Yashika Aannand
Yashika Aannand | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 4, 1999 New Delhi, India |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, model, television personality |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Known for | Tamil films and television shows |
Yashika Aannand (born 4 August 1999) is an Indian actress, model, and television figure predominantly recognized for her work in Tamil films and television shows.
Early life
Yashika was born into a Punjabi Hindu family on 4 August 1999 in New Delhi. Her family later moved to Chennai, where she completed her education at Sherwood Hall School located in Chetpet, Chennai.
Career
Yashika’s entry into acting followed her initial presence as an Instagram model. At age 14, she was cast in Inimey Ippadithan (2015) alongside Santhanam, but her scenes were removed after missing a scheduled song shoot. She made her theatrical debut portraying a swimming coach in Kavalai Vendam (2016).
Her significant breakthrough occurred with the 2016 film Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, a modestly budgeted project that earned acclaim for its ensemble cast. Following this, she appeared in Paadam (2018) and Thambi Ramaiah’s Maniyaar Kudumbam (2018).
In 2018, Yashika featured in the adult comedy Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu, which was filmed in Thailand and achieved commercial success. That same year, she competed in the second season of the reality show Bigg Boss Tamil, hosted by Kamal Haasan, finishing fifth and securing a cash award of 5 lakhs through task victories. Subsequently, she took on a mentorship role in Star Vijay’s television series Jodi Unlimited during 2019.
She also starred in the animated zombie-themed film Zombie, a 3D adult horror comedy alongside Yogi Babu.
In 2018, the Chennai Times honored her as the "most desirable woman on television." In 2021, Yashika received the Best Actress Award at the Las Vegas Independent Film Festival for her performance in the film Bestie.
MeToo Allegations
During the 2018 MeToo movement in India, Yashika came forward as a survivor, revealing that a director had propositioned her for sexual favors in return for a film opportunity. She declined and publicly accused him of misconduct.
Personal Life
On 24 July 2021, Yashika sustained severe injuries in a vehicular accident near Chennai. While traveling with friends, their SUV reportedly lost control and crashed, resulting in the immediate death of one companion. Yashika later spoke openly about the incident.
She has been an active advocate for women's empowerment within the community.
Film
| Year | Title | Character | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Kavalai Vendam | Swimming Instructor | Uncredited | |
| Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru | Shruti | |||
| 2017 | Paadam | Hindi Teacher | ||
| 2018 | Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu | Kaavya | ||
| Maniyaar Kudumbam | Herself | Special appearance in the song "Adi Pappaali Pazhame" | ||
| NOTA | Shilpa | |||
| 2019 | Kazhugu 2 | Herself | Featured in the song "Sakalakala Valli" | |
| Zombie | Aishwarya | |||
| 2020 | Mookuthi Amman | Herself | Cameo in the song "Bhagavathi Baba" | |
| 2022 | Bestie | Yashika | ||
| The Legend | Herself | Special appearance in "Mosalo Mosalu" | ||
| Kadamaiyai Sei | Aishwarya | |||
| 2023 | Bagheera | Prabhu's victim | Cameo role | |
| Chaitra | Chaitra | |||
| Sila Nodigalil | Maya Pillai | |||
| Odavum Mudiyadhu Oliyavum Mudiyadhu | — | — | ||
| 2024 | Double Tuckerr | Velvet Vennila | ||
| Weapon | Teresa | |||
| Jolly O Gymkhana | Herself | Special appearance in the song "Oosi Rosy" | ||
| 2025 | Bystander | Telugu language film; cameo role | ||
| — | — | |||
| Devi / Maya |
Television
| Year | Program | Role | Network | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Connexion Season 2 | Participant | Vijay TV | Alongside Balaji Murgadoss | |
| 2018 | Maya | Devathai Raagini | Sun TV | ||
| Bigg Boss Tamil Season 2 | Contestant | Vijay TV | Evicted on day 98; Awarded ₹5 Lakhs prize | ||
| Jodi Season 10: Fun Unlimited | Judge & Team Leader | ||||
| 2019 | Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3 | Guest Appearance | Promoted the film Ivan Than Uthaman | ||
| 2020 | Roja | Herself | Sun TV | Guest role | |
| 2021 | Morattu Singles | Judge & Angel | Vijay TV | ||
| Bigg Boss Tamil season 5 | Guest Appearance | Supported Niroop Nandha Kumar | |||
| 2022 | Where is the Party - New Year Special | ||||
| Bigg Boss Ultimate - Grand Finale | Performed dance with Amir | ||||
| Bigg Boss Tamil season 6 | Launch guest |
Short Films
| Year | Title | Character | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | MR.K Crime Series | Silk Smitha | Featured in episode 16 |
Web Series
| Year | Series Title | Character | Streaming Platform | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Madras Meter Show | Guest Appearance | ZEE5 | Appeared in episode 6 |