Udaykumar
Bommasandra Srinivasaiah Suryanarayana Murthy (16 March 1933–26 December 1985), known by his screen name Udaykumar, was an Indian actor and producer in Kannada cinema. Along with Kalyan Kumar and Rajkumar, he was referred to as the Kumarathrayaru (meaning "the three Kumars") of Kannada cinema.[1] He was a writer, authoring numerous dramas and books.[2] He also performed a broad range of roles and worked with all the prominent actors of his time.[3] Early in his career, he portrayed heroic characters, later transitioning to more nuanced villainous roles, often countering Rajkumar's heroic persona in historical and mythological films.[4] Early lifeUdaykumar was born into a Brahmin family on 5 March 1933[5], though some sources suggest 16 March 1933 as an alternative date. He was the second of four children and the only son of B. S. Srinivasaiah and Sharadamma, alongside his three sisters. The family's roots trace back to Andhra Pradesh, with their ancestors relocated to Karnataka approximately 200 years before Udaykumar's birth. He completed his primary education in the villages of Helaine and Muthanallur, near Sarjapura village in Bangalore, and pursued secondary education in Anekal. During this time, he actively participated in school cultural activities and contests. After unsuccessfully attempting the matriculation exams, Udaykumar married Kamalamma at age 20. He then worked as a physical education teacher at a school in Anekal before moving to Bangalore city on the advice of a friend. There he joined the theatre company of Gubbi Veeranna, marking the beginning of his acting career.[6] Film career
In 1954, while working on the script for Bhagyodaya, story and screenwriter Kanagal Prabhakar Shastry sought a lead actor for the film. During this time, Udaykumar was performing as Buddha on stage in Mandya with Gubbi Veeranna's theatre troupe. Impressed by his performance, S. K. Bhagavan, Shastry's assistant, offered him the lead role. After a successful screen test with Shastry Udaykumar was cast for the part. Shastry also gave him the screen name Udaykumar, inspired by the film's title and the production banner, Udaya Productions.[7] Nicknamed "Gandugali" Udaykumar appeared in 193 feature films, including 171 in Kannada, 15 in Telugu, 6 in Tamil, and one in Hindi. He received numerous regional and national awards for his performances, particularly in Kannada cinema.[citation needed] Udaykumar was a vocal proponent of the unification of Kannadigas as a leader and orator. He worked alongside well-known figures such as Ma. Ramamurthy (the designer of the Kannada flag), Aa. Na. Kru (A. N. Krishna Rao), Thirumale Shriranga Tatacharya (of the Karnataka Navodaya movement), Ta. Su. Shama Rao, Dr. Ha. Ma. Nayak, Ta. Ra. Su, and others dedicated to the welfare of the Kannada language and the people of Karnataka. Through his travels, writings, and public speeches, Udaykumar contributed to the cultural and linguistic pride of Karnataka.[citation needed] To further his commitment to the arts, Udaykumar established Udaya Kalanikethana, a training school for Theatrical Arts and Film Acting. He also supported underprivileged professional theatre organizations. Beginning in 1960, he devoted at least one week each month to performing plays across Karnataka, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing the performing arts.[citation needed] In 2005, on Udaykumar's 73rd birthday, the registered charitable trust Pavanasutha Kesari Kalaa Shalaa was founded during a cultural event titled Udaya-73 Ondu Savinenapu. The event took place in his birthplace, Anek,al Bangalore. The trust, established by Mr. Vikram Udaykumar, focuses on social and cultural services. It has founded a formal educational institution called P.S.M. School, in Anekal and a cultural school, Kalaashaala, which provides training in classical music and performing arts, including Bharatanatyam. The trust’s activities include formal education, nurturing rural talent in performing arts, and organizing state-level drama competitions. These initiatives aim to foster cultural and artistic growth.[citation needed] Filmography
Awards
References
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