Greatest Actors of All Time in Kannada Film Industry
This list is on the Greatest Actors of All Time in KFI (Kannada Film Industry)
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- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Dr. Rajkumar was born in 1929 in Gajanur and brought up in a poor family. He only studied up to 3rd standard before he dropped out of school. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, a traveling actor who performed in various villages. He joined the Gubbi Veeranna drama company to play drama. There he met people like T.R. Narasimharaju, Nandamuri Balakrishna and G.V. Iyer, who co-starred with him in his first film, Bedara Kannappa (1954).
His three sons--Shivarajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar--are all Kannada film actors. His other films have included Havina Hede (1981), Dashavtara (1960), Yarivanu? (1984), Kamana Billu (1983) and he had the lead role in Odahuttidavaru (1969). His last film was Shabdavedi (2000). After this movie he declared that he was about to act in another film, "Bhakta Ambareesha", but he suffered a mild heart attack, and decided to retire from acting altogether.- Writer
- Actor
- Music Department
Shiva Rajkumar is an Indian actor, producer, and television presenter who works in the Kannada entertainment industry. He was born in Madras (now Chennai) and is the first of five children of legendary actor and Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar.
Rajkumar did his schooling in T. Nagar, Chennai, and then studied at New College, Chennai. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Madras University in 1983. On the recommendation by film director K. Balachander, Rajkumar joined an acting school in Chennai after completing his graduation. He also trained in Kuchipudi dance under Vempetti Chinni Sathyam in Chennai during his college days.
Rajkumar's first appearance was in a small role in the 1974 movie Shri Srinivasa Kalyana (1974). Years later, he debuted in the Kannada film industry with Anand (1986), for which he also won the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor.
Rajkumar got married to Geeta, the daughter of the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sarekoppa Bangarappa, in 1986.
He got the title of 'hat-trick hero' from his fans after his first three films, Anand (1986), Ratha Sapthami (1986), and Manamecchida Hudugi (1987), were all superhits.
His other movies, like Janumada Jodi (1996), Nammoora Mandaara Hoove (1996), AK 47 (1999), Jogi (2005), Bhajarangi (2013), Shivalinga (2016), Mufti (2017), and Tagaru (2018) were equally successful and were blockbusters at the box office.
His film Om (1995), directed by Upendra, is still shown in cinemas and set the trend for gangster movies in Kannada and other film industries.
His performance in Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998) was highly applauded; Srikanth Srinivasa of the Deccan Herald called it his "best performance to date". Bhajarangi (2013) was a box-office success that was released in 212 cinema halls in Karnataka alone. It ran successfully for more than 100 days.
In 2010, Rajkumar made his television debut with the talk show Naaniruvude Nimagagi on Zee Kannada. His fans were looking forward to his first film appearance outside of Kannada cinema with the Tamil film Jailer (2023).
Rajkumar has also been involved in the production of the TV serial Manasa Sarovara and the co-production of the web series Hate You and Honeymoon.
Rajkumar won four Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor category for Om in 1996, Nammoora Mandara Hoove in 1997, A.K. 47 in 2000, and Thamassu in 2011. He was also lauded with four state awards for Om, Hrudaya Hrudaya, Chigurida Kanasu, and Jogi.
Besides, he was a recipient of the NTR National Award in 2011, received the SIIMA Award for Social Responsibility in 2012, and was felicitated with the Kohinoor of South India honour by the British South India Council of Commerce and Visionnaire Entertainment in 2016.
Rajkumar received his honorary doctorate from Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University of Bellary in 2014.- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
Born to the late Anandi and Sadanand Nagarkatte, hails from coastal Karnataka, where he had his early education under the aegis of Anand Ashram in South Canara and Chitrapur math in North Canara. Sent to Bombay for onward education and got involved with amateur theatre activities for 8 years. Got a break in Kannada film titled "Sankalpa" in 1971 with the help from late Shri G. V. Iyer and Shri Girish Karnad, the renowned playwright.
In Bombay Satyadev Dubey guided him to Shyam Benegal for his first hindi film "Ankur" (1974). In that decade under Benegal's direction varied roles came in his way in films like "Nishant" (1975), "Bhumika" (1977), "Manthan" (1976), "Kondra (1977)" and "Kaliyug" (1981)
He has acted in films under the direction of noted film makers like M S Sathyu, Girish Karnad, Vikas Desai. Also acted in noted serials and films in Hindi based on the works of the novelist late Shri R. K. Narayan, Produced by T. S. Narasimhan under the direction of his younger brother, the late Shri Shankar Nag.
He has acted in over 175 Kannada films under various directors, veterans as well as budding debutants, not to mention some landmark films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi. He has won the Karnataka State Best Actor Award on four occasions, besides others like `Film fare Awards' etc.
An active participant in the Janatha Party Political experiment ever since the 70s, he was nominated a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (1988-1994), was elected a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (1994-1999) and was a minister of State, attached to the Chief Minister (1996-1999).
Currently involved with selected assignments. Noted among them being a feature film in Hindi "Yuva" directed by Mani Ratnam and yet another feature 'Man eater of Malgudi' based on late Shri R. K. Narayan's Novel now being directed by Ms Kavitha Lankesh.- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
Vishnuvardhan's father was a famous artist and script writer for films. His father also taught dance. Vishnu's sister, Smt. Ramaramachandra, was a famous kathak dancer, who was praised by the King of Mysore. Vishnuvardhan has one elder brother and four sisters.
Vishnuvardhan did his primary schooling in Mysore's Gopalswamy School. He attended middle school in Bangalore's Kannada Madari School. He attended high School and took his degree in the National College, Basavanagudi, Bangalore.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Shankar Nag was born on 9 November 1954 in Udupi, Karnataka, India. He was an actor and director, known for Geetha (1981), Minchina Oata (1980) and Ondu Muthina Kathe (1987). He was married to Arundathi Nag. He died on 30 September 1990 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
Puneeth Rajkumar colloquially known as Appu, King Appu, and Power Star was an Indian actor, playback singer, television presenter, philanthropist, and producer who worked in Kannada films.
At the age of six months, Rajkumar was seen on the big screen as a child artist in the thriller Premada Kanike (1976). The film's director, V. Somasekhar selected him for a role, with his father playing the male lead. The following year, when Rajkumar was just one year old, he was cast in Sanadhi Appanna (1977), another film featuring his father in the lead role, alongside Jaya Prada and T.N. Balakrishna.
Between 1976 and 1989, Rajkumar featured in multiple films and established himself as a successful child actor. In 1981, he acted and recorded his first hit song "Baana Daariyalli Soorya" in the film in the film Bhagyavantha (1981). The song was composed by T.G. Lingappa.
Rajkumar was awarded the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Child Actor (Male) for his performance in Chelisuva Modagalu (1982). He also received his second Karnataka State Film Award in the same category for his role in Eradu Nakshatragalu (1983).
Rajkumar's biggest breakthrough as a child actor came with the film Bettada Hoovu (1985). which was adapted from the novel "What Then, Raman?" by Shirley L. Arora. He was honored with the award for Best Child Artist at the 33rd National Film Awards.
During his early teens, Rajkumar acted in Shiva Mecchida Kannappa (1988) along with his father and sibling Shivarajkumar. His last role as a child actor was in Parashuram (1989), where he shared screen space with his father.
In 1994, Rajkumar joined his family's production house Vajreshwari Combines, as a manager.
As a lead, Rajkumar made his debut in Appu (2002) opposite Rakshitha. The film was a box office success. Following this, Rajkumar appeared in many commercially successful films as a lead actor, such as Abhi (2003), Veera Kannadiga (2004), Ajay (2006), Arasu (2007), Vamshi (2008), Jackie (2010), Hudugaru (2011), Rana Vikrama (2015), Raajakumara (2017), Natasaarvabhowma (2019), and James (2022).
Rajkumar's final appearance on the big screen was in Gandhada Gudi (2022), a docudrama in which he played himself. The film was released on October 28, 2022, just a day before his first death anniversary.
Apart from acting, Rajkumar made his mark in professional singing too. He sang for movies like Appu (2002), Lava Kusha (2007), Vamshi (2008), Jackie (2010), Mylari (2010), and Akira (2016).
On the small screen, Rajkumar hosted the game show Kannadada Kotyadhipathi (2012). The show was modelled on the American game show, 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' He also hosted Family Power (2017), a reality show on Colors Kannada.
In his career spanning three decades, Rajkumar won several awards, including one National Film Award, six Filmfare Awards South, four Karnataka State Film Awards, and five SIIMA Awards.
Rajkumar was awarded an honorary doctorate posthumously by the University of Mysuru (Mysore) (UoM). He was conferred Karnataka Ratna, the highest civilian award in the state, by the Karnataka Government on November 1, 2022.
Rajkumar died on October 29, 2021, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, after suffering a heart attack.- Producer
- Actor
- Director
Ramesh Aravind is an Actor, Director, Producer, TV host.
Ramesh began his engineering studies in earnest. Passionate about the creative arts, he was able to juggle both studies and art while at college. Earning his degree led him to begin work with his family. Destiny however had a different plan for this extremely gifted man. Born into a family of lawyers and raised in the city of Bangalore, Ramesh heard his true call when he stepped onto the stage at a tender age and realized the passion within.
The yearning to create was kindled in his early years. However, being a studious child he excelled in his studies and stood seventh in the SSLC examination. The years in college were one of the most fruitful of times. Ramesh's creativity was slowly recognized and he earned accolades for his histrionic skills. True talent they say cannot be hidden and Ramesh Aravind was recognized as a powerhouse of talent amongst the young. He soon began his television career with the programme 'Parichaya' that brought him instant success and he garnered praise for his demeanor.
The keen eyes of the legendary K. Balachander sought Ramesh and introduced him to the celluloid world, through Sundara Swapnagalu , where he played a role with grey shades. However Mouna Geete which was to be his debut film released next. Ramesh brought a breath of freshness to Kannada cinema and endeared himself to the audiences with his talent and impeccable manners. The climb from there has been steady and deserving.
Born into a family of four siblings, Ramesh credits his mother vastly for the gentle manner and patience that he is endowed with. An academically brilliant person, he had little idea of entering the world of cinema, although he was a keen participant of theatre and mime. Ramesh had wanted to join the civil services or enter the industry set up by his father after completing his engineering course.
Ramesh married Archana, whom he had met before his rise in the Kannada film industry. The two have a daughter (Niharika) and son (Arjun).- Actor
- Music Department
Darshan was born in Ponnampet, Kodagu, Karnatka, India. His Father Thoogudeepa Srinivas, Actor and His Mother Meena. He has a brother named Dinakar Thogudeepa, Film director, screenwriter & Producer and a sister named Divya. Darshan married to Vijaya Lakshmi in 2000. The couple blessed with a son named Vineesh. Darshan is Hindu by religion and His Nationality Indian & Star Sign Aquarius.
Darshan Age 40 Years Old. His Height 6ft 2in/ 188 cm and Weight 85 Kg/ 187 lbs. His Body Measurements 42-33-13.5 Inches. Darshan Chest 42 Inches, Waist 33 Inches and Biceps 13.5 Inches. His Feet Size/ Shoe Size 10 Inches. Darshan Has Black Color Hair and Brown Color Eye.- Ambarish was born on 30 November 1951 in Malavalli, Mandya district, Karnataka, India. He was an actor, known for Bul Bul (2013), Veera Parampare (2010) and Chakravyuha (1983). He was married to Sumalatha. He died on 24 November 2018 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
- Actor
- Music Department
- Director
Sudeep is an Indian film actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer, anchor, and cricketer who works primarily in Kannada cinema. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Kannada for three consecutive years for his films Huchcha (2001), Nandhi (2002) and Swathi Muthu (2003). Since 2013, he is hosting the television reality show Bigg Boss in Kannada which only regional language holds other than Hindi.- Actor
- Music Department
- Director
Ganesh sprouts from the suburbs of Bangalore, a town called Nelamangala. He has a Diploma in Electronics. Started as a TV artist for a popular Kannada TV show called "Comedy Time" in Udaya TV, gained popularity and won people's heart from then. He also acted in Kannada TV serials. On the big screen, Kannada blockbuster movie "Mungaru Male" was the icebreaker movie for his film career. This movie made $15 million in south India. His new movie "Gaalipata" is a super hit too in Karnataka.- Srinath was born on 28 December 1944 in Mysore, Kingdom of Mysore, India. He is an actor, known for Devara Duddu (1976), Shanti Kranti (1991) and Swasthik (1998).
- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
Upendra Rao, popularly known by his stage name Upendra is an Indian actor, producer, filmmaker, screenwriter, and politician who majorly works in the Kannada and Telugu film industries.
Rao started his career with his debut as a writer and an assistant director to Kashinath (an actor and film director) with the movie Tharle Nan Maga (1992). In the movie, he worked in various departments, from writing dialogues, songs and screenplay. The movie was a huge success and quickly became a cult favourite.
Rao also directed another successful movie with Kashinath and Kumar Govind called Shhh! (1993) when he came out as an independent director. Upendra then directed Om (1995) and A: Film by Upendra (1998), in which he also debuted as an actor.
Rao worked as an actor in Kannada and Telugu films for another decade before returning to directing. Some of his most prominent work includes Upendra (1999), Preethse (2000), Super Star (2002), Kutumba (2002), Gokarna (2003), Hollywood (2003), Raktha Kanneeru (2003), Gowramma (2005), Auto Shankar (2005), Aishwarya (2006), Anatharu (2007), Budhivanta (2008), Super (2010), Kalpana (2012), Godfather (2012), S/O Satyamurthy (2015), Uppi 2 (2015), I Love You (2019) and more.
Rao transitioned into acting via the movie A: Film by Upendra (1998). The movie was a huge success and quickly became one of the highest-grossing movies in the Kannada movie industry.
Rao also made a self-titled film Upendra (1999), that starred three heroines, including the famous Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon. The movie also was a huge success in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It surpassed the success of the movie A: Film by Upendra (1998).
Rao experimented in Telugu cinema, where he participated in some lesser-known films, including Naanu Naane (2002), Hollywood (2003), Nagarahavu (2016), etc.
Rao made a comeback as a director with the movie Super (2010). The movie was a blockbuster and broke many records in theatres all over Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It also had a long 175-day theatrical run in theatres. It was one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of that year.
Rao directed and acted in the sequel of his self-titled movie, Upendra (1999), titled Uppi 2 (2015). After its release, the movie set the record for the highest-grossing opening day for a Kannada movie.
Rao won the award for Best Male Actor for his role in A: Film by Upendra (1998) at the Udaya Film Awards. In 2000, he also won the award for Best Director for Upendra at the 47th Film Awards South. In 2003, Upendra again won Best Male actor at the Udaya Film Awards for his role in Nagarahavu (2016). In 2004, he won Best Actor and Best Dialogue for his movie Raktha Kanneeru (2003) at the Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004.
In 2018, he started a political party Uttama Prajakeeya Party. His party represented 'Prajakeeya', meaning the workers. However, he never once contested any election.
Rao was also part of several endorsements. He was the brand ambassador for United Breweries, SK Super TMT, Lunars Footwear, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Emani Navaratna Brand, among others.- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
Rakshit Shetty is an Indian actor, writer, producer, and filmmaker who is also the recipient of two Filmfare awards.
Shetty studied in Udupi and completed his graduation at N.M.A.M. Institute of Technology, Nitte, Karkala, in Electronics and Communications Engineering. He ventured into the movie business with short films like Let's Kill Gandhi and other unreleased ventures.
Shetty's first movie was Nam Areal Ond Dina (2010). His second movie was released in 2012 and was named Tuglak (2012).
However, he got his breakthrough in Simple Agi Ondh Love Story (2013), a romantic comedy that received a tremendous response.
Shetty ventured into direction after that and made the movie Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014), a crime thriller. Because of his dancing skills, Shetty bagged a major role in the movie.
The film won him critical appreciation and two awards - Director's First Time Best Film by the Karnataka State Film Awards and another Best Director award by the Filmfare Awards South.
He featured in other movies like Vaasthu Prakaara (2015), Jaathre (2015), Ricky (2016), Jigar Thanda (2016), and Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016).
Shetty produced and wrote another successful film Kirik Party (2016), in which he acted opposite actress Rashmika Mandanna.
In 2019, he appeared in two movies, Padde Huli (2019) and Avane Srimannarayana (2019).
777 Charlie (2022), which Shetty produced, was first announced in 2017. It took five years for it to be released due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie was directed by Kiranraj K under Paramvah Studios. The story was based on the relationship between humans and their pets. The movie also starred Charlie, a Labrador, who had a crucial role in the movie.
He later did movies like Saptha Sagaradaache Ello - Side A (2023) and Richard Anthony.
Shetty has won 14 awards and 22 Nominations in total.- Actor
- Director
- Composer
He is known as a non-conformist, and created his own style of film making. Most of his movies show very little influence of other directors. Notable aspects of his film making include a curious combination of close-ups, abrupt fast-cuts and innovative camera angles. He is renowned in the Kannada film industry for his understanding of the technical aspects of cinema. His movies are lavish and stand out for superior production values distinguished for cinematography, sound, lighting, music and special effects. Even acclaimed directors of the industry have learned technical aspects from his films. A distinct directorial feature is his innovative shooting of songs. Song cinematography in movies that Ravichandran has directed often involve elaborate and richly mounted settings.- Actor
- Producer
Born on 8th January 1986, Yash started his acting career in theatre. He made his television debut with the Kannada show Nanda Gokula which was extremely successful and worked in various other TV shows after that. He made his big screen debut with Moginna Manasu and headlined many superhits like Googly, Raja Huli, Gajakesari, and Mr and Mrs Ramachari.
With the massive success of KGF chapter 1, which was released in 2018 in five languages, Rocking Star Yash achieved PAN India stardom and became a household name across India. The film collected over INR 250 crores and was also the most-streamed film on an OTT platform in 2019.
Superstar Yash will be seen next in KGF Chapter 2, which is one of the most awaited films of Indian cinema. The trailer of KGF 2 is already the most-watched Indian trailer ever, and the film is expected to set new benchmarks in the Indian film industry.
In 2017 Yash along with his actress wife Radhika Pandit founded an organization and named it as Yasho Marga Foundation.- Actor
- Music Department
- Producer
- Actor
- Writer
- Director
Raj B. Shetty was born on 5 July 1987 in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. He is an actor and writer, known for Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021), Kantara (2022) and 777 Charlie (2022).