Gubbi Veeranna Biography 
Gubbi Veeranna was one of the pioneers of Kannada theatre who has been conferred the title Nataka Ratna. He was a well-known playwright and theater director. In 1955, he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for acting. He established the drama company, Gubbi Veeranna Nataka Company, which played a significant role in the promotion of Kannada Theater. Noted film personalities Rajkumar, B. Jayashree and G. V. Shivananda have been a part of this prominent theatre group. It was the first theatre troupe of Karnataka which employed female artists and used ladies to portray female characters on the stage. There is a popular saying that the story of Gubbi Veeranna's company is the story of the Kannada theatre.
Gubbi Veeranna was born in the town of Gubbi in the Tumkur district in 1890. He produced stage plays under his production company, Gubbi Shree Chenna Basaveshwara Nataka Company. Occasionally he appeared as an actor as well. He had 4 wives. His second wife died while performing on the stage. He is credited to groom great Kannada artists like Rajkumar and B. V. Karanth and laso has provided them financial help. His theatre company was initially set at his hometown, Gubbi. Later he started travelling with his troupe throughout the state. It included more than 150 artists and backstage workers and was one of the earliest successful drama troupes of the state. Sadaarame and Yechamma Nayaka are their noted plays.
Gubbi Veeranna also started Karnataka Gubbi Productions. Sadarame in 1935 was the first movie released in this banner where he played the lead role as well. This production company was later renamed as ‘The Karnataka Films Ltd’ and actor Rajkumar started his film career under this company.
Published: N/A
Updated: March 06, 2014
