BENGALURU: The Kannada film industry mourns the loss of Bungle Shama Rao Dwarakanath, affectionately known as Dwarakish, who succumbed to an attack in the center on April 16. The veteran star, who had long been battling an age-related illness, has died. at the age of 81.
Born on August 19, 1942 in Ittigegud, Mysuru, Dwarakish’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of cinema has been marked by his determination and talent. After his studies at Sharada Vilas and Banumaiah, he graduated in mechanical engineering from CPC. Polytechnic.
After their studies, Dwarakish and his brother embarked on an entrepreneurial venture by founding Bharat Auto Spares in Gandhi Square, Mysore. However, his true hobby lay in the theatre, a flame lit through his uncle, the prominent Hunusur director Krishnamurthy. In 1963, he made the brave decision to leave the business and pursue a career in film.
Named Dwarakish by Kannada filmmaker C. V. Shivashankar, he has made contributions to the industry and became the first producer to introduce Kishore Kumar to Kannada cinema, a gesture immortalized through the chart-topping song “Aadu Aata Aadu. “
Initially, he started producing with the film Mamatheya Bandhana, but it was thanks to Mayor Muthanna that Dwarakish established himself as a producer in his own right. Under his banner, he has produced more than 50 films, each of which contributes to the colorful collections. of Kannada cinema.
He also received an honorary doctorate and was revered through the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce for his significant contributions to Kannada’s film industry at the age of 80.
His influence on Kannada cinema was unprecedented and marked by many milestones. He was the pioneer of foreign collaborations in the field of cinema, with innovative works.
Dwarakish has the difference of being the first Kannada user to shoot the film Kannada Singapuradalli Rajakulla outdoors in India, released in 1978. His other popular projects include Africadalli Sheela, Nee Bareda Kadambari and Raja Nanna Raja. He also receives credits for bringing singer Kumar Sanu to the Kannada cinema.
He has collaborated with luminaries like Dr. Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan in over a dozen films, adding Apthamitra, Mayor Muthanna and Bhagyavanta.
Dwarakish made films that tackled a variety of topics, from student-teacher relationships to reimagining the Ramayana in new contexts and exploring the complexities of family bonds. He has collaborated with stars such as Ambareesh, Rajnikanth, Chiranjeevi, Shashi Kumar, Vinod Raj, Darshan, and Sudeep.
As an actor, Dwarakish has acted with finesse, earning praise for his portrayal of characters like Agent 000. His versatility shines in his latest film directed by Ayushman Bhava, showcasing his prowess in comic roles alongside stalwarts like Narasimha Raju and Balakrishna.
He also received an honorary doctorate and was revered by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce for his significant contribution to Kannada’s film industry on his 80th birthday. He leaves a lasting legacy, celebrated by his peers and fans.
Sandalwood celebrities took to social media to express their grief over his passing. His remains will be kept for a public demonstration in his apartment and in Ravindra Kalakshetra, and he is expected to be buried.
With Dwarakish’s passing, the Kannada film industry says goodbye to a mythical celebrity.
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