Pruthvi Ambaar (born 17 August 1988) is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Kannada and Tulu cinema, with notable appearances in Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil films. He began his career as a radio jockey in Mangaluru under the name RJ Nagaraj, before transitioning to acting through short films and television serials.
Ambaar made his film debut in the Tulu film Barke (2014) and gained early recognition with Pilibail Yamunakka (2016), directed by K Sooraj Shetty, which became a hit in the Tulu film industry. His breakthrough came with the Kannada romantic drama Dia (2020), directed by K S Ashoka, where his portrayal of Adi earned widespread critical acclaim. The film’s success established him as one of the most promising actors in South Indian cinema. For Dia, Ambaar won the SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Kannada and the Santhosham Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, along with nominations from critics’ associations.
Over the years, Ambaar has starred in films such as Sugarless (2022), Dooradarshana (2023), and Kothalavadi (2025).
Early life and education
Pruthvi Ambaar was born on 17 August 1988 in Udupi, Karnataka, India, into a Tulu-speaking family. He completed his schooling in Udupi and pursued higher education in Mangaluru, where he developed an interest in performing arts.
Before entering films, Ambaar worked as a radio jockey and appeared in short films and television serials, which helped him gain visibility and refine his acting skills. His early exposure to media and stage performances laid the foundation for his film career.
Career 2014-2020: Early Work and Tulu cinema Ambaar made his acting debut in the Tulu film Barke (2014). Though the film had a modest release, it marked his entry into cinema after working as a radio jockey and appearing in short films. He rose to prominence with Pilibail Yamunakka, directed by K Sooraj Shetty, co-starring Sonal Monteiro. The film was a major hit in the Tulu belt, earning him the Red FM Tulu Film Award for Best Actor. He continued to appear in regional hits like Appe Teacher and Rambarooti, earning praise for his comic timing and relatable performances.
2020-Present: Breakthrough in Kannada cinema and career expansion He made his Kannada film debut with Rajaru (2017), followed by DK Bose (2019), directed by Anil Kumar.
Ambaar’s career-defining moment came with Dia (2020), directed by K S Ashoka, opposite Kushee Ravi and Dheekshith Shetty. He portrayed Adi, a selfless lover. The film became a hit and earned Ambaar the SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Kannada. Ambaar reprised his role in the Hindi remake Dear Dia (2022), marking his Bollywood debut and its Marathi adaptation Sari (2023).
He also appeared in Kannada films like Sugarless (2022), directed by Shashidhar KM, opposite Priyanka Thimmesh. His other noteworthy role came through Bairagee alongside Shivarajkumar. Ambaar starred in Dooradarshana (2023), directed by Arvind Kuplikar, opposite Meghana Gaonkar, a nostalgic comedy set in the 1980s. He also featured in the anthology Pentagon (segment Karma).
He appeared in Juni, directed by Vaibhav, playing Partha in a romantic drama, and in Matsyagandha. His Tamil debut came with Mazhai Pidikkatha Manithan. His film Happily Married had a direct OTT release.
In 2025, Ambaar continued his successful run with Kothalavadi, an action drama directed by Lohith, and Bhuvanam Gaganam. He also signed Dear Uma (Telugu) and Life Is Beautiful, expanding his multilingual footprint.
Personal life Pruthvi married Parul Shukla on 3 November 2019 in a traditional ceremony held in Uppala, Kasaragod district. The couple first met over a decade earlier on the set of the dance reality show Great Karnataka Dance League in Bengaluru, where they were contestants on different teams. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Charvie, on 12 March 2022.
Filmography Films +KeyDenotes films that have not yet been released
YearTitleRoleLanguageNotesRef.2014BarkeTuluDebut film; credited as Nagaraj AmbarThe FlowKannadaShort films; Credited as Nagraj AmbaarYenchi Saav Maare2016Pilibail Yamunakka GauthamTuluKarvva RahulKannada Uncredited role2017Rajaru2018Ammer PolisaHimself TuluGuest appearancePammanne The Great2019DK BoseBharathKannadaGolmaalTuluAati Donji DinaEnglish2020DiaAdiKannadaKudkana MadmeTuluEnna2 Ekre2022Dear DiaAdi HindiHindi film debutBairageeVaatapiKannadaSugarlessVenkatesh VIP'S Last BenchTulu 2023 Dooradarshana ManuKannada PentagonAnthology film; segment KarmaSariAdiMarathi 2024 JuniParthaKannada For RegnAkshay MatsyagandhaParamMazhai Pidikkatha ManithanBurmaTamil 2025 Bhuvanam Gaganam Ram Kannada Dear Uma Dev Telugu Kothalavadi Mohana Kannada2026 ChowkidarSiddharthAmerica America 2 NeelLife Is Beautiful TBAPost-production
Television YearNameRoleNetworkNotes2008Radha Kalyana Sheelam Zee Kannada2014Sagara SangamaSanju2015Love LavikeManu2020Jothe JotheyaliNeelSpecial appearance2023FarziSunnyAmazon Prime VideoDubbed for Kannada version; webseries
Awards and nominations
Film Award Category Result Ref.Pilibail YamunakkaRED FM Tulu Film AwardsBest ActorDiaChandanavana Film Critics Academy Best Actor in a Leading Role-Male South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Male Debut – KannadaSantosham Film AwardsBest Actor in a Leading Role
References