R. N. Jayagopal (1935 – 19 May 2008) was an Indian film director and lyricist in Kannada cinema. He had written over 12,000 film songs.[1]

R. N. Jayagopal
Born(1935-08-17)17 August 1935
Died19 May 2008(2008-05-19) (aged 72)
NationalityIndian
Other namesRNJ
Occupation(s)Lyricist, film director
Years active1957–2008
SpouseLalita Jayagopal
Children1
ParentR. Nagendra Rao
Family
Websitewww.rnjayagopal.com

Early life and education

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R. N. Jayagopal, known to friends and fans as RNJ, was born in 1935 to R. Nagendra Rao, another great of Kannada cinema. He did his primary and college education in Bangalore. He learnt Carnatic music from B. S. Raj Iyengar and was good at playing the violin. Jayagopal was one of four sons of his parents. His other famous siblings were older brother R. N. K. Prasad, who was a cinematographer, and younger brother R. N. Sudarshan, a veteran film actor and producer.

Career

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Jayagopal entered the film industry by writing the lyrics of "Tribhuvana Janani Jaganmohini" for the 1957 film Premada Putri produced by his father. From then on, he wrote script, dialogue and lyrics for hundreds of films. He had directed eight films, including Dhumaketu, Kesarina Kamala and Avala Antaranga. He won the State award as best dialogue writer for Namma Makkalu and Pallavi Anu Pallavi, which was Mani Ratnam's first film.

He did direct many serials as well, but he remained preoccupied by writing lyrics for Kannada films. His lyrics were meaningful and had a high degree of lyrical value. Many of his songs have been hugely successful not only for the tune composition, but as well for the quality of the songs.

Jayagopal worked in the company of other great writers like Chi. Udaya Shankar, Vijaya Narasimha, Sorat Ashwath, Hunsur Krishnamurthy and others.[2]

Jayagopal started the first school in Chennai to offer Kannada as a second language - Vidya Vinaya Vinoda Mat. Hr. Sec. School. He also made his mark in the Tamil film industry with his well acclaimed roles in movies like Nayakan and Michael Madana Kama Rajan.

Notable lyrics

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  • "Haadonda Haaduve Nee Kelu Maguve"
  • "Neerinalli Aleya Ungura"
  • "Sanyaasi Sanyaasi Arjuna Sanyaasi"
  • "Bellimodadha Anchinindha"
  • "Gaganavu Ello Bhoomiyu Ello"
  • "Nee Bandu Nintaga Nintu Neenu Nakkaga"
  • "Nagu Endhidhe Manjina Bindu"
  • "Naguva Nayana Madhura Mouna"
  • "Raagake Swaravagi, Swarake Padavaagi"
  • "Noorondu Nenapu Yedeyaaladinda"
  • "Premada Kaadambari Baredanu Kanneerali"

Filmography

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As lyricist

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Year Movie Language Songs
2010 Gubbi Kannada
2008 Psycho Kannada
1996 Jeevanadhi Kannada all songs
1994 Mandyada Gandu Kannada
1992 Sindhoora Thilaka Kannada
1991 Lion Jagapathi Rao Kannada
1990 Shruti Kannada
1989 Rudra Kannada
1988 Krishna Rukmini Kannada
1998 Dharmathma Kannada
1988 Jananayaka Kannada
1988 Dada Kannada
1988 Anjada Gandu Kannada
1987 Sathyam Shivam Sundaram Kannada
1986 Malaya Marutha Kannada
1986 Africadalli Sheela Kannada
1986 Kathanayaka Kannada
1985 Swabhimana Kannada
1985 Bidugadeya Bedi Kannada
1985 Sedina Hakki Kannada
1984 Rudranaga Kannada
1984 Bandhana Kannada
1983 Sididedda Sahodara Kannada
1983 Aasha Kannada all songs
1983 Nyaya Gedditu Kannada all songs
1983 Pallavi Anu Pallavi Kannada all songs
1982 Tony Kannada
1982 Sahasa Simha Kannada
1981 Maha Prachandaru Kannada
1980 Makkala Sainya Kannada
1978 Kiladi Kittu Kannada
1978 Maathu Tappada Maga Kannada all songs
1978 Madhura Sangama Kannada
1977 Chinna Ninna Muddaduve Kannada all songs
1976 Baalu Jenu Kannada
1976 Raja Nanna Raja Kannada
1976 Premada Kaanike Kannada
1975 Onde Roopa Eradu Guna Kannada
1975 Kalla Kulla Kannada
1973 Edakallu Guddada Mele Kannada
1972 Bangarada Manushya Kannada
1972 Mareyada Deepavali Kannada
1972 Naagarahaavu Kannada
1972 Naa Mechida Huduga Kannada
1972 Sipayi Ramu Kannada
1971 Kulagaurava Kannada
1971 Kasturi Nivasa Kannada
1970 Seetha Kannada
1968 Dhoomakethu Kannada all songs except Eko Ee dina
1965 Sathi Saavitri Kannada all songs

As director

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Year Film Notes
1968 Dhoomakethu Also wrote screenplay, dialogues and lyrics
1972 Naa Mechida Huduga Also wrote screenplay, dialogues and lyrics
1973 Kesarina Kamala Also wrote screenplay, dialogues and lyrics
1979 Mutthu Ondu Mutthu Also wrote screenplay, dialogues and lyrics
1981 Mareyada Haadu Also wrote story, screenplay, dialogues and lyrics
1983 Makkale Devaru Also wrote dialogues and lyrics
1984 Avala Antharanga
1987 Hrudaya Pallavi Also wrote screenplay, dialogues and lyrics

As actor

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Awards

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Karnataka State Film Awards

Death

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He died on 19 May 2008 at the age of 72 following a cardiac arrest. His wife Lalita Jayagopal died two years later, on 13 June 2010.

References

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  1. ^ "Veteran Kannada lyricist, director R.N. Jayagopal dead". thaindian. 19 May 2008. Retrieved 6 June 2010.
  2. ^ "Lyricist RN Jayagopal passed away". 20 May 2008.
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