Tovino Thomas, Nivin Pauly to Srinidhi Shetty: 10 techies who quit Accenture, TCS, Infosys to become popular South stars

Written By: Ayush Srivastava | Updated: Apr 22, 2026, 2:36 AM

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A look at 10 South actors who once worked in top tech companies like Accenture, TCS and Infosys before choosing cinema. From software engineers to screen stars, these inspiring journeys highlight how passion for acting helped them transition from corporate life to the spotlight.

From Tech Giants to Silver Screen: Journey from Coding to Cameras

Many South Indian film stars successfully transitioned from corporate roles at major IT firms to cinematic stardom, proving that a background in technology can fuel creative success. Former employees of companies like Cognizant, TCS, and Infosys are redefining their careers to become widely recognized actors. By trading office cubicles for film sets, they have made significant marks in Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu cinema.

1. Tovino Thomas: From Cognizant coder to Malayalam cinema powerhouse

Before becoming a Malayalam cinema powerhouse, Tovino worked as a software engineer at Cognizant. He graduated from Tamil Nadu College of Engineering, Coimbatore. His first project after leaving the tech world was his debut film Prabhuvinte Makkal (2012), where he played a supporting role before becoming a leading man.

2. Nivin Pauly: Infosys engineer who became boy-next-door superstar

The "Premam" star was a software engineer at Infosys, Bangalore, for three years. He graduated from the Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT), Angamaly. After resigning, his first major project was his debut in Malarvaadi Arts Club (2010), which launched his career as a relatable "boy-next-door" icon.

3. Srinidhi Shetty: Accenture professional turned KGF sensation

The KGF actress worked as a software engineer at Accenture after graduating from Jain University, Bengaluru. After winning Miss Supranational, she transitioned to films. Her first acting project was the massive blockbuster K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018), where she debuted as the lead character, Reena Desai.

4. Rakshit Shetty: From a software job to a storytelling star journey

Known for his storytelling, Rakshit worked as a software professional at Symphony for two years. He graduated from NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte. His first project after his IT stint was his debut film Nam Areal Ond Dina (2010), eventually leading to his breakthrough in Simple Agi Ondh Love Story.

5. Naveen Polishetty: TCS engineer who cracked comedy and cinema

This star worked as a software engineer at TCS in Pune and later in England. He graduated from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal. His first major project after quitting was the YouTube series with AIB, followed by his Telugu lead debut in the film Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya.

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6. Sai Pallavi: Medical graduate who became a South cinema icon

While she holds a medical degree from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia, her academic discipline mirrors the tech world. Her first major project after completing her studies was her iconic debut as Malar in Premam (2015), which turned her into an overnight sensation across the South Indian film industries and now stepping into the big league alongside Ranbir Kapoor in Ramayana.

7. Vijay Antony: Tech music expert to versatile actor composer

A graduate of Loyola College, Chennai, Vijay worked on the technical side of sound engineering and music production software before acting. His first project as a lead actor was the thriller Naan (2012), which he also composed music for, marking a successful transition from technician to a lead star.

8. Karthi Sivakumar (Karthi): US consultant to award-winning performer

Karthi worked as a graphic designer and consultant in the US after earning a Master's from Binghamton University, New York. He returned to India and served as an assistant director before his first acting project, the critically acclaimed Paruthiveeran (2007), which won him several prestigious awards.

9. Regina Cassandra: Psychology student who rose to film fame

Regina balanced her early acting career with a degree in Psychology from Women's Christian College, Chennai. While she started young, her first major project as a leading adult actress after focusing on her education was the Tamil film Kandaen (2011) and the hit Telugu film Siva Manasulo Shruti.

10. Kiccha Sudeep: Engineering graduate to pan-India superstar

The Badshah of Kannada cinema earned a degree in Industrial and Production Engineering from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru. His first project after completing his technical education was his debut in Thayavva (1997). He later used his technical background to excel in directing and producing complex cinematic projects.

Tovino Thomas, Nivin Pauly to Srinidhi Shetty: 10 techies who quit Accenture, TCS, Infosys to become popular South stars

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A look at 10 South actors who once worked in top tech companies like Accenture, TCS and Infosys before choosing cinema. From software engineers to screen stars, these inspiring journeys highlight how passion for acting helped them transition from corporate life to the spotlight.

From Tech Giants to Silver Screen: Journey from Coding to Cameras

1. Tovino Thomas: From Cognizant coder to Malayalam cinema powerhouse

2. Nivin Pauly: Infosys engineer who became boy-next-door superstar

3. Srinidhi Shetty: Accenture professional turned KGF sensation

4. Rakshit Shetty: From a software job to a storytelling star journey

5. Naveen Polishetty: TCS engineer who cracked comedy and cinema

6. Sai Pallavi: Medical graduate who became a South cinema icon

7. Vijay Antony: Tech music expert to versatile actor composer

8. Karthi Sivakumar (Karthi): US consultant to award-winning performer

9. Regina Cassandra: Psychology student who rose to film fame

10. Kiccha Sudeep: Engineering graduate to pan-India superstar

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