CV Shivashankar started his journey as a theatre artist during his childhood where he gained experience by performing in numerous plays.
Published Jun 28, 2023 | 11:52 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 10, 2023 | 1:32 PM
CV Shivashankar with his elder son Venkat Bharadwaj. (Supplied)
Veteran Kannada filmmaker CV Shivashankar who penned the popular patriotic song “Sirivanthanadaru Kannada Nadalle Mereve” is no more.
The song meant “I will take pride in being a Kannadiga even if I am a wealthy person and that I also wish to die in the Kannada-speaking land even if I am a beggar”.
Shivashankar passed away due to a heart attack on Tuesday, 27 June, at around 2 pm.
His elder son Venkat Bharadwaj, also a film director, told South First that his father complained of chest pain after which he was rushed to a nearby hospital but he did not survive.
‘Namma Ooru’ poster. (Supplied)
CV Shivashankar started his journey as a theatre artist during his childhood where he gained experience by performing in numerous plays.
As he ventured into the world of cinema, he became a prominent figure by showcasing his talent in films like Ratnagiri Rahasya (1957), Rathna Manjari, (1962), and School Master (1958).
He further contributed to the industry as an assistant director before making his mark as a producer with the film Mane Katti Nodu (1965).
Later, he made his debut as a director with the film Padavidhara (1967), starring Udayshankar and Kalpana.
CV Shivashankar then directed Namma Ooru (1968) which became a milestone in the career of the late actor Rajesh, the father-in-law of actor Arjun Sarja.
The song “Hogadhiri Sodarare” from the film made the actor and also the director so popular, that the then Karnataka finance minister Ramakrishna Hegde gave the film a 100 percent tax exemption.
Throughout his illustrious career, Shivashankar received widespread recognition and numerous accolades for his outstanding achievements. Notable among his honours are the Karnataka State Award in 1991, the Rajyotsava Award in 1994, and the Singanallur Puttaswamayya Rajkumar Award.
He is survived by his two sons; the elder son Venkat Bharadwaj is a film director and the younger son Laksham is an actor.
The veteran filmmaker was recently seen in a “funny reel” shot by his younger son that went viral on social media.
CV Shivashankar’s final rites were conducted in Bengaluru today, 28 June.
