Who Is Ranya Rao, Sandalwood Actress Caught In Gold Smuggling Haul At Bengaluru Airport?

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport after authorities allegedly discovered 14.8 kilograms of gold in her possession. She was presented before a judge on Tuesday evening and has been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.

Here is what is known about her:

• Rao hails from Chikamagaluru, Karnataka. She pursued an engineering degree at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bangalore.
• She made her film debut in 2014 alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep in 'Maanikya', a remake of the 2013 Telugu film 'Mirchi'. In the film, she played Manasa, a woman from an influential family who becomes Sudeep's love interest.
• She also starred in the Tamil film 'Wagah' (2016) opposite Vikram Prabhu. In this film, her character, a Pakistani resident, falls in love with an Indian soldier. When riots erupt in Kashmir, the soldier faces the challenge of escorting her back to her home in Pakistan amidst rising protests.
• In the Kannada comedy 'Pataki' (2017), she played Sangeetha, a journalist and the romantic interest of actor Ganesh's character.
• Rao has claimed to be the stepdaughter of IPS officer and Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation), Ramachandra Rao.