Vajramuni

Vajramuni Biography

Vajramuni was a veteran actor in the Kannada film industry who acted more than 500 movies. One of the top villains of Kannada yesteryears, he was fondly called by the name - 'Nata Bairava' by his fans and media. He was known for his sterling performance with fantastic voice, though he was a shy person in real life. Prachanda Ravana and Vajra Mushti are his noted film works. Mayura, Sampathige Saval, Daari Tappida Maga, Premada Kanike, Giri Kanye, Shankar Guru and Aakasmika are among his other memorable roles.

He was born on 10 May 1944 in Kanakapalya, Bangalore. Vajramuni was a college dropout and later took a degree in cinematography. He was also associated with Kannada amateur plays since younger days, which opened him doors to cinema. He was spotted by none other than ace film maker Puttanna Kanagal while watching his role in Prachanda Ravana. Thus Puttanna Kanagal gave him the first break to Kannada films. The movie was Saavira Mettilu in 1957. But the movie was never released. But the same director offered him another role in the movie, Mallammana Pavada in the late 1960s which marked his acting debut. Since then he spent more than three decades in Kannada film industry and known to be a villain on big screen.

He was the bully and brutal landlord in many of his films and slowly transformed to one of the best villains of Kannada cinema. 'Kanchina Kanta' Vajramuni was active in the industry till he faced severe health issues during his last years. Yet during this time he produced 5 feature films. He faced multiple complications and was on dialysis during his last days. He passed away in 2006. He was survived by his wife and three sons. His sons are established in business.

Published: N/A

Updated: February 21, 2016