Shashi Kumar

Shashi Kumar (born 2 December 1965) is an actor and politician from the Indian State of Karnataka. A popular star in Kannada films, he was also seen in Tamil cinema the prominent one being Rajinikanth starrer Baasha. In his heydays Shashi Kumar was one of the most good-looking heroes of Kannada cinema. He is known as "Supreme Hero" of Kannada film industry.

Acting career
Shashi Kumar's first released film was Chiranjeevi Sudhakara starring Raghavendra Rajkumar. In 1989 he became popular with Yuddha Kaanda starring V. Ravichandran and Poonam Dhillon and acted in key roles in big films like C.B.I Shankar and Sangliayana 2. Two successful 1990 films Rani Maharani and Baare Nanna Muddina Rani established him as a top hero of Kannada cinema. Shashi Kumar and Malashri, who acted together in several hit films together are considered one among the all-time great pairs of Kannada cinema. He was also paired with other popular actresses like Sudha Rani, Tara, Soundarya and Sithara.

At the peak of his acting career, he suffered a driving accident near the Bangalore Turf Club in the mid 1990s. The ensuing surgeries altered his looks and offers for lead roles from big banners stopped coming his way. This pushed him to take the plunge into politics. He managed a comeback after a gap of 2-3 years, mainly starring in supporting roles in multi-starrers like Yajamana, Habba, Kanasugara, Snehaloka and Yaarige Saluthe Sambala.

Political career
He was a member of the 13th Lok Sabha representing Chitradurga and contesting on a Janata Dal (United) ticket. He joined the Indian National Congress in 2006. He has successfully contested and won the Member of Parliament elections for Chitradurga constituency.