Bengaluru: Kannada actor and filmmaker Upendra celebrated his 56th birthday on Wednesday with fans gathering in large numbers at his residence in Kathreguppe. The celebrations, which began at midnight, were marked by cake cutting, cheering fans, and tributes that reflected the actor’s long-standing bond with his audience.
Fans turn up in large numbers
Upendra’s birthday has always been a fan-driven event, and this year was no different. Admirers flocked to his residence since midnight, turning the area into a festive hub. The actor cut a cake surrounded by his supporters, who expressed their affection in unique ways.
One enthusiastic fan paid tribute by decorating his bike with the names of ten Upendra films before riding from Electronic City to join the celebration. He had earlier attempted to gift the actor a 6-gram gold ring, which Upendra declined. This year, he brought a 10-gram gold pendant worth over ₹7 lakh, but Upendra once again politely returned the gift.
Film fraternity joins the celebrations
Adding to the cheer, Upendra received a specially crafted cake from the team of his upcoming film 45. The film, directed by music director-turned-filmmaker Arjun Janya, has already completed 75 per cent of its shooting. Producer Ramesh Reddy ensured that the actor felt honoured on his big day.
As part of the celebration, the team also unveiled a sneak peek of Upendra’s retro look from the film. 45 features a stellar cast including Shivrajkumar and Raj B. Shetty, heightening the buzz around the project.
Anticipation builds for UI
Apart from 45, fans are also eagerly awaiting UI, a film where Upendra dons the dual role of director and actor. The poster for UI was released on his birthday, showing the star in an engaging pose that has fuelled excitement on social media.
The film is slated for release in October and is expected to draw significant attention, given Upendra’s reputation for experimental storytelling and innovative filmmaking.
A star who values simplicity
Despite the grand celebrations, Upendra once again showcased his grounded personality by refusing expensive gifts from fans. His humility, combined with his creative contributions to Kannada cinema, has cemented his place as one of the most admired figures in the industry.
As Upendra turns 56, both fans and colleagues look forward to his upcoming ventures, which promise to bring new dimensions to his career and to Kannada cinema.