Thanuja Puttaswamy, widely known as Thanuja Gowda, is a prominent actress in the South Indian television industry. After winning hearts as Parvathi in the blockbuster serial Mudda Mandaram, she recently made headlines as a strong finalist (1st Runner-Up) in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9.
The “Gowda Sisters” Confusion: Is Yashmi Gowda Thanuja’s Sister?
A frequent question among fans in 2026 is whether Thanuja Gowda and Yashmi Gowda (Bigg Boss 8 contestant) are sisters.
The Fact: No, they are not sisters. While both actresses share the same surname and have both participated in Bigg Boss, they belong to different families. Thanuja has two elder sisters named Anuja and Pooja. Anuja recently appeared on television during the Bigg Boss family reunion week to support Thanuja.
Early Life & Career
Born on March 5, 1992, in Bangalore, Thanuja started her career with the Kannada film 6-5=2 before becoming a household name in Telugu and Tamil television. Her dedication to her roles in Mudda Mandaram and Agnipariksha has established her as one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry.
Early Life & Background
Thanuja Puttaswamy, known to television audiences as Thanuja or Tanuja Gowda, was born and raised in Bengaluru, Karnataka. She comes from a middle-class family where discipline and simplicity were core values. Her father is Puttaswamy, and her mother is Savithri. She has two sisters, Anuja and Pooja, with whom she shares a close bond.
She completed her schooling in Bengaluru and later graduated from Bangalore University. Several public sources list her birthday as 5 March, although the exact birth year varies across platforms. To maintain factual accuracy, it is best described as “5 March, with differing reported years.”
Early Interest in Acting
Growing up in Bengaluru, Thanuja showed an interest in performing arts from a young age. She participated in cultural activities during her school and college years and eventually began taking part in local auditions. Her determination and family support helped her transition into the entertainment field.
Rise in Television
Thanuja’s career gained early momentum when she began acting in Kannada and Telugu television. Her breakthrough came with the Telugu serial Mudda Mandaram, a show that earned her recognition across Telugu households. Her performance established her on-screen identity as an expressive and confident actor capable of carrying emotionally layered roles.
She later appeared in other popular serials, including Agnipariksha, and has been involved in multiple projects across Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil television. Her steady rise in the industry reflects her adaptability and commitment to her craft.
Notable Work
- Mudda Mandaram – A career-changing role that introduced her to a larger audience.
- Agnipariksha – A series that marked her return to Telugu TV after a break.
- Reality Television – She reached the finalist stage in a Telugu cooking reality show, which expanded her fan base.
Her consistent presence across regional TV industries helped her build a diverse audience and maintain relevance in the competitive world of daily soaps.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 Journey
In 2025, Thanuja entered Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 as one of the celebrity contestants. Her participation brought her renewed media attention and introduced her to a younger, more digital-savvy audience.
Inside the Bigg Boss house, Thanuja has been portrayed as emotional, straightforward, and grounded. Viewers have noticed her balanced personality—she is expressive when needed, calm during conflicts, and respectful in her interactions. Her leadership qualities came into focus when she was chosen as the “Queen” in a key task, impressing the audience with her determination.
Family Week became one of the most emotional parts of her journey. Her sister’s visit to the house led to a heartfelt moment where both sisters were moved to tears. Their bond resonated strongly with viewers and became one of the most talked-about emotional highlights of the season.
Personality & Public Image
Thanuja is widely appreciated for her sincerity and emotional transparency. Whether on screen or in real-life interactions, she reflects a blend of sensitivity and inner strength. Her fans often note her graceful presence, respectful communication, and the relatability she brings to her roles.
On social media, Thanuja maintains a steady presence with posts on fashion, family moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and Bigg Boss updates. Her fan engagement has grown significantly following her appearance on the show.
Future Prospects
With her Bigg Boss Telugu 9 exposure and a strong foundation in television, Thanuja is expected to receive opportunities in serials, OTT projects, and brand collaborations. Her natural screen presence and emotional range make her suitable for a variety of roles, from family dramas to contemporary OTT storytelling.
She is also likely to explore digital content and influencer collaborations, given her expanding online following.
. Includes details on her sister Yashmi Gowda, her latest Telugu serials, and family background.){kind=link}