Ravichandran (Kannada actor)

Ravichandran was born on 30 May 1961 in Vellore, Madras State (now Tamil Nadu), India to Tamil Mudaliyar N. Veeraswamy and Pattammal. His father is N. Veeraswamy was a producer of Kannada films. Ravichandran married Sumathi, on the Valentine's Day; 14 February 1986.[5] The couple has a daughter Geethanjali, two sons Manoranjan and Vikram. Manoranjan made his acting debut with Saheba (2017).[6][7]

He made his first on screen appearance as child actor in Dhoomakethu and Kula Gourava - both starring Dr.Rajkumar, the latter also being his father's first movie as independent producer. He made his debut as a producer with Prema Matsara (1982). He began his acting career with an antagonist role in Khadeema Kallaru (1982) which was produced by him. His second film was Chakravyuha (1983) which was also co-produced by him. He then appeared in few more successful films before casting himself and introducing Juhi Chawla in Premaloka (1987) which turned out to be a blockbuster. He is often considered as "The Show Man" of Kannada cinema for his multi-faceted works in his associated films.[8]

Ravichandran initially acted in and directed movies produced by his own banner, Eswari Productions. After Premaloka, he accepted acting offers from other producers. He has worked with leading directors of the Kannada film industry such as Rajendra Singh Babu and D. Rajendra Babu. His association with D. Rajendra Babu is very successful, resulting in several hits, including Naanu Nanna Hendthi (1985), Ramachaari (1991), Sriramachandra (1992), Annayya (1993) and Yaare Neenu Cheluve (1998).[9]

Shanti Kranti (1991) was the most expensive film ever made in Kannada industry at that time. The film was a multilingual project with Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna in prominent roles in Tamil and Telugu respectively. Ramachaari (1991), Halli Meshtru (1992), Putnanja (1995) were notable blockbusters in 90s. Ravichandran and Hamsalekha collaborated on dozens of movies. The end of their long-standing partnership proved to be unsuccessful for both of them. In 2002, Ravichandran embarked on an ambitious film called Ekangi. Shot inside a massive glass mansion built at a cost of Rs 80 lakh, it was a unique take on loneliness. The success of Malla (2004) began a new chapter in his career.

He started his company Eswari Audio later to be known as Eswari Entertainments. He was also awarded as the Best Musical Director on the state level. He not only brought the trend of Big-Budget Movies to Kannada cinema but also brought in Digital Grading technology. He started selling music cassettes through cable operators to beat piracy. Ravichandran was also seen on television as a judge in Dancing-star season-2 on Colors Kannada.[10]

His most recent successes were Maanikya (2014), Drishya (2014) and Hebbuli (2017).

In 2019, Ravichandran played the role of Krishna in Kurukshetra. This was the first mythological film in his career.

In 2021, he reprised his role as Rajendra Ponnappa in Drishya 2 receiving praise like its predecessor.[11]

Cinema Express Awards

• Cinema Express Award For Best Debut Director - Premaloka - 1987
• Cinema Express Award For Best Actor - Premaloka - 1987
• Cinema Express Award For Best Director - Ranadheera - 1989

Karnataka State Film Awards

• Karnataka State Film Award (Special Jury Award) – Shanti Kranti
• Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor – Ekangi (2001–02)
• Karnataka State Film Award for Best Director for Ekangii (2001–02)
• Karnataka State Film Award for Best Music Director for Ekangi (2001–02)
• Puttanna Kanagal Award for Lifetime Achievement (2005–06)

Other Awards

• Suvarna Film Awards for Lifetime Achievement
• Rajyotsava Awards (2010)
• Udaya Film Award for Best Supporting Actor – Aham Premasmi
• NTR National Award - 2013
• Honorary Doctorate From CMR University - 2019
• Honorary Doctorate From Bangalore university - 2022[13]

• Ravichandran at IMDb