Kokila
Kokila is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Kokila began their career in 1984 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 42 years. With 30 credits to their name, Kokila remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 40+ years, Kokila's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
- Age
- 60
Biography
Sadhu Kokila (born Sahaya Sheelan Shadrach) is a Kannada cinema comedian, music director, actor, and filmmaker, primarily known for his comic roles and musical contributions in South Indian cinema. He appeared in the Telugu film Raa (2001) alongside Upendra and Priyanka Trivedi, and his stage name 'Kokila' was given to him by actor-director Upendra for his debut in the Kannada film Shhh!. He won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Music Director twice — for Rakshasa (2005) and Inthi Ninna Preethiya (2008) — demonstrating a career that spans performance and composition. He also made his directorial debut with Raktha Kanneeru (2003), establishing himself as a multi-hyphenate talent in Kannada film industry.
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Nooravathu Naal (7.5)
View film →Kokila by the Numbers
If you watched every Kokila film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 9 hours. Most-paired with Sathyaraj — 2 films together.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →
Collaboration Network
The Constellation
Top 3 most-paired collaborators. Bubble size and line thickness reflect how many films they share with Kokila.
Career Analytics
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →Kokila has worked most frequently with Sathyaraj (2 films), Priyanka Upendra (2 films), and Janagaraj (2 films).
Legacy & Influence
Kokila is a supporting actress in Telugu cinema, recognized for her work primarily in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her career trajectory is defined by character roles in films such as 'Raa' (2001), where she contributed to the narrative fabric of regional storytelling. While not a leading star, her presence in supporting ensembles added depth and authenticity to the films she was part of, a common and valued contribution in Indian cinema. Without a widely documented biography or a prolific leading filmography, her specific artistic influence remains modest and contained within the context of the projects she undertook. There is no substantial public record detailing major awards, pioneering performances, or a transformative impact on film genres or industry practices. Consequently, her legacy is that of a reliable performer within the Telugu film industry during a specific period, without evidence of broader cinematic influence or a lasting signature on the medium beyond her credited roles.