Rishab Shetty’s latest film, Kantara: Chapter 1, is breaking records, even outpacing the success of the original Kantara. While Rishab once again takes the spotlight as both hero and director, it’s his leading lady, Rukmini Vasanth, who’s drawing fresh attention.
That recognition comes largely from her standout performances in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A and Side B, her third and fourth films. Rukmini won over audiences with her emotional depth and natural charm in both parts, earning a strong and loyal fan base. Now, with the roaring success of Kantara: Chapter 1, her career has reached another remarkable high point.
Rukmini Vasanth, one of Kannada cinema’s rising stars, is the eldest daughter of Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, a martyred Indian Army officer, and Subhashini Vasanth, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and social activist. Colonel Vasanth Venugopal was Karnataka’s first recipient of the Ashoka Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Colonel Vasanth Venugopal was martyred in 2007 while leading an operation to stop infiltrators in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. His courage and sacrifice in the line of duty earned him the distinction of being the first soldier from Karnataka to receive the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
Their story of courage continues to inspire many. Rukmini has often spoken about her father’s sacrifice and how her family found strength through loss. “When I lost my father and saw my mother’s world collapse, I felt an urge to truly understand their pain — and to share that strength and emotion with others,” she said.
“I wanted to turn my family’s story and my own loss into something meaningful,” Rukmini recalled. “That experience gave me a deep sense of compassion — a desire to channel my pain into something that could do good for others.”
Later, the family established the Veer Ratna Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting the families of brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service to the nation. “It feels meaningful to reach beyond your own pain and stand with others who are hurting,” Rukmini said. “It creates a sense of shared strength and community.”
She studied at Bangalore Army Public School, Air Force School, and Centre for Learning before deciding to pursue a career in acting. On September 8, at an event in Coimbatore, Rukmini fondly spoke about her father and the lasting impact of his life and values.
Rukmini is currently busy with the Tamil film Madrasi, where she stars alongside Sivakarthikeyan. She continues to make headlines for her role in Kantara, which has brought her widespread acclaim. Up next, she will be seen in two highly anticipated projects — Yash’s Toxic and Jr NTR’s Dragon.
