C. R. Simha

C. R. Simha Biography

Channapatna Ramaswami Simha, popularly called C. R. Simha was a great film celebrity, known as a film maker and actor. He was also a dramatist and a playwright associated with Kannada Theater. Founder of theatre group called "Nataranga" in 1972, some of the successful played staged include - Kakana Kote, Thughlaq and Sankranthi. This artist is also known for his contributions to Kannada film industry as an actor, director and producer. In 2003 he was honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by Government of India. As a television actor, he was featured in Malgudi Days. Noted Kannada actor cum Vice President of Udaya Television, Srinath is his son.

He was born on 16 June 1942 in Channapatna, Kingdom of Mysore. He started his journey as a stage actor at the age of 12. At the age of 13, he published his first book - "Family Doctor". He studied at National College at Basavanagudi, Bangalore and later joined National College Histronics Club, where he was active with his stage plays. "Bahaddur Ganda" and "Manavemba Markata" were his early plays. Started his professional career with the theatre group Prabhat Kalavidaru, he founded theatre group called "Nataranga" in 1972 with the help of a few friends and produced many successful plays. Simha started another theatre group called "Vedhike" in 1983.

He later became a popular mainstream character actor in about 150 Kannada films. Associated with offbeat movies like Samskara, Bara, Chithegoo Chinte and Anuroopa, he was also seen in commercial hits such as Indina Ramayana, Nee Bareda Kadambari, Parameshi Prema Prasanga, Rayaru Bandaru Mavana Manege, Nee Thanda Kanike and many more. He also directed 5 films - Kakana Kote, Shikaari, Simhasana, Ashwamedha and Angayalli Apsare. Known for the strong presence in cinema and theater, he also acted in many Kannada, Hindi and English television serials. He published 5 plays and regularly wrote columns for magazines.

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Updated: February 20, 2016