Shiva Rajkumar

Nagaraju Shiva Puttaswamy (born 12 July), known by his screen name Shiva Rajkumar, is an Indian film actor, producer and television presenter, best known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is the eldest son of actor Rajkumar. In a career spanning over three decades, Shiva has worked in over 120 films.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Shiva made his debut screen appearance in Singeetham Srinivas Rao's Anand (1986), which fetched him the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor. His first three films, Anand, Ratha Sapthami (1986) and Mana Mechchida Hudugi (1987) were all highly successful, earning him the title Hat-trick Hero coined by the media and his fans.

Shiva has worked in the film industry for over 34 years, featuring in films such as Anand, Ratha Sapthami (1986), Om (1995), Janumada Jodi, Nammoora Mandara Hoove, A.K. 47, Jogi, Bhajarangi, Mufti,Shivalinga and Tagaru which became milestones in the Kannada film industry and made records at the box office. In 2010, he made his television debut with the talk show Naaniruvude Nimagagi, aired on Zee Kannada. Shiva produced a TV serial - Manasa Sarovara. He was also the co-producer of two web series - Hate You Romeo (which was shot in Vietnam) and Honeymoon.

Early life
Shiva Rajkumar was born in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, to actor Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma as the first of five children. His two brothers are Raghavendra Rajkumar, a film producer and Kannada actor and Puneeth Rajkumar, an actor in Kannada cinema. Shiva did his schooling in T. Nagar, Chennai and then studied at the New College, Chennai.

On the insistence of film director K. Balachander, Shiva joined an acting school in Chennai after completing his graduation from Madras University in 1983. After getting trained in Kuchipudi dance from Vempetti Chinni Sathyam in Chennai during his college days, he made an entry into the Kannada film industry with Anand.

Personal life
Shiva married Geeta, the daughter of the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, S. Bangarappa. The couple have two daughters: Niveditha and Nirupama.

He was the Brand Ambassador of Royal Challengers Bangalore for their 11th Season of Indian Premier League. He was the second Kannada actor to buy Maruti 800.

Acting career
Shiva started his acting career with the film Anand in 1986. In his career spanning over 34 years, he acted in a variety of roles. The most notable movies of his career are Janumada Jodi, Jogi, Anand, Ratha Sapthami, Nammoora Mandara Hoove, Om and Chigurida Kanasu. He acted in Sugreeva, which was shot in 18 hours. His Om, directed by Upendra, set a trend of gangster movies in Kannada and other film industries in India. It continues to be shown even to this day.

In Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998), Shiva played Karna, a friend of legislator Bharath Kumar (played by Ramesh Aravind), out on a mission to achieve the latter's unfulfilled goal of having a dam constructed in a village. His performance received praise; Srikanth Srinivasa of Deccan Herald called it his "best... till date". Srinivasa also praised Shiva for his performance in Don (2003), where he played a lawyer-turned-serial-killer, and wrote, "Shivanna excels in his role as the don. He has put in a spirited yet collected and controlled performance."

His film Cheluveye Ninne Nodalu was shot at the 7 wonders of the world. His 100th movie, Jogayya, is the sequel to his blockbuster Jogi.

Bhajarangi (2013) was a box-office success, and went on to run for more than 100 days. The film was released in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It was released in 212 theatres in the state of Karnataka alone.

He was praised for his versatility.

Statement about dubbing
Shiva opposed the proposal of voice dubbed movies releasing in the Kannada film industry. He openly criticized the need for voice dubbed movies in the Indian film industry. However, once the Supreme Court gave its final verdict against the ban on dubbed movies, he announced that he would no longer oppose dubbing. He went on to say that if that is what the audience wants, he is not the one to oppose it.

Awards and honours
Shiva has won four Filmfare and four state awards in the best actor category. He has also won numerous Cine-Express, Sirigannada and ETV awards. He has lent his name for creating awareness for social causes and charity. On his birthday, "Shivarajkumar Suvarana Mahotsava Abhinandana Samithi" was formed for charity.

International recognition

 * Recipient of Kohinoor of South India honour by the British South India Council of Commerce and Visionnaire Entertainment - London in 2016

National recognition

 * Recipient of NTR National Award for 2011

Honorary awards

 * SIIMA Award for Social Responsibility (2012)
 * Honorary doctorate from Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University of Bellary (2014).