Upendra Kumar Biography 
Upendra Kumar was a music director of Kannada and Oriya film industries. His long term association with Dr. Rajkumar is very famous and together they have delivered numerous hit songs. Many of his best compositions belong to Rajkumar and his sons’ movies. He has composed music for more than 200 films including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Tulu films. He won Karnataka State Film Award for Best Music Director for 3 times -Nanjundi Kalyana (1990), Hrudaya Haadithu (1992) and Jeevana Chaitra (1993). Though born in Orissa, majority of his life was spent in Chennai.
Upendra Kumar was born in the year 1941 in Orissa to a Telugu speaking Brahmin family. His father, Lakshman Swamy was an astrologer. He studied till 7th standard and his interest was shifted to music during this time. He was helped by his uncle, Apparao and Upendra learnt Hindustani classical, Western instrumental and Indian string instruments. Later he became a graduate in music from Utkal University of Music. His film debut as a music director happened through a Rajkumar movie - Kathariveera (1966). Thus began the successful association of both these artists and together they have given many memorable songs to Kannada music lovers. Jeevana Chaitra, music composed by Upendra gave national award to Rajkumar as a playback singer.
Idu yaaru bareda katheyo from Anuraga Aralitu, Ellige payana yaavudo daari from Sipayi Ramu, Ee sambhashane from Dharma Sere Idu yaaru bareda katheyo, Baanigondu elle ellide from Premada Kanike and Neenaro eno sakha engaasare from Hasiru Torana are a few of his memorable songs. He has won Karnataka state awards thrice in the early 1990’s and was in the peak of his career that time. Upendra Kumar died on 24 January 2002.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 16, 2014
