Mukesh Gowda

Mukesh Gowda, also known professionally as Nihar or Nihar Mukesh, is a television and film actor from Mysuru, Karnataka. Telugu audiences know him most strongly as Rishi from the Star Maa serial Guppedantha Manasu.

Mukesh began his screen journey in Kannada entertainment at the junior-artist level before gradually receiving larger television roles. His move into Telugu serials significantly expanded his audience, and the Rishi character became so closely associated with him that many viewers continued calling him by the character's name.

He later moved toward Kannada cinema as well, using the screen name Nihar Mukesh for film work including Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige. Public interviews around his Season 10 entry describe a middle-class background and a career built step by step from junior-artist work toward lead roles.

Mukesh entered Bigg Boss Telugu Season 10 as the sixteenth and final launch-night contestant on 6 September 2026. Reports also note that he had been approached for Bigg Boss previously but chose to enter only in the milestone tenth season.

His Season 10 nominations, captaincy, house days and final placement remain open.