Board Advisors
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Hon’ble Board of Advisors for Film Festival
The Guiding Voices Behind the Festival
Industry legends from Kannada cinema, journalism, and public life whose experience and credibility shape the direction of the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026.
Sadhu Kokila
Actor & Music Director
Board of Advisor
Sadhu Kokila
One of Kannada cinema’s most versatile talents — an actor, music director, and comedian whose work has entertained millions and defined an era of Karnataka’s popular cinema. Currently serving as the President of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, he leads key initiatives for the Kannada film industry including the Bengaluru International Film Festival. From composing chart-topping soundtracks to delivering unforgettable comedic performances, Sadhu Kokila is a name that resonates with every Kannada film lover.
From a self-taught musician to one of the industry’s most sought-after artists, Sadhu Kokila’s journey is a testament to raw talent and relentless hard work. Spanning decades and hundreds of films, he brings an unmatched understanding of audience connect, commercial filmmaking, and musical storytelling to the festival’s advisory board. His presence ensures the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival values both artistic merit and the power of cinema to connect with hearts across generations and geographies — making him an invaluable voice in shaping a festival that celebrates both craft and popular appeal.
Jogi
Writer and Journalist
Board of Advisor
Jogi
One of Karnataka’s most respected voices in literary journalism and cultural commentary — a writer whose words have shaped public discourse and influenced generations of Kannada readers and thinkers. From fearless journalism to insightful cultural criticism, Jogi is a name that commands respect across Karnataka’s media and literary landscape.
Decades of experience in writing, journalism, and cultural analysis have given Jogi a sharp editorial eye and deep understanding of narrative storytelling — both of which he brings to the festival’s advisory board. His ability to evaluate stories not just as cinema but as cultural statements makes him a vital voice in the selection process. His presence ensures the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival recognizes films that carry substance, meaning, and the courage to tell stories that matter — making him an essential advisor in shaping a festival that values both artistic depth and journalistic integrity.
Ravi Kumar
Editor-in-Chief, News First Kannada
Board of Advisor
Ravi Kumar
A leading figure in Kannada television journalism and media leadership — an editor whose editorial vision has shaped how Karnataka consumes news and understands current affairs. From building newsrooms to driving bold editorial decisions, Ravi Kumar is a name synonymous with credibility and media excellence in Karnataka.
Having led one of Karnataka’s prominent news channels, Ravi Kumar brings a keen understanding of storytelling, public impact, and media strategy to the festival’s advisory board. His ability to assess narratives through the lens of reach, relevance, and responsibility adds a unique dimension to the festival’s evaluation process. His presence ensures the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival stays connected to the pulse of Karnataka’s audience and media landscape — making him an invaluable advisor in shaping a festival that resonates with both critics and the broader public.
Satya Hegde
Cinematographer
Board of Advisor
Satya Hegde
One of Kannada cinema’s finest cinematographers — an artist whose visual storytelling has elevated countless films and set new benchmarks for the craft of filmmaking in Karnataka. From capturing raw emotion to painting grand cinematic landscapes, Satya Hegde is a name that defines visual excellence in Kannada cinema.
A career built on creating iconic visual narratives has given Satya Hegde a deep technical mastery and artistic sensibility that he brings to the festival’s advisory board. His understanding of how light, composition, and camera movement shape a film’s emotional impact makes him an essential voice in evaluating cinematic quality. His presence ensures the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival values the art of visual storytelling as much as writing and direction — making him an indispensable advisor in shaping a festival that celebrates cinema as a complete visual and narrative experience.
Nisha Yogeshwar
Actress & Politician
Board of Advisor
Nisha Yogeshwar
A celebrated actress and public leader whose career spans both the silver screen and the corridors of governance — a woman whose voice carries weight in Karnataka’s cinema, culture, and civic life. From powerful on-screen performances to passionate advocacy for arts and culture, Nisha Yogeshwar is a name that represents strength and commitment.
Bridging cinema and public service throughout her career, Nisha Yogeshwar brings a rare perspective to the festival’s advisory board — one that combines creative sensibility with an understanding of policy, community impact, and cultural preservation. Her experience as both a performer and a public figure ensures the festival considers cinema’s role not just as entertainment but as a force for social connection and change. Her presence ensures the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival reflects the aspirations of Karnataka’s people and its diaspora — making her an invaluable advisor in shaping a festival that is inclusive, impactful, and deeply rooted in community values.