For a true Kannada film fan, the name Srinath always rings in as ‘Pranaya Raja’. This handsome “King of Romance” has completed five decades in Sandalwood with his looks and charm intact. In an age, when it is difficult for any actor to survive for more than five years, Srinath has been winning hearts for 50 years and that too without any controversies. Loved for his hard work and dedication, he has millions of loyal fans. In this month, Vedanth profiles the Sandalwood veteran we all love in the October issue of Karnataka Today…
For a true Kannada film fan, the name Srinath always rings as ‘Pranaya Raja’. This handsome “King of Romance” has completed five decades in Sandalwood with his looks and charm intact. In an age, when it is difficult for any actor to survive for more than five years, Srinath has been winning hearts for 50 years and that too without any controversies. Loved for his hard work and dedication, he has millions of loyal fans.
In his early days, he was called the “Ladies’ Favourite” because of his looks, but gradually he made his way into heart of Kannadigas through his outstanding performances.
The actor was elevated to the position of a legend after his memorable performance as a heart broken doctor in PuttannaKanagal’s magnum opus “Manasa Sarovara.”
Born as Narayana Swamy on 28 December 1943, he used to be part of dramas. His elder brother C R Simha was his mentor. C R Simha had created a niche in theatre. Following his elder brother’s footsteps, he ventured into acting but that was just not it. He also practised cinematography in an occupational institute in Bengaluru for some time. However, his heart was always in acting. He made his debut in Sandalwood in a small role in Dr. Rajkumar starrer ‘Lagna Patrike’. The film released in 1967.
After the release, there was no looking back for this amazing actor. He catapulted to a hero with Madhura Milana, which was directed by S K A Chari. This is when he also got his screen name Srinath. However, the film which changed the course of his life was Shubha Mangala, directed by legendary director Puttanna Kanagal. The film was a big blockbuster and Srinath became a star. He later collaborated again with PuttannaKanagal for Dharmasere and Maanasa Sarovara, with the latter being considered a cult classic. Srinath impressed everyone with his performance as doctor in Maanasa Sarovara. The film got him huge fame and name. It is considered his best work.
Srinath received his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Besuge, which released in 1976. He was bestowed with the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor for Shri Raghavendra Vaibhava. His pairing with Manjula is considered one of the best in Sandalwood. The duo have worked in 35 films together and was a big treat to watch on big screen. The distributors would line up to purchase films which starred Srinath and Manjula together, as it was a hit team.
Srinath has acted in 350 films as a lead actor as well as character artiste. He has slowed down now, but still the offers are pouring in for character roles. He created a niche for himself in the 80’s when the industry was being ruled by Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh and Shankar Nag. He had a huge fan base, which was different from the above mentioned superstars.
Commenting on Srinath, Ramesh, a trade analyst said, “Srinath was very popular in the 80’s. His collaboration with Puttanna Kannagal yielded landmark results. Working in one film with Puttanna Kannagal is a great learning experience for any actor. However, Puttanna was fond of Srinath and he worked with him in three films. Srinath was very disciplined and was never involved in any unnecessary issues or controversies. He was a perfect family man. His films also did well at the box office and he was called a Minimum Guarantee Star at box office. He was the first actor in his generation to take up the character roles. Even though he could have continued to act only in lead roles, he decided to take up roles of his age. His discipline has been his greatest asset. He was always on time and never showed any attitude. Even at the peak of his career, he treated everyone equally well. I feel this is the prime reason for his success.”
Coming to his personal life, Srinath is married to Geetha Srinath. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter. Even though he was busy with films, he always gave time to his family. He also tried his hands in politics for sometime. Srinath was nominated by Bharatiya Janata Party as Member of Legislative Council from the artiste fraternity for a period of six years. However, he decided not to be part of politics later, as he came to know that it was not his cup of tea.
Coming to character roles, his role as Juhi Chawla’s father in Premaloka is unforgettable. He acted in many blockbusters, wherein even though he was not in the lead, his performance uplifted the film. Known for his good looks, no one imagined that he could play the role of a villain. However, he surprised everyone by playing a villain in Upendra’s directorial “Swastik”, which had Raghavendra Rajkumar in the lead.
Sanjay, a fan of Srinath said, “Srinath has been a heart throb in emotional and romantic scenes. However, his negative role in Swastik, showed his versatility. He played the role of a corrupt police commissioner in the film, who is hand-in-glove with a terrorist organisation. His character changed the whole dimension of the film. His performance in climax was the biggest highlight in the film. He is like water. You can put him in any vessel, he will take the shape of that. Give him any role, Srinath will give his best. Many heroes may come and go, but Srinath will always remain a step above others.”
Srinath also tried his hand at production. He recently produced a Kannada film Suli. It was an experimental film, which spoke about a Muslim family. Pragathi, who played the lead in the film spoke to Karnataka Today and said, “Srinath Sir is a gem of a person. He is very humble and down to earth. As I was a newbie in the industry, I was initially nervous to work under such a legendary actor. He was also producing the film. But not even once did I feel, that I was working with a star. He is so empathetic about his co stars as well as technicians. He never differentiates between any person. The light boys are also close to him. He loves his profession. I consider myself lucky to have worked with him. I hope to work with him more.”
It was not only on big screen, he also made a name for himself on small screen. He had the family audience glued to TV screen with his popular show Adarsha Dampatigalu. His anchoring skills were loved by one and all. The game show was a big hit especially in rural areas. He has also been a part of many popular serials like Bangara. His stint on small screen helped him to connect more with the masses. He is currently working on the serial Manasa Sarovara, which is a continued part of his cult film of same name. The serial is being produced by Shivarajkumar’s daughter Niveditha Shivarajkumar.
Srinath is not only a star of the film world, but also a pioneer of charity. Srinath has set up a charitable trust called Deeya Art Foundation, to provide a helping-hand to the poor and needy who are affected by diseases like cancer, HIV and heart-related ailments. He organises entertainment programmes exclusively for cancer-affected patients and various other service activities at old-age homes on regular basis.
In the year 2003, Srinath was honoured with the Kalaratna (Pearl of Art) award by Adarsha Suguma Sangeeta Academy Trust. In the same year, Srinath was bestowed with the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award by the Government of Karnataka.
In recent years also, he has been seen in many popular films. He has worked with almost all current superstars. He has worked in films like Bangara s/o Bangarada Manushya, Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari, Raam, Dattha and Nalla. Srinath may not have a enjoyed star status as other big stars, but his contribution to Sandalwood is no less than that of the biggest.
The modest yet majestic legend has completed five decades in Sandalwood. NewsKarnataka salutes the icon with this special article. We hope to see him continue rocking in films in future and entertain us.
