Diganth

Diganth Manchale (born 28 December 1983), mononymously known as Diganth, is an Indian actor and former model who primarily works in Kannada films. Diganth made his acting debut in ''Miss California'' in 2006. He is a recipient of one SIIMA Award along with four Filmfare Award South nominations. Diganth's success pushed him to be among the top league actors of Kannada cinema.

Diganath had his first success with ''Gaalipata'' (2008), which earned him the title "Doodhpeda" and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada nomination. He then received praises for his performance in '' Manasaare'' (2009), ''Pancharangi'' (2010), ''Lifeu Ishtene'' (2011) and ''Parijatha'' (2012), receiving Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada nomination for the former two. His career saw a setback with few unsuccessful films including his Hindi debut ''Wedding Pullav'' (2015). Diganath received further success with ''Chowka'', ''Happy New Year'', both (2017). He received SIIMA Best Actor in a Supporting Role nomination for the latter. His work in ''Katheyondu Shuruvagide'' (2018) earned him another Best Actor nomination.

Diganath is married to his frequent co-actor Aindrita Ray.

Early life and education

Diganth Manchale was born on 28 December 1983 in Sagara, Karnataka. His father, Krishnamurthy, is a professor, and his mother Mallika, is a homemaker. Diganth has an elder brother, Akash Manchale.

Diganath completed schooling from Seva Bharathi and pre-university in Tunga Mahavidyalaya, Thirthahalli. He completed his bachelor's degree in Commerce from Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, a part of Jain University in Bengaluru, and was a model before joining the Kannada film industry in 2006.

Personal life

Diganth is sometimes called "Doodhpedha" by his fans, referencing his popular role by that name.
Diganth married actress Aindrita Ray on 12 December 2018, after 10 years of courtship.

Career

Debut and early success (2006-2011)

Diganth made his acting debut with ''Miss California'' in 2006. '' Rediff.com'' mentioned, "Diganth is a big letdown and has not made any efforts to act." The same year, he acted in ''SMS 6260'', ''Mandya'', '' Kadala Mage'' (his Tulu debut) and a noted cameo appearance in ''Mungaru Male'' opposite Pooja Gandhi. In 2007, he portrayed a lecturer in ''Meera Madhava Raghava'' opposite Ramya.

Diganth first recognition came with the 2008 film ''Gaalipata''. He portrayed a medical student opposite Neethu. The film received critical acclaim and was a box office success. ''Deccan Herald'' mentioned that Diganth has shown "maturity" in his act. While '' Rediff.com'' noted, "The film's surprise element is Diganth who rocks with a vibrant performance." He received Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada nomination for his performance. The same year, he made his Telugu debut with '' Vaana'' and appeared in ''Mast Maja Maadi'', a remake of '' Golmaal: Fun Unlimited''.

In 2009, Diganath had three releases. Firstly, he appeared '' House Full''. '' Rediff.com'' said, "Diganth with his dimpled looks is much better than his comedy role in Masth Maja Maadi." Next, he portrayed orphaned unemployed Manohara in '' Manasaare'' opposite Aindrita Ray. ''Deccan Herald'' said Diganth shows "He can act". '' Rediff.com'' mentioned, "Diganth is first class in his performance." He received Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada. His final film of the year was '' Male Bille''.

His first release of 2010 came with '' Bisile'' opposite Jennifer Kotwal. Next, he appeared in ''Swayamvara'' opposite Srinagara Kitty and Sharmiela Mandre. In his year's final release, he portrayed a carefree individual opposite Nidhi Subbaiah in ''Pancharangi''. It was a box office success. '' Rediff.com'' noted, "Diganth outdoes his ''Manaasare'' act. He gets both his dialogues and expressions right." Diganth received another Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada nomination.

Diganth had six releases in 2011. Firstly, he appeared in ''Jolly Boy'' with Rekha Vedavyas. Next, he appeared in '' Mr. Duplicate''. ''News18'' wrote that Diganth "shine well in his roles." In his third release, he portrayed a music lover in ''Lifeu Ishtene'' opposite Sindhu Lokanath and Samyukta Hornad. It emerged as a commercial success. ''News18'' noted, "Diganth natural dialogue delivery and lively performance are the plus point. He looks extremely handsome." He next appeared in ''Putra'' as Krishna and in ''Taare''. His final release of the year was '' Kaanchaana'' with Ragini Dwivedi. ''DNA India'' wrote, "Diganth steals the show with his quick comic timing."

Career progression and expansion (2012-present)

In 2012, he apoeared in ''Parijatha''. All of these films brought him much popularity and stardom. He went on to play the lead in director Indrajith Lankesh's '' Dev Son of Mudde Gowda'' in 2012 which received mixed reactions.

In 2015, Diganth made his Bollywood debut with ''Wedding Pullav'' opposite Anushka Ranjan. ''Bollywood Hungama'' said, "Diganth fails to leave a strong impression on the audiences with his performance." He next appeared in '' Minchagi Nee Baralu'' opposite Kriti Kharbanda. ''Times of India'' saying that he's the "biggest plus point of the film". His final film of the year was '' Sharp Shooter'' with Sangeeta Chauhan.

In 2017, Diganth was part of ''Chowka'' which was a blockbuster hit. In that same year, he acted in Happy New Year for which he was nominated for SIMA best supporting role.

Under Pushkar films he acted in ''Katheyondu Shuruvagide'', a romantic movie for which he was nominated for the SIIMA award for best actor. He also played a supporting role in Puneeth Rajkumar starrer ''Yuvaratnaa''.

Later, he acted in suspense thriller movie ''Huttu Habbada Shubhashayagalu''. He played a village boy role in ''Kshamisi Nimma Khateyalli Hanavilla''.

He was also the part of Gaalipata 2 film where his "aghori" character was praised.

Filmography

Films

* ''All films are in Kannada, unless otherwise noted.''

Web series

Awards and nominations

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Diganth
1983 births
Living people
People from Shimoga district
Indian male film actors
Kannada male actors
Male actors in Kannada cinema
Male actors in Hindi cinema
21st-century Indian male actors
Tulu people
Male actors in Telugu cinema