The ‘Hasya Chakravarthy’ TR Narasimharaju ruled the Kannada film industry between 1954 and 1979. He commanded it with “clean comedy” and “impeccable timing.”
TR Narasimharaju achieved it all by simply making the cine audience laugh their hearts out for over two-and-a-half decades, be it in theatre, cinema or real life until he passed in 1979.
In Bedara Kannappa (1954) Dr Rajkumar played the titular role of Bedara Kannappa, Narasimharaju portrayed the role of the son of a priest as Kashinatha Shastry.
In the Kannada version of the “James Bond” series, Dr Rajkumar played Prakash (CID agent 999) and Narasimharaju was his sidekick as Baby, (CID agent 888).
Back then, it was a well-known secret that the producers would make sure a character for Narasimha was written in their films, especially if Dr Rajkumar and Narasimharaju acted together.
“Hasya Chakravarthy” Narasimharaju stayed well-connected with professional theatre. Despite his soaring popularity, the actor continued to perform in theatres.
With over 100 films to his credit, TR Narasimharaju is yet to be duly recognised by the state government, unlike in the case of other legendary actors Sandalwood.