Introduction
Putta Swamy, known by his screen name Shiva Rajkumar, is an Indian film actor, producer, playback singer, and television presenter best known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is the eldest son of actor Rajkumar. In his career spanning more than three decades, Shiva has worked in over 100 films.
After graduating in Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), Shiva made his debut screen appearance in films with Singeetham Srinivas Rao's Anand (1986). His first three films, namely Anand, Ratha Sapthami (1986) and Mana Mechchida Hudugi (1987) were all successful, which earned him the title Hattrick Hero.
Shiva has worked in the film industry for over 28 years, producing films Anand, Ratha Sapthami (1986), Om (1995), Janumada Jodi, Nammoora Mandara Hoove, A.K. 47, Jogi, Bhajarangi, Killing Veerappan, Shivalinga created milestones in Kannada film industry and records at the box office. He was conferred honorary doctorate by Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University in 2014.
Personal life
Shiva 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 a former 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 training in Kuchipudi at Vempetti Chinni Sathyam in Chennai during his college days, he made an entry into the Kannada film industry with Anand.
Shiva married Geeta, the daughter of a former chief minister of Karnataka, S. Bangarappa. The couple have two daughters: Niveditha and Nirupama.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University.
Acting career
Shiva started his acting career with the film Anand in 1986. In his career spanning over 30 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.
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 played a coach in the sports drama Aryan, his first release of 2014.
Stardom
Statement against dubbing
Shiva opposed the proposal of voice dubbed movies releasing in Kannada film industry. He openly criticized the need for voice dubbed movies in Indian film industry.
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, ETV awards. He has also lent his name for creating awareness for social causes and charity. In his birthday, 'Shivarajkumar Suvarana Mahotsava Abhinandana Samithi' was formed for charity.
Honorary Awards
- SIIMA Award for Social Responsibility (2012)
Karnataka State Awards
- Om (1995–96)
- Hrudaya Hrudaya (1999-00)
- Chigurida Kanasu (2003–04)
- Jogi (2005–06)
South Indian International Movie Awards
- Shiva (2012)
International Honours
- The Visionnaire Award – London (2016)
- Kohinoor of South India – Presented by the British South India Council of Commerce & Visionnaire Entertainment – London (2016)
Other
- Ujjwala Express Award: Aanand (1986), Bhoomitaayiya Chochala Maga (1998)
- Chitra Rasikara Sangha Prashasti: Midida Shruthi (1992), Janumada Jodi (1996), A.K.47 (1999)
- Hero-Honda Express Award: OM (1995), Janumada Jodi (1996), A.K.47 (1999)
- AaryabhaTa Prashasti: Janumada Jodi (1996)
- Screen Award: Nammoora Mandara Hoove (1996)
- SICA Special Jury Award: Thavarige Baa Thangi (2002), Chigurida Kanasu
- Hello Gandhinagara Award: Chigurida Kanasu (2004)