Actor-director-producer Dwarakish passed away due to a heart attack at his residence on Tuesday morning. He was 81. Born on August 19, 1942, in Mysuru, Dwarakish was best known for his comedy roles, which made him a household name in the state. Once the acting bug bit him, he often asked his uncle, director Hunasuru Krishnamurthy, to give him a chance to act in films. In 1963, he quit the automative spare parts business he had started with his brother, to start acting in films, and debuted as an actor with Hunsur Krishnamurthy’s Veera Sankalpa in 1964. In a span of 60 years, he had acted in about 100 films and produced and directed around 50 movies. His filmography includes Mayor Muthanna, Manku Timma, Maduve Madu, Tamashi Nodu, Kalla-Kulla, Pedda Gedda, among others.
Dwarakish and Vishnuvardhan’s long-lasting bondDwarakish’s association with late actor Dr Vishnuvardhan is regarded as one of the most successful combinations in the Kannada film industry. Known as Kalla-Kulla of the industry, they have collaborated in over 40 films. He produced and acted alongside Vishnuvardhan in hits such as Kittu Puttu (1977), Singaporenalli Raja Kulla (1978), Guru Shishyaru (1981), Prachanda Kulla (1986) and Apthamitra (2004).
Dwarakish: The adventurous filmmaker1. Dwarakish’s Singapuradalli Rajakulla was the first Kannada film to be shot overseas (in Singapore)
2. His film, Africadalli Sheela was the first Kannada film to be shot in Africa
3. He was one of the few filmmakers to record a Kannada song in London in the ‘80s
4. He is also credited with introducing noted Bollywood playback singer Kishore Kumar to the Kannada film industry with the song Aadu Aata Aadu
5. His film Apthamitra was the first Kannada movie to complete one year of screening with four shows daily
What Dwarakish said about success, films and the industry”Cinema is like gambling, you win some and you lose some. Facing the challenges was my responsibility and I have done that”
– Dwarakish, on cinema
“Success is not absolute, neither is failure. Honesty will pay off someday – it might be delayed, but it will come to you. I waited for it and was rewarded”
– Dwarakish, on balancing success and failure
‘Back then, I used to announce the release date of my film and then begin working on it. There was an aim and target date. Now, there is no such thing, no one knows when a film will release for sure’
– Dwarakish, on the changing nature of the industry
Tributes pour in for Dwarakish from the Kannada industryAppa (Dwarakish) complained of upset stomach last night. Morning he had a cup of coffee and said he wants to take a nap and asked me to wake him up after 2 hours, but he did not wake up. He passed away due to heart attack at our Electronic City residence
– Yogish Dwarakish, actor Dwarakish’s son
Like the lion roar in MGM logo, Dwarkish would peep out and roar in Dwarkish Chitra logo, and that would be a promise of 2 hrs of great entertainment. Comedian becoming producer and making 50 odd films is great feat. Apthamitra is one unforgettable film which I did for him
– Ramesh Aravind, actor
He was an ambitious filmmaker and extremely supportive as a producer. When I pitched Atagara, it was supposed to be done with 10 newcomers. But he wanted to cast 10 big actors, and recommend to get Anant Nag on board, even though they had not worked together previously. He was a very ambitious producer, and gave a lot of inputs, which is a true mark of a passionate filmmaker
– Chaitanya KM, director
Appaji (Vishnuvardhan) and Dwarakish uncle’s friendship is well-known in the industry. Beyond films they shared an amazing camaraderie. Dwarakish uncle always believed in living in the present. He has also worked with Amma (Bharathi); in fact my father was also closely associated with him
– Anirudh Jatkar, actor
Your service to Kannada and Kannada cinema is immense, your movies are the reason for our childhood cinema life. You are the reason for the richness of Kannada cinema. Final salute sir
— Sathish Ninasam, actor
Our beloved Dwarakeesh sir who served as a brave producer, director, and popular comedian Prachanda Kulla’ of Kannada cinema has left this world today. May his soul rest in peace
—Darshan, actor
Another precious life of Kannada cinema, Dwarakish has left us all. His great contributions in taking the Kannada film industry to new heights cannot be forgotten
—Kichcha Sudeep, actor
Your contribution to Kannada cinema is immense. I will always remember your smiling face and say goodbye.
—Shivarajkumar, actor
My debut directorial, Chowka, was the 50th film from his banner, which has given biggest of biggest films. I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity he gave me, as a newbie. He is a legend of our industry and his presence itself gave us so much confidence. It is hard to digest this news.
—Tharun Sudhir, director