Manju Pavagada was born in Pavagada, Karnataka, India, into a middle-class Hindu family. Before entering the entertainment industry, he worked at a petrol bunk and later pursued theatre acting in 2012. His dedication to stage plays eventually led him to television, where he gained recognition through the comedy show Majaa Bharatha. His natural comic timing and relatable personality quickly made him a fan favorite.
In 2018, Manju made his film debut with Love You 2. His career skyrocketed after participating in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 8 in 2021, where he emerged as the winner, earning a cash prize of ₹53 lakhs and a trophy. Since then, he has appeared in Kannada films and TV serials, continuing to build his reputation as a versatile entertainer.