Nagappa Sunil Kumar (born 12 June 1985), known professionally as Darling Krishna, is an Indian actor who primarily works in Kannada films.
He is a recipient of several accolades including a Filmfare Awards South and a South Indian International Movie Award.
Darling Krishna was born as Sunil Kumar N. on 12 June 1985 in Mysore, Karnataka.
His father Nagappa, is a retired police officer.
He completed his MBA from Bangalore.
2010
Krishna made his film debut with Jackie (2010).
Darling Krishna started his career as an assistant director for Duniya Soori in Jackie in 2010.
He also played a CID officer in the film.
2011
He then did a special role in Hudugaru in 2011.
Darling Krishna then portrayed the titular role in the Kannada soap-opera "Krishna Rukmini".
2013
For his performance in the 2013 film Madarangi, he received SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Kannada nomination.
Post his debut, Krishna starred in the Kannada soap-opera Krishna Rukmini.
Darling Krishna's first lead role came in 2013, with Madarangi opposite Sushma Raj.
It was a box office success.
B.S. Srivani of Deccan Herald noted, "Krishna manages to hold his own but a smug smile or a fixed grimace won’t carry the day for long."
2015
He had two releases in 2015.
He first appeared in Rudra Tandava.
The New Indian Express stated, "Krishna is placed well in his role."
He next portrayed the titular role opposite Vaishali Deepak in Charlie.
2016
Krishna had two releases in 2016 too.
He first appeared in Doddmane Hudga, a commercial success.
Times of India's Sunayana Suresh mentioned, "Darling Krishna has a role that is pivotal to the film's plot and delivers."
He next portrayed John in John Jani Janardhan.
2017
In 2017, he portrayed a bar accountant opposite Teju in Mumbai.
Times of India said, "Darling Krishna has all the qualities of a good commercial hero, but the film fails him despite him putting his all."
He next portrayed a MLA aspirant in Jaali Baaru Mattu Poli Hudugaru opposite Mansi Vasudeva, which had a delayed release later that year.
2018
In 2018, he portrayed Raam opposite Shravya Rao in Huccha 2.
Times of India mentioned, "Darling Krishna is earnest as Raam and has done a good job."
2020
Krishna's career marked a turning point with his directorial debut Love Mocktail (2020) and its sequel Love Mocktail 2 (2022).
He won Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Kannada and SIIMA Award for Best Film – Kannada, for the former.
Further success came with Lucky Man (2022) and Kousalya Supraja Rama (2023).
Krishna is married to his frequent co-actor Milana Nagaraj.
Krishna ventured into direction and production in 2020 with Love Mocktail, which proved as a major turning point in his career.
He portrayed a software engineer opposite Milana Nagaraj, who co-produced the film.
It became a critical and commercial success.
Aravind Shwetha of The News Minute noted, "Darling Krishna has managed both acting and direction with responsibility. His performance is up to the mark, especially as a doting husband."
The New Indian Express stated, "Krishna's role as Adi, who comes in different shades, is done with perfection."
In 2021, he appeared in a special song in Kotigobba 3.
