Sahaya Sheelan Shadrach (born 24 March 1966), known by his stage name Sadhu Kokila, is an Indian comedian, musician, actor, film director, producer, occasional screenwriter and lyricist who works in Kannada cinema. He began his career as a composer before taking to acting in films, appearing mostly in comic roles. He has directed ten Kannada films, the most notable one being Raktha Kanneeru (2003).
As a composer, he is a two-time recipient of the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Music Director, for Rakshasa (2005) and Inthi Ninna Preethiya (2008). As an actor, he has received multiple nominations and awards in the category of Best Comedian in the SIIMA Awards.
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Early life and career
Sadhu Kokila was born as Sahaya Sheelan on 24 March 1966 into a Tamil Nadar Christian family of Natesh and Mangala in Bangalore in the Indian State of Mysore (now Karnataka). He was born to a family of musicians; his father was a violinist in the music band of Karnataka Police Department, while his mother and sister were playback singers. Sadhu Kokila's brother Layendra is also an actor and music director. Kokila studied in St. Joseph's Indian High School, Bangalore. He was given the stage name Sadhu Kokila by Upendra, the director of Sheelan's debut film Shhh!.
Kokila began his career as a musician after he was taken to musician Kasturi Shankar by his brother.
Personal life
Kokila married Saleena in 1993. They have two children.
Filmography
Discography
Awards and nominations
Karnataka State Film Awards
2004–05: Best Music Director: Rakshasa
2007–08: Best Music Director: Inthi Ninna Preethiya
South Indian International Movie Awards
2011: Best Comedian: Hudugaru
2012: Best Comedian: Yaare Koogadali
IIFA Utsavam
2016: Best Performance In A Comic Role: Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari
South Indian International Movie Awards
2019: Best Comedian: Yajamana