Prakash Belawadi

Prakash Belawadi is an acclaimed Indian actor, theatre artist, filmmaker, screenwriter, journalist and activist, whose career bridges Kannada, Hindi and English cinema, theatre and television. Born into a prominent theatre family in Bengaluru, he inherited a rich legacy of performing arts from his parents - both respected theatre artistes - and grew up immersed in dramatic traditions.

Though he trained as a mechanical engineer, earning his degree from the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Prakash Belawadi followed his passion for performance, seamlessly moving from engineering to acting and direction.

His directorial debut came with the English-language film Stumble, which won the national honour for Best Film in English - a milestone that affirmed his distinctive voice across languages and formats. Over the years, he has appeared in notable films such as Madras Café, Airlift, Wazir, Sanju and others, often in character roles that leverage his gravitas and versatility.

Beyond screen and stage, he co-founded institutions for performing-arts education and media training, including the Suchitra School of Cinema and Dramatic Arts in Bengaluru, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

Prakash Belawadi has also been an outspoken civic activist, using his voice to engage with social issues and urban development - a role that complements his artistic identity and underlines his belief in art as a medium for awareness and change.

With a career spanning decades, crossing languages and mediums, Prakash Belawadi stands out as a multifaceted cultural figure whose work continues to resonate in theatre, cinema and public life.