Shashi Kumar

Shashikumar Nayak (born 2 December 1965), professionally known as Shashi Kumar (also spelled Shashikumar), is an Indian actor and politician who rose to prominence in Kannada cinema during the late 1980s and 1990s. Starting his acting career in villainous role in Chiranjeevi Sudhakara and subsequent supporting roles in few films, Shashi Kumar played his first lead role in Baare Nanna Muddina Rani (1990). Celebrated for his energetic dancing and onscreen charisma, he earned the affectionate title “Supreme Hero” from fans.

Beyond Kannada, his filmography includes few Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, including a notable role as Rajinikanth’s brother in the blockbuster Baashha (1995). Some of his notable roles came with Rani Maharani (1990), Policena Hendthi (1990), Readymade Ganda (1991), Kitturina Huli (1991), Edurmaneli Ganda Pakkadmaneli Hendthi (1992), Muddina Maava (1993), Mutthanna (1994), Kunthi Puthra (1994), Ganeshana Galate (1995), Habba (1999) and Yajamana (2000). Post 2000, he switched to supporting roles and starred in several multi-starrer films.

After a prolific film career with over 100 titles, Shashi Kumar entered politics, serving as Member of Parliament for Chitradurga in the 13th Lok Sabha (1999–2004) and subsequently joining various political parties.

Acting career Shashi Kumar's first released film was Chiranjeevi Sudhakar starring Raghavendra Rajkumar. In 1989 he became popular with Yuddha Kaanda starring V. Ravichandran and Poonam Dhillon and C.B.I Shankar with Shankar Nag. In 1990 two successful films Rani Maharani and Baare Nanna Muddina Rani established him as a top hero of Kannada cinema. Shashi Kumar and Malashri, who acted together in several hit films together are considered one among the all-time popular pairs of Kannada cinema. He was also paired with actresses Sudha Rani, Tara, Mahalakshmi, Soundarya, Sithara and Shruti.

He was injured a car accident near the Bangalore Turf Club in 1998. The surgeries altered his looks and offers for lead roles from big banners stopped coming his way. For a few years, he starred in supporting roles in multi-starrers like Yajamana, Habba, Kanasugara, Snehaloka and Yaarige Saluthe Sambala. He later decided to enter politics.

Political career He was a member of the 13th Lok Sabha representing Chitradurga and contesting on a Janata Dal (United) ticket. He has successfully contested and won the Member of Parliament elections for Chitradurga constituency. He joined the Indian National Congress in 2006.

Selected filmography Kannada films

Other language films Year Film Role Language Notes 1990 Manasu Mamtha Telugu 1991 Veetla Eli Velila Puli Tamil Guest role in song "Nayaram" Ashwini Chandu Telugu 1993 Kokkoroko Prema Samaram 1995 Baashha Shiva Tamil 1996 Amma DurgammaTelugu Maa Inti Aadapaduchu

Television Anna Thangi (Star Suvarna)