Shankar Nag(1954-1990)

Shankar Nag, fondly remembered as the "Karate King," stands as a legendary figure in Kannada cinema, renowned for his dynamic acting, directing, screenwriting, and production talents that reshaped Sandalwood's landscape. He burst onto the scene with his debut in Girish Karnad's Ondanondu Kaladalli, earning the inaugural IFFI Best Actor Silver Peacock Award for his powerful portrayal of a mercenary, which drew comparisons to Toshiro Mifune by New York Times critic Vincent Canby.

Transitioning seamlessly into commercial successes, he captivated audiences with action-packed hits like Auto Raja, Nyaya Ellide, Sangliyana, and S.P. Sangliyana Part 2, often pairing effortlessly with actress Bhavya in multiple films while building a massive fanbase across Karnataka. His directorial ventures, starting with the heist thriller Minchina Ota that swept seven state awards, included acclaimed works like Accident, which garnered national honors, Janma Janmada Anubandha, and Geetha, showcasing his innovative storytelling.

Beyond films, Shankar Nag revolutionized Kannada television by directing the iconic Malgudi Days series based on R.K. Narayan's stories, featuring stars like Vishnuvardhan and his brother Anant Nag, and earning a lasting place in Indian TV history. A theatre enthusiast, he co-founded the Sanket group with Anant Nag, staging plays like Anju Mallige and Nodi Swamy Navirodu Hige, while his multifaceted career left an indelible mark until his untimely death in a car accident near Davangere.