Veteran actor and producer-director of Kannada films, S. Shivaram, passed away on 4th December at a hospital in Bangalore. He was 83. His last rites were performed today (5th) with full state honours.
The actor had been hospitalised on 30th November after he collapsed in his house while performing puja. Scanning reports revealed that he had suffered brain haemorrhage.
Shivaram was a popular hero and then a comedian and character actor for six decades. He began his career as an assistant director. Popularly known as Shivaramanna, he had acted in a number of films, besides directing and producing some.
He started his acting career with Beratha Jeeva in 1965 but he made a mark with Dudde Doddappa and Lagna Patrike. Among the films he was known for are Sharapanjara, Puttanna Kanagal’s Shubhamangala, Nagarahavu and Chalisuva Modagalu, Nanobba Kalla, Yajamana, Apthamitra and Hombisilu.
Along with his brother, S. Ramanathan, Shivaram started a production house named Rashi Brothers and went on to produce films like Gejje Pooje and Upasane. He also directed Hrudaya Sangama in which legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar and Bharathi played main roles. S. Shivaram was also a passionate photographer.