S. Mahendar

S. Mahendar is an Indian film director working in Kannada cinema. He is also a politician with the BJP contesting from Kollegal constituency in Karnataka. He debuted into cinema with Pranayada Pakshigalu (1992) and went to direct for over 30 films. He also acted in Gattimela (2001) in the lead role under his own direction. His well-known movies include Thayi Illada Thavaru (1995), Karpoorada Gombe (1996), Snehaloka (1999), Asura (2001), Vaalee (2001), Ninagagi (2002), Gowdru (2004) and Thandege Thakka Maga (2006).

Personal life
Mahendar was married to actress Shruti who had been cast in many of his films. They have a daughter named Gowri. In 2009, Shruti applied for divorce citing understanding differences. He later married a Mysore-based Economics student, Yashoda, in 2012.