Bhavana Rao is an Indian actress who has appeared in 25 movies and TV shows, primarily in Kannada and Tamil films. She was born on June 6, 1989 in Shimoga, Karnataka and is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. 

Rao made her acting debut in 2008 in the Kannada movie Gaalipata, where she played the character of Pavni. She has also appeared in Kola Kolaya Mundhirika, Vinmeengal, Vaare Vah, Attahasa, Krazy Star, Maha Bhaktha Siriyala, Parapancha, Niruttara, Sathyaharishchandra, Dayavittu Gamanisi, and Tiger Galli. In 2009, she was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada for her performance in Gaalipata. She also made special appearances in songs for the movies The Villain and Rambo 2. Rao's most recent appearance was in the 2023 movie Hondisi Bareyiri as Bhoomika.