequel, K.G.F: Chapter 2 (2022), which also starred Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon, became the fourth highest-grossing Indian film ever with earnings over {{INR}}10 billion.{{Cite news |date=30 April 2022 |title=KGF Chapter 2 box office: Yash film crosses ₹1000 cr gross worldwide, is fourth Indian film to achieve the feat |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/kgf-chapter-2-box-office-yash-film-crosses-rs-1000-cr-gross-worldwide-is-4th-indian-film-to-achieve-the-feat-101651290223526-amp.html |access-date=2 May 2022 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |archive-date=1 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501104913/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/kgf-chapter-2-box-office-yash-film-crosses-rs-1000-cr-gross-worldwide-is-4th-indian-film-to-achieve-the-feat-101651290223526-amp.html |url-status=live }} His performance in the series as Rocky, an assassin and gold kingpin who takes over the Kolar Gold Fields, received praise. A critic writing for the Hindustan Times opined he was "just unmissable."{{cite news|title=KGF Chapter 2 review: Yash's film is an explosive tale of brash, unapologetic and larger-than-life characters|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/kgf-chapter-2-review-yash-s-film-is-an-explosive-tale-of-brash-unapologetic-and-larger-than-life-characters-101649935657027.html|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=14 April 2022|access-date=2 May 2022|first=Monika|last=Rawal Kukreja|archive-date=2 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502003440/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/kgf-chapter-2-review-yash-s-film-is-an-explosive-tale-of-brash-unapologetic-and-larger-than-life-characters-101649935657027.html|url-status=live}} Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com was critical of the film but felt that Yash's "sly humour and unbridled ferocity hits all the right notes."{{cite web|title=KGF: Chapter 2 Review|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/kgf-chapter-2-review/20220414.htm|website=Rediff.com|access-date=14 April 2022|first=Sukanya|last=Verma|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414095644/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/kgf-chapter-2-review/20220414.htm|url-status=live}}

Yash met actress Radhika Pandit on the sets of Nanda Gokula in 2007. They became close friends after working together in films and eventually began dating, but kept their relationship private for years.{{cite news|last=Suresh|first=Sunayana|title=Yash and Radhika Pandit open up about their romance for the first time|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Yash-and-Radhika-Pandit-intervew/articleshow/55648662.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=28 January 2017|date=24 January 2017|archive-date=8 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208132134/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Yash-and-Radhika-Pandit-intervew/articleshow/55648662.cms|url-status=live}} Media speculation regarding the nature of their relationship intensified after Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari, their third film working together.{{cite news |date=2 March 2015 |title=Yash's mom ready to take care of his wife! |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Yashs-mom-ready-to-take-care-of-his-wife/articleshow/46426190.cms |access-date=30 October 2016 |archive-date=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217212624/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yashs-mom-ready-to-take-care-of-his-wife/articleshow/46426190.cms |url-status=live |first=Shyam|last=Prasad S.}} They were engaged in Goa on 12 August 2016 at a private event with close friends and family.{{cite magazine |date=12 August 2016 |title=Actors Yash and Radhika get engaged in Goa |magazine=India Today |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kannada-actors-yash-and-radhika-get-engaged/1/738943.html |access-date=30 October 2016 |archive-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030142217/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kannada-actors-yash-and-radhika-get-engaged/1/738943.html |url-status=live |first=Aravind|last=Gowda}} They married on 9 December 2016 in Bangalore in a ceremony that saw celebrities and politicians from Karnataka attending.{{cite news |date=9 December 2016 |title=Kannada actors Yash and Radhika Pandit tie the knot in a dream wedding, see pics |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kannada-actors-yash-and-radhika-pandit-tie-the-knot-in-a-dream-wedding-see-pics-4418875/ |access-date=26 January 2017 |newspaper=The Indian Express |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201144/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kannada-actors-yash-and-radhika-pandit-tie-the-knot-in-a-dream-wedding-see-pics-4418875/ |url-status=live }} Two separate wedding receptions were organised: one for friends and family, and another for fans at Bangalore Palace.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/586137/a-first-its-kind-fiesta.html|title=A first-of-its-kind fiesta that fans won't forget|date=12 December 2016|newspaper=Deccan Herald|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214154922/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/586137/a-first-its-kind-fiesta.html|url-status=live}} They have two children.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kgf-actor-yash-and-radhika-pandit-reveal-their-baby-s-name-with-adorable-video-1554878-2019-06-24|title=KGF actor Yash and Radhika Pandit reveal their baby's name, Ayra Yash. Watch adorable video|date=24 June 2019|magazine=India Today|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426110615/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kgf-actor-yash-and-radhika-pandit-reveal-their-baby-s-name-with-adorable-video-1554878-2019-06-24|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=2 September 2020 |title=Yash, Radhika reveal their son's name, watch video |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/yash-and-radhika-reveal-their-sons-name-watch-video-6574637/ |access-date=12 April 2022 |newspaper=Indian Express |archive-date=2 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502231721/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/yash-and-radhika-reveal-their-sons-name-watch-video-6574637/ |url-status=live |first=Komal|last=RJ Panchal}}

In 2017, Yash, along with Pandit, founded the YashoMarga Foundation, a social welfare non-profit organisation.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-and-radhika-pandits-new-foundation/articleshow/56968999.cms|title=There's something new in Yash and Radhika Pandit's life|newspaper=The Times of India|date=26 February 2017|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=21 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221140223/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-and-radhika-pandits-new-foundation/articleshow/56968999.cms|url-status=live}} In their first mission, the foundation addressed a water crisis in Karnataka's Koppal district by investing {{INR}}40 million towards desilting lakes and providing pure drinking water to 40 villages in the region.{{cite news|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/south/actor-yash-spends-rs-4-crore-to-provide-water-to-40-villages|title=Actor Yash spends Rs 4 crore to provide water to 40 villages|work=Asianet News|date=31 March 2018|access-date=4 May 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=5 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505153052/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/south/actor-yash-spends-rs-4-crore-to-provide-water-to-40-villages}} That year, he sought protection from the police owing to death threats.{{cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/supari-murder-plan-yash-turns-spotlight-on-himself/articleshow/68338375.cms|title=Supari murder plan: Yash turns spotlight on himself|date=10 March 2019|newspaper=Bangalore Mirror|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402000907/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/supari-murder-plan-yash-turns-spotlight-on-himself/articleshow/68338375.cms|url-status=live}}

Yash has campaigned for S. R. Mahesh of Janata Dal (Secular) in Krishnarajanagara and S. A. Ramdas of Bharatiya Janata Party in Krishnaraja constituency in the 2018 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/elections/karnataka-polls-2018/2018/may/03/cms-daughter-in-law-smitha-actor-yash-join-election-campaign-1809562.html|title=CM's daughter-in-law Smitha, actor Yash join election campaign|date=3 May 2018|access-date=3 May 2018|newspaper=The New Indian Express|archive-date=4 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504142243/http://www.newindianexpress.com/elections/karnataka-polls-2018/2018/may/03/cms-daughter-in-law-smitha-actor-yash-join-election-campaign-1809562.html|url-status=dead}} In 2019, he endorsed independent candidate Sumalatha, wife of Ambareesh, in Mandya constituency.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/what-sandalwood-stars-yash-and-darshans-backing-means-sumalatha-98528|title=What Sandalwood stars Yash and Darshan's backing means for Sumalatha|newspaper=The News Minute|date=18 March 2019|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330064654/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/what-sandalwood-stars-yash-and-darshans-backing-means-sumalatha-98528|url-status=live}} He has stated that he is open to entering politics if the situation arises.{{cite news|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/yash-rajinikanths-lines-entering-politics-if-situation-arises-i-will-813414|title=KGF star Yash on Rajinikanth's lines on foraying into politics: "If the situation arises, I will"|first=David|last=Johnson|newspaper=International Business Times India|access-date=5 May 2022|date=17 February 2020|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524234230/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/yash-rajinikanths-lines-entering-politics-if-situation-arises-i-will-813414|url-status=live}} Yash has collaborated with the Bangalore Police for a campaign against drunk driving in 2019, in the days leading up to New Year's Day.{{cite news|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/bengaluru-traffic-police-rope-in-rocking-star-yash-to-campaign-against-drink-and-drive--q382gb|title=Bengaluru Traffic Police rope in Rocking Star Yash to campaign against 'drink and drive'|date=28 December 2019|work=Asianet News|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613154931/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/bengaluru-traffic-police-rope-in-rocking-star-yash-to-campaign-against-drink-and-drive--q382gb|url-status=live}} 50 days before his 34th birthday, his fans organised an environmental campaign to plant trees and save water.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-fans-start-a-campaign-for-his-birthday-to-save-the-earth/articleshow/72107403.cms|title=Yash fans start a campaign for his birthday to save the earth|newspaper=The Times of India|date=18 November 2019|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626151621/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-fans-start-a-campaign-for-his-birthday-to-save-the-earth/articleshow/72107403.cms|url-status=live}} In 2021, he donated {{INR}}5000 each to 3000 workers in the Kannada film fraternity to ease their financial burden after the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kgf-star-yash-announces-initiative-to-help-kannada-film-industry-workers/article34706168.ece|title='KGF' star Yash announces initiative to help Kannada film industry workers|date=2 June 2021|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413031449/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kgf-star-yash-announces-initiative-to-help-kannada-film-industry-workers/article34706168.ece|url-status=live}}

File:Yash promoting KGF 2.jpg

After the release of Moggina Manasu in 2009, Yash was considered a "wonder boy" in the media for his appearance, mannerisms, and "ability to dance to any tune". Later films would see him play characters falling into the "mass hero" trope. He is sometimes credited as "Rocking Star Yash", a name that originated among his fans for his image of "a rugged idol who follows no rules but his own".{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/reel/836691/there-is-a-reason-why-yash-is-rocking-venkat-is-a-fish-and-srinivasan-is-well-a-coconut|title=There is a reason why Yash is rocking, Venkat is a fish and Srinivasan is a coconut|first=Archana|last=Nathan|date=22 December 2018|access-date=4 May 2022|website=Scroll.in|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317162918/https://scroll.in/reel/836691/there-is-a-reason-why-yash-is-rocking-venkat-is-a-fish-and-srinivasan-is-well-a-coconut|url-status=live}} Another news outlet attributed the nickname to the "rocking" back-to-back commercial success of his films.

Yash is cited in the media among the few South Indian actors with an audience in North India.{{Cite news |title=South Indian superstars who enjoy immense following in North India |url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/telugu-cinema/article/prabhas-rajinikanth-yash-south-indian-superstars-who-enjoy-immense-following-in-north-india/690418 |work=Zoom |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213200/https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/telugu-cinema/article/prabhas-rajinikanth-yash-south-indian-superstars-who-enjoy-immense-following-in-north-india/690418 |url-status=live |first=Gaurang |last=Chauhan |date=5 December 2020}}{{Cite news|title=From Yash to Prabhas: South stars who have pan-India appeal|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/prabhas-to-rashmika-mandanna-south-stars-with-pan-india-appeal-4988179.html|date=15 April 2022|work=CNN-News18|access-date=16 April 2022|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422153559/https://www.news18.com/amp/news/movies/prabhas-to-rashmika-mandanna-south-stars-with-pan-india-appeal-4988179.html|url-status=live}} He stated that while his success in the Kannada industry felt gradual over the years, the later nationwide recognition was an "overnight" phenomenon.{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2022/apr/13/karnataka-doing-well-in-other-professions-i-want-to-shine-a-light-on-our-film-industry-yash-2441553.html|title=Karnataka doing well in other professions, I want to shine a light on our film industry: Yash|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=13 April 2022|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=4 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504233309/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2022/apr/13/karnataka-doing-well-in-other-professions-i-want-to-shine-a-light-on-our-film-industry-yash-2441553.html|url-status=live}} Writing for India Today in 2022, Janani K. called him the "poster boy of Kannada cinema" for being the most recognisable person working in that industry across India.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/after-kgf-2-s-rs-1000-crore-haul-is-rocking-star-yash-the-poster-boy-of-kannada-cinema-1945134-2022-05-04|title=After KGF 2's Rs 1000 crore haul, is Rocking Star Yash the poster boy of Kannada cinema?|magazine=India Today|date=4 May 2022|access-date=4 May 2022|author=Janani K.|archive-date=4 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504034603/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/after-kgf-2-s-rs-1000-crore-haul-is-rocking-star-yash-the-poster-boy-of-kannada-cinema-1945134-2022-05-04|url-status=live}} In 2019, he became the first Kannada actor to be featured on the cover of Forbes India.{{cite news|url=https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/994427358/Yash-achieves-this-rare-feat|title=Yash achieves this rare feat|newspaper=India Herald|date=12 October 2021|first=Srivastan|last=Venkatraman|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=5 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505153010/https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/994427358/Yash-achieves-this-rare-feat|url-status=live}} Forbes India further ranked him third on their list of most influential celebrities on Instagram from South India in October 2021.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/meet-the-most-influential-social-media-stars-of-south-cinema/71017/1|title=Meet the most influential social media stars of South cinema|date=14 October 2021|access-date=4 May 2022|magazine=Forbes India|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019130835/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/meet-the-most-influential-social-media-stars-of-south-cinema/71017/1|url-status=live}} Yash debuted on The Times of India{{'}}s Bangalore Times Most Desirable Men list in 2012 at 11th place.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Bangalore-Times-Most-Desirable-Men-2012-Top-25/etarticleshow/20153484.cms?referral=PM|title=Bangalore Times Most Desirable Men 2012 - Top 25|date=21 May 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=5 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505153045/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Bangalore-Times-Most-Desirable-Men-2012-Top-25/etarticleshow/20153484.cms?referral=PM|url-status=live}} He has since appeared on the list several times, and was ranked first in 2013, 2017 and 2020.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/bangalore-times-most-desirable-men-2013/articleshow/37016812.cms|title=Bangalore Times Most Desirable Men 2013|date=23 June 2014|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419052723/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Bangalore-Times-Most-Desirable-Men-2013/articleshow/37016812.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/times-poll-2018/bangalore-times-most-desirable-men|title=Bangalore Times - Most Desirable Men|year=2018|access-date=4 May 2022|newspaper=The Times of India}}{{Cite news|title=Times Most Desirable Man: Yash is the Bangalore Times Most Desirable Man of 2020|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-is-the-bangalore-times-most-desirable-man-of-2020/articleshow/83086660.cms|date=31 May 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=12 April 2022|archive-date=2 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502221721/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-is-the-bangalore-times-most-desirable-man-of-2020/articleshow/83086660.cms|url-status=live}} In 2019, he was included by GQ India in their list of 50 most influential young Indians.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gqindia.com/influence-list/content/the-gq-50-most-influential-young-indians-of-2019|title=Here's the full list of GQ's 50 most influential young Indians of 2019|first=Shikha|last=Sethi|access-date=4 May 2022|date=12 December 2019|magazine=GQ India|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227115506/https://www.gqindia.com/influence-list/content/the-gq-50-most-influential-young-indians-of-2019|url-status=live}}

Yash has been described as the highest-paid actor in the Kannada film industry, and one of the highest in South Indian cinema in general.{{Cite news |title=Prabhas to Mohanlal to Vijay to Yash: Here are 11 highest paid south actors |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/prabhas-to-mohanlal-to-vijay-to-yash-here-are-11-highest-paid-south-actors-rcb-qtx6zp#image1 |work=Asianet News |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215127/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/prabhas-to-mohanlal-to-vijay-to-yash-here-are-11-highest-paid-south-actors-rcb-qtx6zp#image1 |url-status=live |date=30 May 2021 }}{{Cite news |title=Happy Birthday 'Rocking Star' Yash: Fascinating facts about 'KGF' actor you should know |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/photo-gallery-happy-birthday-rocking-star-yash-fascinating-facts-about-kgf-actor-you-should-know-kgf-2-teaser-sanjay-dutt-raveena-tandon-2866710 |access-date=2022-03-21 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109154330/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/photo-gallery-happy-birthday-rocking-star-yash-fascinating-facts-about-kgf-actor-you-should-know-kgf-2-teaser-sanjay-dutt-raveena-tandon-2866710 |url-status=live |date=8 January 2021 }} In addition to being an active celebrity endorser for several brands, he partnered with Marico's grooming brand Beardo in 2020 to create a lifestyle label "Villain", which includes perfumes and clothing.{{Cite web|title=A Rs 6 Crore Home To A Fleet Of Cars, Here's What Adds Up To Yash's Rs 53 Crore Net Worth|url=https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/celebrities/106112-everything-that-adds-to-yashs-rs-53-crore-net-worth.html|date=25 April 2022|website=Mensxp.com|publisher=Times Internet|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=5 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505152929/https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/celebrities/106112-everything-that-adds-to-yashs-rs-53-crore-net-worth.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://kannada.asianetnews.com/state/pan-indian-superstar-yash-becomes-brand-ambassador-for-ramraj-cottons-gvd-r75qg5|title=Yash: ರಾಮರಾಜ್‌ ಪಂಚೆ ಬ್ರಾಂಡ್‌ಗೆ ರಾಕಿಂಗ್‌ ಸ್ಟಾರ್‌ ರಾಯಭಾರಿ|work=Asianet News|language=Kannada|date=12 February 2022|access-date=5 May 2022|archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212010555/https://kannada.asianetnews.com/state/pan-indian-superstar-yash-becomes-brand-ambassador-for-ramraj-cottons-gvd-r75qg5|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/samantha-yash-south-celebs-who-have-their-own-fashion-brands-132500|title=Samantha to Yash: South celebs who have their own fashion brands|date=7 September 2020|newspaper=The News Minute|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831161154/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/samantha-yash-south-celebs-who-have-their-own-fashion-brands-132500|url-status=live}} He and his wife are joint ambassadors for Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/yash-radhika-to-be-brand-ambassadors/article33562661.ece|title=Yash, Radhika to be brand ambassadors|date=13 January 2021|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=4 May 2022|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413041619/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/yash-radhika-to-be-brand-ambassadors/article33562661.ece|url-status=live}} Yash is a representative for Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/yash-to-croon-national-anthem/articleshow/50830765.cms|title=Yash to croon national anthem|date=3 February 2016|access-date=5 May 2022|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810032912/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/Yash-to-croon-national-anthem/articleshow/50830765.cms|url-status=live}} Yash is also one of the highest grossing actors of Indian cinema.{{Cite web |title=Highest Cumulative Box Office Collection by Actor |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/box-office-collections/highest-cumulative-box-office-collection-actor/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |access-date=2 April 2024 |archive-date=2 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402183144/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/box-office-collections/highest-cumulative-box-office-collection-actor/ |url-status=live }}

• All films are in Kannada unless otherwise indicated

{{Pending films key}}

Yash is a recipient of three Filmfare Awards South from eight nominations — Best Supporting Actor – Kannada for Moggina Manasu, and Best Actor – Kannada for Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari and KGF: Chapter 1.

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{{Commons category|Yash}}

• {{IMDb name|5232139|Yash}}
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{{Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada}}

{{SIIMA Award for Best Actor}}

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{{KGF (film series)}}

Category:Living people

Category:1986 births

Category:21st-century Indian male actors

Category:Indian male film actors

Category:Indian male television actors

Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema

Category:Kannada playback singers

Category:Kannada male actors

Category:Male actors from Mysore

Category:Filmfare Awards South winners

Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners

Category:IIFA Utsavam winners