Wikipedia

Rangayana Raghu

For the Mysore theatre institute, see Rangayana.

Koththuru Chikkarangappa Raghunath (born 17 April 1965),[1] known by his screen name Rangayana Raghu, is an Indian film and stage actor, known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is a recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards South, SIIMA Awards, and two Karnataka State Film Awards.

Rangayana Raghu
Raghu during the filming of Ishtakamya, 2015
Born (1965-04-17) 17 April 1965 (age 59)
Koththuru, Pavagada, Tumkur, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India
NationalityIndian
OccupationActor
Years active1995–present
SpouseMangala
Children1

Born in Koththuru, a village in the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka), to a Bayalaata artist, Raghu was inspired to act as a teenager. He began his career in theatre and worked as a stage actor with B. V. Karanth's theatre group Rangayana, from 1988 to 1999. His first feature film, Suggi, got shelved, and Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998) was his first release. During the initial phase of his career, Raghu usually portrayed comedic or negative-shaded characters and played supporting roles. His first major break came when he appeared as an antagonist in Dhumm (2002). He is best noted for his performance in the 2007 film Duniya which won him his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. His other notable roles during this period came in Ranga SSLC (2004), Suntaragaali (2006), Cyanide (2006), Raam (2009), Olave Mandara (2011) and Jayammana Maga (2013).

Later, Raghu progressed to play more character and lead roles, while also appearing frequently in comedic roles. He became noted for his versatility, and earned praise for his performances in films such as Badava Rascal (2021), Family Pack (2022), Rangasamudra (2024) and Shakhahaari (2024).[2][3] He has appeared in more than 400 films.[4]

Early life

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Raghu was born as Kotturu Chikkarangappa Raghunath on 17 April 1965 as the ninth child of Chikkarangaiah and Veeramma, in a village Kotturu, in Pavagada taluk of the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka).[1] His father Chikkarangaiah was an agriculturist and folk artist who played Bayalaata. Raghu completed his schooling and college education in National College, Bangalore, where he developed an interest in acting. He was encouraged to act in plays by Rajashekhar, the son of noted playwright, Chandrashekhara Kambara. He also referred Raghu to the theatre institute, Rangayana in Mysore in 1988.[5][6]

Career

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Raghu trained as an actor in Rangayana before joining films in the mid-1990s. He last performed on stage in 2001. In 2004, he started the theatre group, Sanchari, with his wife, Mangala.[7][8]

Raghu made his film debut in the 1995 Kannada-language film Suggi directed by Hamsalekha that eventually got shelved.[9] His first release was Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998), that saw him appear in a supporting role.[5] He then appeared in the 2002 film Dhumm, which followed minor roles in Megha Banthu Megha (1998) and Aryabhata (1999). His major breakthrough was Yogaraj Bhat's debut directorial venture Mani (2003). Raghu then received praise for his performances in films like Ranga SSLC (2004), Duniya (2007), Modalasala (2010), Alemari (2012), and Director's Special (2013).[10][11] Raghu made his debut in Tulu films in 2018 with My Name is Annappa.[12]

Raghu played a respected folk artist humiliated by a wealthy man in Rangasamudra (2024), a film set in the North Karnataka region. His only grandson intends to restore his grandfather's lost self-respect by buying him a car. A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express wrote, "Rangayana Raghu shines every time he graces the screen, as a folk artist, he exemplifies a life of dignity."[13] In the thriller, Shakhahaari (2024), he played an innocent Subbanna Bhat, who runs a small hotel, and has to shield a man on the run who is accused of murdering his wife. The film and Raghu's performance received praise from critics. The reviewer for Deccan Herald wrote: "Veteran Rangayana Raghu is brilliant in a nuanced role demanding wholesome acting. He seamlessly traverses through varied emotions."[14]

Filmography

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Awards and nominations

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Karnataka State Film Awards
Filmfare Awards South
South Indian International Movie Awards
Udaya Film Awards
  • 2010: Best Supporting Actor
  • 2012: Best Comedian: Mr. 420
Suvarna Film Awards
IIFA Utsavam
  • 2015Best Performance In A Supporting Role – Male (Kannada): Krishna Leela
  • 2015:Best Performance In A Comic Role (Kannada): Rana Vikrama
Innovative Film Awards
  • 2010: Best Supporting Actor[17]

References

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  1. ^ a b Raghu, Rangayana (19 January 2016). Weekend with Ramesh Season 2 - Episode 8 - January 17, 2016 - Full Episode (in Kannada). Zee Kannada. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  2. ^ "I value every role, regardless of its duration on screen: 'Shakhahaari' actor Rangayana Raghu". The New Indian Express. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  3. ^ M. V., Vivek (5 March 2022). "Inside the mind of Rangayana Raghu". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  4. ^ "New-age filmmakers are redefining Kannada cinema: Rangayana Raghu". The Times of India. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b Sebastian, Shilpa (1 August 2020). "Rangayana Raghu: 'I was distracted by the term, cut'". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Rangayana Raghu Take up Plays". supergoodmovies.cpm. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Building bonds via theatre". Deccan Herald. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  8. ^ "Kannada Hero Vijay Beats Stalwarts to Win National Award". The New Indian Express. bangalorefirst.in. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  9. ^ "Best Supporting characters in Sandalwood". The Times of India. 10 September 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Duniya Review". nowrunning.com. 24 February 2007. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  11. ^ "A dialogue with greed". The Hindu 2 June 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  12. ^ Daithota, Madhu (20 July 2018). "Rangayana Raghu makes Tulu film debut". The Times of India. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  13. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (20 January 2024). "Rangasamudra Movie Review: A hearty journey of a grandfather and a grandson". Cinema Express. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  14. ^ B. M., Sujay (17 February 2024). "'Shakhahaari' movie review: Rangayana Raghu shines in unusual thriller". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  15. ^ SM, Shashiprasad (1 September 2017). "Mugulu Nage movie review: Smile with a teary end". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  16. ^ Upadhyaya, Prakash (26 January 2018). "Kanaka movie review: Live audience response". International Business Times India. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  17. ^ "Innovative Film Awards, star studded, star oriented". chitratara.com. 3 May 2010. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
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