Melanie Kannokada

Melanie Kannokada Biography

Melanie Kannokada is an American model and actress of Kerala origin. She was born to Keralite parents Suresh Kannokada and Sujatha at Buffalo Grove, a small suburb in Illinois on February 28, 1986. This model of Indian descent has won the title of Miss India America and has endorsed many leading brands including Bare Escentuals Cosmetics. She is best known for Indian-American independent romantic comedy film, Love, Lies and Seeta where she played the lead heroine role. ‘Rules of Engagement’ opposite comedian David Spade was her first big break to television industry.

After numerous roles in television and less significant roles in American films, her real debut in a full-length movie happened with Love, Lies and Seeta in 2012 where she played the protagonist's role. The movie marked the feature film debut of director Chandra Pemmaraju of Indian origin and earned huge critics’ appreciation. The movie was featured in many film festivals and helped Melanie to bag Leading Actress award at Indie fest 2012. She won a best actress nomination at World Music and Independent Film Festival for the portrayal of Seeta McKinsey in the movie.  

She was an engineering student before entering acting and modelling field. She has been an athlete and pianist too. She is a 2nd degree black belt holder in Shotokan Karate and has represented US in several athletic championships. She won the 2007 Miss India America contest while doing the last year of her Engineering at Stanford. Though she worked at consulting firm McKinsey & Company for a short while, she left the job to concentrate on to modelling career. She was named one of 2010's Most Sexy and Successful by the Anokhi Magazine.

Published: N/A

Updated: May 12, 2014