K. R. Seetharama Sastry

K. R. Seetharama Sastry popularly known as Ku. Ra. Seetharama Sastry or simply Ku. Ra. Si was an Indian actor, writer, lyricist and director in Kannada film industry. After a career in theatre, Sastry's career in films was those of an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, lyricist and an occasional composer. He is considered one of the most influential personalities in the history of Kannada cinema.

Sastry began his film career as an actor in the mythological film, Rajasuya Yaaga (1937). After a brief stint as an actor, he turned into director, lyricist, writer and music composer for the film Mahakavi Kalidasa (1955) which emerged as a biggest commercial and critical success of the year. The film won the President's silver medal for Best feature film for the year.

Ku.Raa.See. was offered the lead role of the 1954 movie Bedara Kannappa by Gubbi Veeranna. However, he rejected it owing to the opportunity he got to work in the direction department of Shaw Brothers Studio, Hong Kong. The role was subsequently played by Rajkumar who went on to be the matinee idol of Kannada cinema.

Apart from Kannada language, Sastry directed 2 movies in Malay language: Kuraana Kaav and Iman (1954) – both of which were selected for the international film festival of Japan – thereby making him the first director from Karnataka whose movies were exhibited in an international platform. He also won international award for his direction.

Early life Seetharama Sastry hailed from the Mysore Kingdom and was very active in theater during his early age. He found tutelage under Gubbi Veeranna, who is considered the pioneer of Kannada cinema. All his initial movies as an actor was directed by Veeranna.

Filmography Year Film Language Functioned as Notes director Composer Writer (Screenplay/ Lyrics) Actor 1937 Rajasuya Yaaga Kannada 1945 Hemareddy Mallamma Kannada 1953 Gunasagari Kannada Also assistant director 1954 Iman Malay 1955 Mahakavi Kalidasa Kannada National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada 1956 Sadaarame Kannada 1956 Ohileshwara Kannada 1956 Hari Bhakta Kannada 1958 Anna Thangi Kannada 1958 Bhookailasa Kannada 1960 Rani Honnamma Kannada 1962 Thejaswini Kannada 1963 Veera Kesari Kannada 1963 Mana Mecchida Madadi Kannada 1963 Jenu Goodu Kannada 1963 Kanyarathna Kannada 1963 Gowri Kannada 1964 Thumbida Koda Kannada 1964 Shivarathri Mahathme Kannada 1964 Muriyada Mane Kannada 1965 Mavana Magalu Kannada 1965 Beratha Jeeva Kannada Also producer 1966 Madhu Malathi Kannada 1968 Manassakshi Kannada 1969 Suvarna Bhoomi Kannada 1969 Mallammana Pavaada Kannada 1969 Madhura Milana Kannada 1969 Kalpavruksha Kannada 1970 Takka Bitre Sikka Kannada 1970 Nadina Bhagya Kannada 1971 Sothu Geddavalu Kannada 1971 Samshaya Phala Kannada 1971 Baala Bandhana Kannada 1972 Triveni Kannada 1973 Devaru Kotta Thangi Kannada 1974 Professor Huchuraya Kannada 1974 Anna Atthige Kannada 1975 Onde Roopa Eradu Guna Kannada 1975 Nireekshe Kannada 1978 Devadaasi Kannada

Awards 1955 – 3rd National Film Awards – Certificate of Merit – Mahakavi Kalidasa