Bhavana Rao, also known as Shikha is an Indian film actress who has appeared in Kannada and Tamil language films. She made her debut in the Kannada multistarrer Gaalipata (2008) winning critical acclaim for her performance, before playing leading roles in Kola Kolaya Mundhirika andVinmeengal. She is also an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer and has anchored for various Television programs before becoming a lead film actress.