Vennela Kishore
Born Name: Bokkala Kishore Kumar
Date of Birthday: 19 September 1980
Place of Birth: Kamareddy, Andhra Pradesh (now in Telangana), India
Alma mater: Ferris State University
Occupation: Film actor, director, comedian

Bokkala Kishore Kumar (born 19 September 1980), known professionally as Vennela Kishore, is an Indian actor and director who works in Telugu-language films. Known for his comic roles, he was given the moniker "Vennela" after his first feature film Vennela (2005). He is a recipient of two Nandi Awards, two SIIMA Awards and one IIFA Utsavam Award.

Early life
Kishore was born and brought up in Kamareddy of present-day Telangana. He moved to Hyderabad for graduation and then emigrated to the US for higher studies. Kishore completed his master's degree in Ferris State University, Michigan and started as a software engineer.

Career
During his stay in the U.S., Kishore got an opportunity to work in Deva Katta's directorial Vennela (2005) which marked his entry to the film industry.

Kishore received appreciation for his role "Sastri" in the film Dookudu. His other performances include Bindaas, Pilla Zamindar, Daruvu, Seema Tapakai, Badshah, Doosukeltha, Pandaga Chesko, Aagadu, S/O Satyamurthy, Srimanthudu, Bale Bale Magadivoy, Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada, and Ami Thumi. He also directed two Telugu films (Vennela 1½, and Jaffa). After tasting failure with his directorial projects, he has returned to acting.