Jagan
Yeduguri Sandinti Jagan Mohan Reddy, commonly known as Y. S. Jagan or Jagan, is an Indian politician, entrepreneur, and the founder-president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), who served as the 17th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2019 to 2024.[1][2][3] Born on December 21, 1972, in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, he is the son of the late Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, a two-term Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh and a key figure in the Indian National Congress.[1][3] Jagan entered politics following his father's death in a helicopter crash in 2009 and has since become a prominent leader in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and opposition to the state's bifurcation.[1][4] Jagan completed his schooling at Hyderabad Public School and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Pragathi Mahavidyalaya, Osmania University, in 1994.[1][5][6] Prior to politics, he built a successful business career starting in 1999, founding companies in power generation such as Sandur Power Company in Karnataka, and expanding into real estate, mining, and media with the launch of the Telugu daily Sakshi in 2008, which became a major regional publication.[7][3][8] His business ventures, often leveraging family connections during his father's tenure, amassed significant wealth, making him one of India's richest politicians with declared assets exceeding ₹500 crore as of 2024.[5][6] Jagan's political journey began in 2009 when he won the Lok Sabha seat from Kadapa as a Congress candidate, but he resigned in 2010 amid disagreements over party leadership following his father's death.[3][4] In 2011, he founded the YSRCP to honor his father's legacy and promote populist policies targeting farmers, youth, and the poor, securing a by-election win to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Pulivendula in 2012.[2][3] Despite facing legal challenges, including a 2012 arrest on corruption charges related to business dealings, which he claimed were politically motivated, YSRCP emerged as the largest opposition party in 2014 before sweeping to power in the 2019 state elections.[7][8] As Chief Minister, he implemented flagship welfare programs like Navaratnalu (nine gems), providing financial aid, pensions, and healthcare benefits to millions, alongside investments in education and irrigation projects.[2][4] His tenure ended after YSRCP's defeat in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, where the party lost to a TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance, reducing Jagan's seats from 151 to 11.[1][9] Post-2024, Jagan has continued as YSRCP president, critiquing the new government's policies and facing ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities during his administration, including a liquor scam.[10][11] Married to Bharati Reddy since 1998, he has two daughters, Harsha and Varsha, and remains a polarizing figure known for his mass appeal among rural voters and advocacy for Andhra Pradesh's special category status.[3][1]Early life
Birth and family background
Jagan Purushottam was born on December 16, 1976, in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.[12][13] He grew up in Chennai within a Tamil Hindu family.[13] Jagan holds Indian nationality and practices Hinduism.[13] His zodiac sign is Sagittarius, and he follows a non-vegetarian diet.[13]Initial interests and entry into entertainment
Jagan developed an early interest in entertainment during his upbringing in Chennai, where he pursued hobbies such as painting and travelling that influenced his creative inclinations.[13] Prior to entering the film industry, he gained initial exposure through stage performances and minor television appearances, which helped hone his comedic timing and on-screen presence.[13] His professional entry into Tamil cinema occurred with a supporting role as Krishna's friend in the 2005 romantic comedy Kanda Naal Mudhal, directed by V. Priya, marking his debut after assisting in local entertainment circles.[14][15]Career
Film acting career
Jagan began his film acting career in 2005 with a supporting role as Krishna's friend in the romantic comedy Kanda Naal Mudhal, marking his entry into Tamil cinema.[14] That same year, he appeared as Jaga in the drama Ponniyin Selvan, followed by minor roles in films such as Vallavan (2006) and Satham Podathey (2007), where he portrayed characters that showcased his emerging comedic flair in ensemble casts.[14] His breakthrough arrived in 2009 with the action thriller Ayan, directed by K. V. Anand, in which he played Chitti Babu, a small-time smuggler and the protagonist's friend; the role earned him critical acclaim for his impeccable comedic timing and earned widespread recognition in the industry.[16] This performance solidified his position as a go-to comedian for supporting parts. Throughout the 2010s, Jagan established himself with memorable comedic supporting roles in major Tamil films, including Poochi in the romantic action film Paiyaa (2010), Chander in the political thriller Ko (2011), and a key ally in the adventure drama Maryan (2013).[17] He continued this trajectory with appearances in over 40 films across the decade and into the 2020s, contributing to the comedic elements in diverse genres while maintaining a focus on character-driven humor.[17] In 2019, Jagan transitioned to a lead role for the first time in the comedy Enakku Innum Kalyanam Aagala, portraying Madhavan, a constable inspired by real-life events, which allowed him to explore a more central narrative as a relatable everyman rather than a sidekick.[18] His career, spanning from 2005 to 2024, includes a prominent role in Shankar's Indian 2 (2024), where he played a significant character recommended by the late K. V. Anand, underscoring his enduring impact on Tamil cinema through versatile comedic contributions that enhanced ensemble dynamics in blockbuster productions.[16]Television hosting and appearances
Jagan made his debut as a television host in 2007 with the stand-up comedy show King Queen Jack on Vijay TV, co-hosting alongside Ramya Subramanian in a format that featured humorous sketches and audience interaction.[13] In 2008, he anchored Kadavul Paadhi Mirugam Paadhi on Vijay TV, a satirical movie review program that blended comedy with film critiques, often delivering hard-hitting yet entertaining commentary on Tamil cinema releases, though the show was discontinued after facing criticism for its bold commentary.[19][20] Jagan gained widespread recognition for hosting the long-running game show Connexion from 2013 to 2017 on Vijay TV, where pairs of contestants—often including celebrities—competed by establishing thematic links between clues, testing their rapport and quick thinking in a lively variety format.[21][22] In 2021, he appeared as a contestant on Rowdy Baby, a reality game show on Sun TV, partnering with his wife Vaanmathi to participate in fun challenges that highlighted celebrity couples' personal stories and dynamics.[23] Returning to hosting in 2022, Jagan fronted Run Baby Run on Zee Tamil, a weekly reality series involving Tamil film industry participants in high-energy games and tasks, emphasizing speed and strategy.[24][25] As a comedian and host, Jagan has left a notable mark on Tamil television through his spontaneous humor, strong rapport with guests, and skill in sustaining audience engagement across diverse variety show structures, making complex formats accessible and entertaining.[19]Directorial and other works
Jagan transitioned from his established career in acting and television hosting to directing, marking a significant evolution in his professional journey by exploring creative roles behind the camera. This shift was influenced by his long-standing admiration for filmmaking, particularly inspired by his close association with director K. V. Anand, who had encouraged his creative pursuits.[26] His directorial debut came with the Tamil micro web series Aanandham Aarambham in 2022, a romantic comedy produced for Disney+ Hotstar and starring Santhosh Prathap and Abhirami Venkatachalam. The eight-episode series, with each episode around 4 minutes long, follows a lighthearted narrative centered on young love and everyday humor, drawing from relatable pop culture elements. Jagan's motivation for this project was deeply personal, as he credited Anand's guidance for pushing him toward direction, stating that the late filmmaker's encouragement was pivotal in realizing this venture. He dedicated the series to Anand, who had passed away in 2021, expressing that Anand would have been pleased with the outcome.[26][27] The series received positive reception for its engaging script, humor, and concise storytelling, described as a delightful and quick watch suitable for streaming audiences. Critics and viewers praised its fresh take on romance, highlighting Jagan's adept handling of the rom-com genre in his first directorial effort. This project underscored Jagan's diversification beyond on-screen roles, contributing to his involvement in over 40 media projects spanning films, television, and now digital content, where he has balanced performance with creative production.[26][27]Personal life
Marriage and relationships
Jagan entered into a love marriage with his longtime girlfriend Vaanmathi on September 12, 2017, at GG Mahal in Arumbakkam, Chennai.[28] The union was initially opposed by Vaanmathi's parents, but actor Suriya, Jagan's co-star from the film Ayan, played a pivotal role in facilitating the marriage by intervening personally.[29] Suriya's father, veteran actor Sivakumar, further supported the couple by assuring Vaanmathi's family of Jagan's character, likening him to their own son and emphasizing his suitability as a partner.[29] The couple maintains a private family life in Chennai, where they have built a supportive household that balances Jagan's demanding career in entertainment.[29] Vaanmathi has occasionally joined Jagan in public and professional settings, such as their joint participation as contestants in the 2021 Sun TV reality show Rowdy Baby, highlighting their strong relational dynamics.[23] This partnership has provided Jagan with emotional stability, particularly during career transitions, as evidenced by the familial encouragement from Suriya's circle that extended beyond the wedding.[29]Hobbies and notable incidents
Jagan maintains a diverse set of personal interests outside his professional commitments, including painting and travelling, which allow him to explore creative expression and new experiences. He is also a dedicated follower of cricket, often engaging with the sport as a spectator during matches and events. These pursuits reflect his inclination toward artistic and leisurely activities that provide balance amid his demanding schedule in entertainment.[13] Among his preferences, Jagan favors biriyani as his go-to dish, appreciating its flavorful profile, and regards Varanasi as his preferred city, drawn to its cultural and spiritual depth. These choices highlight his affinity for culinary traditions and historical locales that resonate with his personal tastes.[13] A significant incident in Jagan's personal life occurred on January 20, 2018, near Vandavasi in Tamil Nadu, when the car he was traveling in collided with a motorcycle on the highway to Chennai. The victim, 25-year-old Useen from Thazhampallam village, was riding the bike from Vandavasi and sustained severe injuries; he received initial treatment at Vandavasi Government Hospital before being transferred to Chengalpattu Government Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.[30] Jagan clarified that he was not driving the vehicle, emphasizing that his driver had pulled over for a brief restroom break, rendering the car stationary at the time of impact, and that a speeding motorcycle struck it. He denied any intoxication and stated he promptly called an ambulance upon witnessing the crash. Police detained Jagan and the occupants for questioning at Vandavasi station but released them after preliminary inquiries, with investigations ongoing to ascertain full details. No charges of drunk driving were substantiated against Jagan in reports.[31][30]Filmography
Feature films
Jagan made his acting debut in the 2005 romantic comedy Kanda Naal Mudhal, marking the start of his career in supporting roles within Tamil cinema.) His breakthrough came with the 2009 action thriller Ayan, where he played the notable comic role of Chitti Babu, earning widespread recognition for his comedic timing.) Over the years, he has appeared in over 40 feature films, primarily in comedic and supporting capacities, with occasional lead roles in smaller productions. The following is a chronological list of his feature film appearances, highlighting notable roles and key milestones such as his debut, breakthrough performances, and lead films like Paiyaa (2010) and Ko (2011). Roles are specified where they are prominently credited.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Kanda Naal Mudhal | Krishna's friend | Debut film.) |
| 2005 | Ponniyin Selvan | Jaga | Supporting role.) |
| 2005 | Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy | Supporting role.) | |
| 2006 | Vallavan | Vallavan's friend | Uncredited role.) |
| 2007 | Satham Podathey | Jagan | Supporting role.) |
| 2007 | Oram Po | Supply | Comedy elements.) |
| 2007 | Pori | Himself | Romantic comedy.) |
| 2009 | Ayan | Chitti Babu | Breakthrough role; comic relief in action thriller.)[32] |
| 2010 | Paiyaa | Poochi | Key supporting comic role.) |
| 2010 | Nil Gavani Sellathey | Milo | Supporting.) |
| 2010 | Chikku Bukku | Sekhar's friend | Romantic drama.) |
| 2010 | Thottu Paar | Comedy.[33] | |
| 2011 | Ko | Chander | Notable supporting role in political thriller.)[32] |
| 2011 | Doo | Kutty | Lead/supporting in comedy.) |
| 2012 | Ambuli | Marudhan | Horror-thriller role.) |
| 2013 | Vatthikuchi | Vanaraj | Supporting.) |
| 2013 | Karuppampatti | Karuppu | Supporting.) |
| 2013 | Yaaruda Mahesh | Vasanth | Supporting.) |
| 2013 | Pattathu Yaanai | Ada Murugesan | Comedy role.) |
| 2013 | Endrendrum Punnagai | Jackson | Musical romance.) |
| 2013 | Maryan | Sami | Supporting in adventure drama.)[32] |
| 2014 | Venmegam | Bhaskar | Supporting.) |
| 2014 | Vallinam | Jagan | Sports drama.) |
| 2014 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | Satheesh | Friend role in thriller.) |
| 2014 | Sooran | Supporting.) | |
| 2014 | Pappali | Comedy.) | |
| 2014 | Iravum Pagalum Varum | Karthi's friend | Supporting.) |
| 2014 | Irumbu Kuthirai | Jagan | Action role.) |
| 2015 | Sagaptham | Maruthu | Supporting.) |
| 2015 | India Pakistan | Haridas/Pavadai | Comedy.) |
| 2015 | Aavi Kumar | Kumar's friend | Romantic thriller.) |
| 2015 | Anegan | Saamuda/Jagan | Romantic drama.) |
| 2015 | Savaale Samaali | Billa | Lead comic role.) |
| 2015 | Thoonga Vanam | Jagan | Remake thriller. Also released as Cheekati Rajyam in Telugu.) |
| 2016 | Uyire Uyire | Rahul's friend | Romantic drama.) |
| 2016 | Manal Kayiru 2 | Comedy sequel.) | |
| 2017 | Kavan | Jagan | Thriller.) |
| 2017 | Bayama Irukku | Mani | Comic role in horror.) |
| 2017 | Brahma.com | Jagan | Horror-comedy.) |
| 2018 | Mr. Chandramouli | Partha | Sports drama.) |
| 2019 | Jackpot | Rahul's friend | Comedy.) |
| 2019 | Enakku Innum Kalyanam Aagala | Madhavan | Romantic comedy lead.) |
| 2020 | Asuraguru | Jagannathan | Action.) |
| 2021 | Thalli Pogathey | Karthik's friend | Drama.) |
| 2022 | Rocketry: The Nambi Effect | Young A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | Biopic role. Also shot in Hindi.[32] |
| 2022 | Poikkal Kuthirai | Madhan | Drama. Known as Super Daddy in Hindi dub.) |
| 2023 | Raththam | Thriller.[32] | |
| 2023 | Erumbhu | Drama.[32] | |
| 2023 | Pallu Padama Paathuka | Arumai Nayagam | Comedy.) |
| 2023 | Ghosty | Horror-comedy.) | |
| 2023 | Ithu Kathaiyalla Nijam | Drama.) | |
| 2024 | Indian 2 | Thambesh | Action sequel.) |
| 2024 | Rocket Driver | Professor | Comedy.) |
| 2024 | Idi Minnal Kadhal | Raja | Lead role in drama.) |
Television
Jagan began his television career as a host on Tamil channels, featuring in both game shows and reality programs. His credits span hosting roles that highlighted his comedic timing and participant appearances in competitive formats. The following lists his key television works chronologically.- King Queen Jack (2007, Vijay TV, Host): A stand-up comedy show co-hosted with Ramya Subramanian.)
- Kadavul Paadhi Mirugam Paadhi (2008, Vijay TV, Host): A movie review program known for its candid and critical commentary, which was discontinued due to controversial reviews.)
- Connexion (2013–2017, Star Vijay, Host): A long-running game show where paired contestants answered questions to identify connections between seemingly unrelated items; it aired over four seasons and emphasized quick thinking and humor.)
- Rowdy Baby (2021, Sun TV, Participant): A reality game show where Jagan appeared alongside his wife Vaanmathi, competing in tasks testing couple dynamics and knowledge.)
- Run Baby Run (2022, Zee Tamil, Host): A weekly reality show challenging participants' mental and physical endurance through various games and obstacles.)