Meet Rakesh Venugopal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rakesh Venugopal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rakesh, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factors behind my success are passion and perseverance, deeply rooted in my journey through Indian cinema.

Starting with humble beginnings in modeling and short films like UNDO—which earned international acclaim at festivals such as the London Independent Film Awards—I built a foundation of on-camera experience. This early phase taught me resilience, as I navigated the challenges of transitioning from engineering to acting, often facing uncertainty but never wavering in my commitment.

A pivotal moment came when I landed a lead role in a soap opera with a major production company, followed by an unexpected breakthrough in films. For instance, auditioning for what I assumed was a minor role led to my lead part in a Feature Film, a project demanding unwavering dedication and later streaming on Amazon Prime. My return to Kannada cinema with Case No. 21 after a short break further underscored my perseverance; the script’s complexity reignited my passion, proving that timing and tenacity often align.

Beyond acting, my work as a mentor, judge for media companies, and advocate for the arts reflects a commitment to nurturing talent and giving back—an extension of my passion. Multilingual versatility across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and English projects also broadened my horizons, yet it’s the relentless drive to evolve and overcome setbacks that truly defines my journey.

In essence, while opportunities and adaptability played roles, it’s the enduring passion for storytelling and perseverance through challenges that have been the bedrock of my success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in versatility and authenticity, shaped by a journey that spans languages, roles, and creative mediums. What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly transition between industries—Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and English cinema—while infusing each character with emotional depth. Whether portraying a contract killer in the internationally acclaimed short film UNDO (honored at the London Independent Film Awards) or a sophisticated cop in Case No. 21, I strive to blend intensity with subtlety, making even stylized roles feel human. Beyond acting, my work as a mentor for young artists and a judge for media platforms like C2C Media reflects my commitment to nurturing talent, bridging my on-screen craft with off-screen advocacy for the arts.

I’m most proud of two things:

The global recognition of UNDO, which showcased storytelling as a universal language.

My comeback in Case No. 21 after a deliberate break—a role that reignited my passion and proved resilience pays off.

Balancing between acting and my job as a cybersecurity professional required meticulous time management and unwavering focus. Juggling two demanding careers meant sacrificing downtime, but it also taught me discipline. For years, I worked in cybersecurity by day and pursued acting opportunities by night—modeling, short films, and minor TV roles. This duality forced me to maximize every moment, whether preparing for auditions during lunch breaks or studying scripts after late-night shifts. A turning point came when a “small” audition landed me a lead role in Natakam (now streaming on Amazon Prime), which demanded months of physical and emotional preparation. Eventually, I transitioned fully into acting, but the analytical mindset from cybersecurity—problem-solving, attention to detail—uniquely informs my creative process.

Challenges? Balancing two careers amplified industry competition and self-doubt. I overcame them by:

Adapting: Leveraging my technical background to approach roles methodically, almost like decoding a character’s “code.”

Resilience: Using cybersecurity’s structured workflows to stay organized amid artistic uncertainty.

Community: Advocating for mental health in the arts, ensuring no artist walks their path alone.

Key lessons I’ve learned:

Dual careers fuel growth: Skills from one field can unexpectedly elevate the other.

Authenticity matters: Audiences connect with vulnerability, not perfection.

Time is your greatest asset: Prioritizing passion makes even the busiest schedules sustainable.

What I want the world to know:
My story isn’t just about films—it’s about harmonizing contrasts. From cybersecurity professional to actor, Kannada cinema to global stages, I’ve proven that diverse paths can coexist and enrich one another. My brand is built on resilience, bridging logic and creativity, and empowering others to pursue unconventional dreams. Whether through a gritty police role or mentoring grassroots talent, I aim to show that art and technology aren’t opposites—they’re tools to reimagine what’s possible.

Above all, I want my journey to remind others that passion thrives in the unlikeliest places. Balancing two worlds taught me that setbacks are setups for comebacks—and that purpose, not ease, defines success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado Adventure & Brewery Itinerary : A Week of Peaks, Thrills, and Craft Brews

Day 1: Denver Arrival – Breweries & Coffee Vibes

Morning: Settle in and explore downtown Denver. Start with coffee at Corvus Coffee Roasters (their single-origin pour-overs are legendary!). Stroll through Union Station or the RiNo Art District for murals.

Lunch: Denver Central Market (gourmet bites).

Afternoon: Visit Cerebral Brewing (your favorite)—try their hazy IPAs or experimental sours.

Evening: Dinner at Linger (global street food with rooftop views). Cap the night at a cozy cocktail bar (Death & Co or Green Russell).

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park – Alpine Majesty

Morning: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Hike the Bear Lake Trail or Dream Lake for iconic views.

Lunch: Picnic by Sprague Lake.

Afternoon: Scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road (stop at Alpine Visitor Center—12,000 feet!).

Evening: Dinner in Estes Park at The Stanley Hotel (historic haunt with ghost stories).

Day 3: Boulder – Flatirons, Brews & Coffee Detour

Morning: Hike the First/Second Flatiron Trail (stunning rock formations).

Lunch: Refuel at Pearl Street Mall—grab a sandwich at Il Pastaio.

Afternoon: Explore Pearl Street’s shops, then drive 45 minutes to Fort Collins for coffee at Monk & Mongoose Coffee Co (try their nitro cold brew or lavender latte). Return to Boulder for Sanitas Brewing or Avery Brewing Co.

Evening: Dinner at Frasca Food & Wine (Nordic-Italian fusion).

Day 4: Colorado Springs – Incline & Red Rocks

Morning: Conquer the Manitou Incline (2,744 steps—2,000 ft elevation gain!).

Lunch: Recover with green chili at The Pantry.

Afternoon: Wander Garden of the Gods (otherworldly red rock formations).

Evening: Sunset at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, then dinner at The Broadmoor’s Penrose Room.

Day 5: Telluride – Via Ferrata & Mountain Magic

Morning: Fly or drive to Telluride (scenic 6-hour drive or 1-hour flight).

Lunch: Slurp ramen at Siam.

Afternoon: Tackle the Telluride Via Ferrata (cliffside cables with jaw-dropping drops).

Evening: Soak in views at Allred’s Restaurant (mountain-top dining).

Day 6: Telluride – Chill & Explore

Morning: Hike Bridal Veil Falls (Colorado’s tallest waterfall).

Lunch: Tacos at Taco del Gnar.

Afternoon: Free time—mountain bike, stroll the historic town, or ride the free gondola.

Evening: Craft beer at Telluride Brewing Co.

Day 7: Return to Denver – Brewery Farewell & Coffee Finale

Morning: Fly/drive back to Denver. Head to Corvus Coffee Roasters (another location!) or brunch at Syrup.

Lunch: Time for some Indian food at Bawarchi( try their Biryani).

Afternoon: Final brewery stop at Lone Tree Brewing Company (try the Mexican Lager).

Farewell Dinner: Guard and Grace (steakhouse perfection) or The Buckhorn Exchange (Old West vibes).

What Makes This Itinerary Uniquely “You”:

Adventure First: From the Incline’s brutal stairs to Via Ferrata’s cliffs, you’re leaning into Colorado’s wild side.

Brewery & Coffee Love: Prioritizing Cerebral, Max Taps, Lone Tree, Corvus, and Monk & Mongoose ensures your personal favorites shine.

Mountain Worship: Rocky Mountain NP and Telluride highlight why you moved here—the peaks are your sanctuary.

Pro Tip: Swap a day for whitewater rafting (Arkansas River) or a hot springs soak (Mt. Princeton) if your crew needs a breather! ☕🏔️🍻

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my family, directors, technicians and friends who supported me throughout my journey.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15355084/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsaroundrocky/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakeshvenugopal90/