M. S. Balasubramania, well known as Snake Shyam, was born in 1967 and is a snake aficionado, wildlife conservationist, and lecturer in Mysore, India.In 2013, he was voted to the Mysore City Corporation, where he served till 2018.

Shyam is recognised as a “naturalist on wheels” across the Mysore region, despite the fact that he is not a certified herpetologist. He rescues, rehabilitates, and educates the public about snakes. Local hospitals occasionally consult him to identify a species of snake before treating a snakebite victim.

Shyam’s art has received widespread acclaim. He was featured in National Geographic’s Croc Chronicles: Snakes, Karma, and Action special. He’s also appeared on the Discovery channel. Mysore city has named a street after him, and its first “urban forest” has been dedicated to him and fellow environmentalist Hyder Ali Khan.

Shyam is also noted for his personal flamboyance and has been characterised as “easily the most recognisable characters of Mysore, complete with his sun hat, overflowing beads, and multiple rings that adorn his fingers” by The Hindu.

Snake Shyam appears in Season 10 of the Kannada reality show Bigg Boss Kannada. On October 8th, 2023, Karthik entered the home, which was hosted by Baadshah Kiccha Sudeep.