Veteran Kannada Actor, Filmmaker Dwarakish passes away

veteran kannada actor filmmaker dwarakish passes away

Veteran Kannada filmmaker and actor Dwarakish, popularly referred to as ‘Karnatakada Kulla’, passed away at his residence in Electronic City in Bengaluru due to age-related ailments.

He was 81-years-old.

Six-decade Journey

Bungle Shama Rao Dwarakish started his career in the film industry in the 1960s spanning over six decades. Nephew to veteran Kannada film director, Hunsur Krishnamurthy, Dwarakish got his first break with the film Veera Sankalpa.

Thereafter, he produced his first film Mamatheya Bandhana along with two other producers.

However, Mayor Muthanna was Dwarakish’s major break as an independent producer. The film, which starred Kannada thespian Dr Rajkumar, ran to packed houses for months.

Along with producing films, Dwarakish kept himself busy as a comedian. He is considered one of the most successful actors in comedy roles along the lines of Balakrishna and Narasimha Raju among others.

After Mayor Muthanna, he went on to produce Bhagyavantharu, another film featuring Dr Rajkumar in a pivotal role.

His height and unique facial features earned him accolades in comedy roles.

Association With Dr Vishnuvardhan

Dwarakish’s next big association started with another legendary Kannada actor Dr Vishnuvardhan. The two went on to act in a series of hit films from Kittu Puttu, and Singaporenalli Raja Kulla amongst others.

Eventually, the two stopped working together and only returned for the superhit Kannada Apthamitra.

Dwarakish has shared the screen with almost every senior actor from his time.

Dwarakish Chitra

With more than 50 films to his credit as a producer under his home banner – Dwarakish Chitra, he was one of the first Kannada filmmakers to shoot his films in foreign locations. Films like Singaporenalli Raja Kulla, Africadalli Sheela were shot abroad. Chowka marked his 50th film in Kannada and his last venture under the banner was titled Aayushmanbhava.

He has launched several actors under his banners including Vinod Raj and Shruthi.

Also, he was the first Kannada filmmaker to introduce Kishore Kumar to Sandalwood with the song Aadu Aata Aadu.

Of Dwarakish’s five sons, Santhosh, Yogish, Girish, Sukish, and Abhilash, two of them, Girish and Abhilash ventured into acting in films.

His son Yogish Dwarakish has been handling the production house since Dwarakish took a sabbatical from films.