Yasmin Ponnappa is an Indian model from Bangalore. After appearing in print media and television commercials, Yasmin first worked as an actress in Thiagarajan Kumararaja's gangster film Aaranya Kaandam (2011). Yasmin Ponnappa began her career as a model in Bangalore, before shifting to Mumbai to seek better opportunities. She landed a contract with the Elite Model Management agency, and initially appeared in commercials for Nivea Deodorant and Tropicana juice. She later garnered attention for her work with Opulex diamond bracelets, under the direction of Vishesh Verma. During her time as a model, Yasmin was shortlisted by Loveleen Tandan for the role of Latika in Danny Boyle's English film Slumdog Millionaire (2008), as she was previously known to Tandan from another shelved film project. Yasmin took part in initial script reading sessions with Boyle, before she was replaced by Freida Pinto in the role.