Apart from acting, Krishna established the production house Krishna Talkies. He is married to the actressMilana Nagaraj with whom he has a daughter.[6]
Darling Krishna was born as Sunil Kumar N. on 12 June 1985 inMysore,Karnataka.[7][1] His father Nagappa, is a retired police officer. He completed hisMBA fromBangalore.[8]
Darling Krishna started his career as an assistant director forDuniya Soori inJackie in 2010. He also played a CID officer in the film.[9] He then did a special role inHudugaru in 2011.[10] Darling Krishna then portrayed the titular role in the Kannada soap-opera "Krishna Rukmini".[11]
Darling Krishna's first lead role came in 2013, withMadarangi oppositeSushma Raj. It was a box office success.[12] B.S. Srivani ofDeccan Herald noted, "Krishna manages to hold his own but a smug smile or a fixed grimace won’t carry the day for long."[13]
In 2017, he portrayed a bar accountant opposite Teju inMumbai.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."[19] He next portrayed a MLA aspirant inJaali Baaru Mattu Poli Hudugaru opposite Mansi Vasudeva, which had a delayed release later that year.[20] In 2018, he portrayed Raam opposite Shravya Rao inHuccha 2.[21]Times of India mentioned, "Darling Krishna is earnest as Raam and has done a good job."[22]
Directorial debut, success and acclaim (2020–2022)
Krishna ventured into direction and production in 2020 withLove Mocktail, which proved as a major turning point in his career. He portrayed a software engineer oppositeMilana Nagaraj, who co-produced the film.[23] It became a critical and commercial success. Aravind Shwetha ofThe 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."[24]The New Indian Express stated, "Krishna's role as Adi, who comes in different shades, is done with perfection."[25]
Krishna had four releases in 2022. He first reprised his role inLove Mocktail 2 opposite Milana Nagaraj. It became a box office success.[29]Deccan Herald stated, "Krishna sticks to the strengths of the much-loved 2020 romantic drama and does his part well."[30]Times of India stated that Krishna is "endearing and entertaining".[31] He next appeared opposite Meenakshi Dixit in the much delayed filmLocal Train.[32] Krishna appeared oppositeSangeetha Sringeri andRoshni Prakash inLucky Man.[33]Cinema Express mentioned, "Krishna delivers a complete performance. He fits perfectly into all phases of the character."[34] In his last film of the year, he portrayed a IT engineer oppositeNishvika Naidu and Megha Shetty.[35]News18 wrote, "Darling Krishna’s performance will keep you glued to your seats."[36]
In 2023, Krishna first appeared opposite Nimika Ratnakar inMr. Bachelor.Cinema Express stated, "Krishna brings in all-around entertainment and gets to showcase a bit of his dancing skills."[37] He then portrayed a software engineer opposite Milana Nagaraj inLove Birds.[38]The New Indian Express found his performance to be "natural and poignant". WhileTimes of India wrote, "Krishna and Milana impress with their performance as a couple that is very much in love, but are unable to see through their differences."[39][40] Krishna later portrayed a chauvinist inKousalya Supraja Rama opposite Milana Nagaraj andBrinda Acharya. The film became a critical and commercial success.[41][42] A. Sharadhaa ofThe New Indian Express noted, "Krishna’s portrayal of his character in two shades mirrors the reality of many households in society and his performance adds depth to the movie."[43] In his last release of the year, Krishna played a wedding planner in love in,Sugar Factory oppositeSonal Monteiro.[44] Y Maheswara Reddy ofBangalore Mirror stated, "Krishna, excels as a lover boy. He remains convincing as a casual as well as a true lover."[45]
Krishna will next appear inLove Me Or Hate Me oppositeRachita Ram.[46]
Sunil Kumar changed his name to Krishna, after the success of his first Kannada serial,Krishna Rukmini (2011).[11]
Krishna met actressMilana Nagaraj on the sets of the filmNam Duniya Nam Style. They eventually started dating in 2015.[47] Krishna married Milana on 14 February 2021, in a private traditional ceremony on the outskirts ofBengaluru.[48][49] On 5 September 2024, Milana gave birth to their daughter Pari.[50][51]
