**Thapaswini Poonacha** (born in Kodagu, Karnataka) is an Indian actress and model working predominantly in Kannada cinema. After graduating with a commerce degree in Bengaluru and starting out in modeling, short films, and theater, she made her feature debut alongside Rishab Shetty in the comedy-drama *Harikathe Alla Girikathe* (2022), winning praise for her comic timing as Kushboo. She followed her debut with roles in *Gajanana And Gang* (2022) and the thriller *Tatsama Tadbhava* (2023) with Meghana Raj Sarja and Prajwal Devaraj. In 2026, she achieved a major commercial breakthrough as Rukmini in Manoj Kumar's rural romantic family drama *Premada Oorali*, sharing the screen with Shree Raam and Rangayana Raghu. The modest-budget film became a massive sleeper blockbuster, crossing ₹100 crore worldwide and establishing her as a prominent leading actress in Sandalwood.
