Naveen Shankar (born 25 May 1988 in Ilkal, Bagalkot, Karnataka) is an Indian film actor known primarily for his work in Kannada cinema. He began his career in the media industry as a film journalist and television anchor before moving into theatre, where he performed in more than 45 stage plays and around 200 street theatre shows. His dedication to live performance helped him develop a strong foundation in acting, which later translated into impactful screen roles. He made his feature film debut with the cybercrime thriller Gultoo in 2018 and soon gained recognition for his natural screen presence and intensity. Following his debut, Naveen Shankar continued to build his career with notable performances in films such as Hondisi Bareyiri and Gurudev Hoysala. In 2023, he expanded his reach by appearing in Kshetrapati and making his Telugu cinema debut with Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, directed by Prashant Neel. Known for his ability to handle both lead and antagonist roles, he has steadily grown as a versatile actor, earning appreciation for his commitment to meaningful and character-driven cinema.