Prakash Raj

Prakash Raj

Prakash Raj (1965-0) is a Kannada Actor known for the movies Cyanide(2006), Nanu Nanna Kanasu(2010), Mutthina Haara(1990)

NamePrakash Raj (ಪ್ರಕಾಶ್ ರೈ)
Other NamesPrakash Rai
Date Of Birth26 March 1965
Age59 years 6 months 10 days
Place Of BirthBengaluru, Karnataka
DaughtersPooja , Meghana
ResidenceChennai, Tamil Nadu
WivesLalitha Kumari(m.1994–2009) , Pony Verma(m. 2010)
Wiki Pagehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prakash_Raj
SonSiddhu(1999 – 20 March 2004)
MotherSwarnalatha
FatherManjunath Rai
EducationSt. Joseph's Boys' High School, Bangalore , St. Joseph's College of Commerce, Bangalore
Mother TongueKannada
BrotherPrasad Rai
Height5 feet 9 inches (175cm)
Twitter Profilehttps://twitter.com/prakashraaj
Facebook Profilehttps://www.facebook.com/PrakashRajOfficial

Biography

Prakash Raj is an Indian actor, particularly famous in south Indian films & generally known all over India for his versatile roles and efficiency to bring life to characters. He has re found himself as a director, producer and other creative roles as well.

Childhood, Family & Personal Life

Prakash Raj was born in St. Martha's Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka as Prakash Rai on Friday, 26 March 1965 to Manjunath Rai (Father) & Swarnalatha (Mother). His father comes from a Tulu speaking family, his mother speaks Kannada. Prakash Raj speaks Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, English, Malayalam, Tulu along with his mother tongue Kannada. His mother was a Nurse in nospital. His mother was a Christian by religion, he has both Christian & hindu upbringing. 

Prakash Raj has a brother named Prasad Rai, Prasad is an actor too, he made debut in Tamil in 2010. Prasad & Prakash have a sister.

First Marriage: Prakash Raj married actress Lalitha Kumari in 1994, They have children, daughters named Meghana, Pooja and a son Sidhu. His Sidhu had an unfortunate early death in March 2004. Lalitha & Prakash divorced in 2009, ending their 15 year marriage.

Prakash raj with ex-wife lalitha kumari, daughters meghana and pooja
Prakash raj Family: with ex-wife Lalitha kumari, daughters Meghana and Pooja

Second marriage: Prakash Raj married Bollywood choreographer Pony Verma (born Rashmi Verma) on August 24, 2010, they had known each other for long time, they were friends before they decided to get married. The ceremony was conducted according to Hindu traditions in Punjabi style. The event was attended by his mother, daughters & wellwishes from the industry like his friend director Radha Mohan & others. Reception was arranged in Sahara hotel, Mumbai among other places. The couple had a baby boy in February, 2016, their son is named Vedhant.

prakash raj with wife pony verma & son vedhanth
Prakash Raj with wife pony verma & son vedhanth

Prakash Raj with son Vedhanth
Prakash Raj with son Vedhanth

prakash raj children- daughters meghana, pooja & son vedhanth
Prakash Raj children- daughters Meghana, Pooja & son Vedhanth

Education:

  • High School: St. Joseph's Boys' High School, Museum Road, Bangalore.
  • College: St. Joseph's College of Commerce, Brigade Road, Bangalore.
  • Drama: He started in theatres through Kalakshetra, Bengaluru.

Movie Career

Thatre Career: Prakash Raj started his career in acting through stage dramas of Kalakshetra, Bengaluru.

Prakash first entered the movies as a dubbing artist for Ravana Rajya(1987).

Prakash Raj started his career in acting in Kannada films, his made his debut through Mithileya Seetheyaru(1988), a Drama movie by S L Swamy (Ravi) starring: Geetha, B V Radha.

Prakash Raj had acted in around 20 Kannada movies like Baa Nalle Madhuchandrake, Bhavya Bharatha,  Nishkarsha, Ramaachari, Anukoolakkobba Ganda, Mutthina Haara, Tarka before making his debut in Tamil industry through K. Balachander directed Duet (1994).

Prakash appeared in Malayalam movies starting from 1996 with "The Prince" starring Mohanlal directed by Suresh Krishna.

After his entry into Tamil films, Prakash Raj became a sensation in a short time period, he quickly became a sensation in Telugu industry as well. He has been among the most sought after anti-heroes of the South India.

As director: Prakash Raj started his directorial career through "Naanu Nanna Kanasu (2010 ), A remake of the Tamil movie "Abhiyum Naanum" which has him in the lead role. Dhoni, Oggarane are other hit movies created under his direction.

A Producer: Prakash Raj started producing movies starting from the Tamil movie Dhaya (2002) directed by Senthil Kumar, starring Meena, Lakshmi, Raghuvaran.

TV Appearances

  • Bisilu Kudure (Kannada): A Drama TV serial aired on Doordarshan Kannada.
  • Guddada Bhootha (1990) (Tulu and Kannada): A suspense thriller originally aired on DD Kannada & later reaired on Zee Kannada in 2014. It was an inspiration for the 2015 hit Kannada film RangiTaranga, the film has used the song "Dennaana Dennaana" from the TV series.
  • Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi (Tamil) : Prakash Raj hosted, this game show, a Tamil Version of the "Who wants to be a Millionaire." It was aired on Star Vijay.

Awards & Recognitions:

  • 1996: Kalki (Tamil): Best Villain Award- Won (Tamil Nadu State Film Awards)
  • 1997: Nagamandala(Kannada): The movie in which Prakash acts as the leading actor was selected for Indian Panorama in the International Film Festival.
  • 1998: Iruvar(Tamil): National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
  • 1998Antahpuram (Telugu): National Film Award – Special Jury Award.
  • 2000: Azad (Telugu): Best Character Actor- Won (Nandi Awards)
  • 2000: Vaanavil (Tamil): Best Villain Award- Won (Tamil Nadu State Film Awards)
  • 2002: Nuvve Nuvve (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2002: Khadgam (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (Nandi Awards)
  • 2003: (Various Roles): Special Jury Award- Won (National Film Awards)
  • 2003: Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (Telugu): Best Character Actor- Won (Nandi Awards)
  • 2003: Tagore (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2003: Kannathil Muthamittal (Tamil): Best Supporting Actor- Won (International Tamil Film Awards)
  • 2003: Chokka Thangam (Tamil): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2003: Gangotri (Telugu): Best Villain- Won (Nandi Awards)
  • 2003: Okkadu (Telugu): Best Villain Award- Won (Santosham Film Awards)
  • 2003: Khadgam (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (CineMAA Awards)
  • 2004: Ghilli (Tamil): Best Villain- Won (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2004: Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (CineMAA Awards)
  • 2005: Sivakasi (Tamil): Best Villain- Won (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2005: (Various): Best Villain Award- Won (Tamil Nadu State Film Awards)
  • 2006: Bommarillu (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (Nandi Awards)
  • 2006: Sivakasi (Tamil): Favourite Villain- Won (Vijay Awards)
  • 2007: Kanchivaram (Tamil): Best Actor- Won (National Film Awards)
  • 2007: Mozhi (Tamil): Best Supporting Actor- Won (Vijay Awards)
  • 2007: Pokkiri (Tamil): Best Villain- Nominated (Vijay Awards)
  • 2008: Kotha Bangaru Lokam (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2008: Abhiyum Naanum (Tamil): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2008: Abhiyum Naanum (Tamil): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (Vijay Awards)
  • 2009: Kanchivaram (Tamil): Best Actor- Won (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2009Kanchivaram (Tamil): Best Actor (National Film Award)
  • 2009: Kanchivaram (Tamil): Best Actor- Won (Vijay Awards)
  • 2010: Singam (Tamil): Best Villain- Nominated (Vijay Awards)
  • 2010: Naanu Nanna Kanasu (Kannada): Best Director- Nominated (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2010: Singam (Tamil): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2010: Puttakkana Highway (Kannada): Best Film- Won (National Film Awards)
  • 2010: Abhiyum Naanum (Tamil): Best Character Artiste- Won (Tamil Nadu State Film Awards)
  • 2011: Dookudu (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2011: Dookudu (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (Nandi Awards)
  • 2012: Singham (Hindi): Best Actor in a Negative Role- Won (Zee Cine Awards)
  • 2012: Dookudu (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (CineMAA Awards)
  • 2012: Singham (Hindi): Best Actor in a Negative Role (Apsara Film and Television Producers Guild Awards)
  • 2012: Singham (Hindi): Best Performance in a Negative Role- Won (International Indian Film Academy Awards)
  • 2012: Dookudu (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Won (South Indian International Movie Awards)
  • 2013: Dhoni (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (South Indian International Movie Awards)
  • 2013: Dhamarukam (Telugu): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated (South Indian International Movie Awards)
  • 2013: Businessman (Telugu): Best Actor in a Negative Role- Nominated (South Indian International Movie Awards)
  • 2015: Oggarane (Kannada): Best Director- Nominated (Filmfare Awards South)
  • 2015: O Kadhal Kanmani (Tamil): Best Supporting Actor- Nominated
  • 2015: O Kadhal Kanmani (Tamil): Best Actor in a Supporting Role- Won (South Indian International Movie Awards)

Controversies & Prakash Raj

  • Banned from Telugu film indistry "Sex" Times: Prakash Raj has been banned from the Telugu film industry for six times so far, he doesn't go by the conventional rules, "but why do they still hire me if they don't like Me, look at the results. I understand I'm bit unconventional" says Prakash.
  • Prakash went nude for a scene in the movie Ongole Githa: He was criticized for going fully nude for a scene in the movie, Prakash says that he wouldn't have done it unless the character demanded it. Thus only being truthful to the role.
  • For being part of the team which Produced Singham: Kannada fans & industry protested that Singham movie uses a derogatory dialogue, which puts people of Karnataka in bad light. Eventually the dialogue was cut-off and the director & producer apologized.
  • Fight at the Hyderabad Airport: According to Prakash Raj, a drunk man forced him to talk to his girlfriend on phone even after repeatedly politely choosing not to, the young man pushed it

Prakash Raj: Photos, Pictures

(All Prakash Raj Photos)
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Interesting Facts and Trivia

[Top ⇑]
  1. Prakash Raj doesn't believe in sharing his experiences, issues and emotions. "I feel no need" he says

  2. Prakash Raj's Ex-wife (First wife) Lalita Kumari is the sister of actress Disco Shanti.

  3. Prakash Raj has performed more than 2000 street dramas, especially during the beginning of his career.

  4. Prakash Raj was actively involved in discussions about the state of Telugu film industry, failures at box office & steps to be taken.

  5. His directorial debut Naanu Nanna Kanasu ran for more than 125 days.

  6. There is unsourced news that Prakash Raj might be acting in one of Hollywood films to be directed by Steven Spielberg

  7. Prakash Raj was part of the Kannada directors & people of fraternity which gathered in Bangalore to discuss continuation of creative projects in Kannada

  8. Prakash Raj owns a farm with 100 cocounut trees, 80 Mango trees, some 400 trees and plenty of birds

  9. Actress Geetha who had acted in one Kannada movie with Prakash Raj recommended his name to director K Balachander who eventualyl cast him in one of his movies. It was the tipping point in Prakash's career.

  10. Prakash Raj is a regular smoker, despite his best efforts he confesses he is still addicted to it.

  11. Prakash Raj has been banned for 6 times so far, some talk of it in the Tollywood as pettiness of some big heroes.

  12. Prakash Raj has a very friendly relationship with actress Abhirami, they are comfortable calling each other by nicknames, he calls her "raindrop" (she likes getting drenched in Rain), she calls him "traveller" for the obvious reason as name suggests.

  13. Prakash Raj likes travelling & reading books.

  14. Director Jyothi Prasad lodged a complaint against Prakash Raj with the Producers Council for late attendance to the shooting spot.

  15. Prakash's recent directorial movie "Idolle Ramayana" was simultaneously released in Uk, USA with good reviews & appreciations.

  16. Prakash changed his original name Prakash Rai to Prakash Raj later in his career after the advice of his favorite director K Balachander, he still uses the name Prakash Rai while doing Kannada films.

  17. Prakash Raj has named his production company "Duet Movies" after the first movie that made him successful in the Tamil industry.

  18. Prakash Raj has adopted a village (Kondareddipalle) in Telangana, he looks after the welfare of the village. He reconstructed school building, helps with farming

  19. Prakash Raj was born to a Tulu speaking father Manjunath Rai and a Kannadiga mother Swarnalatha

  20. Prakash was part of "Netru, Indru, Naalai" a series of musical theatre performances, held in Chennai, by the popular film director Mani Ratnam.


Prakash Raj: Filmography (70)

(All Prakash Raj Movies)
List By:
2016 Devara Nadalli[Actor]
2016 Priyanka[Actor]
2016 Apoorva[Actor]
2016 Kotigobba-2[Actor(Satya\'s Father)]
2016 Idolle Ramayana[Actor(Bhujanga),Director,Writer (Screenplay),Producer,Writer (Dialogue)]
2016 Nanu Matthu Varalakshmi –[Actor]
2016 Speedunnodu[Actor(Veerabhadrappa)]
2016 Shourya[Actor(Krishna Prasad)]
2016 Oopiri[Actor(as Prasad Rao)]
2016 Attack[Actor(Guru Raj)]
2015 Ranna[Actor(Sharat Chandra)]
2015 Mr. Airavatha[Actor(Prathap Kale)]
2014 Crazy Star[Actor]
2014 Oggarane[Actor(Kalidasa),Director,Writer (Screenplay),Producer,Writer (Dialogue)]
2012 Prarthane[Actor(Thimmappa)]
2011 Dhool[Actor(Nanda)]
2011 Puttakkana Highway[Actor(Shani Krishna),Producer]
2011 Rajadhani[Actor(Ajay)]
2010 Janani[Actor]
2010 Nanu Nanna Kanasu[Actor(Raj Uthappa),Director,Writer (Screenplay),Producer,Writer (Dialogue)]
2010 Hoo[Actor(Michael)]
2006 Ajay[Actor]
2006 Cyanide[Actor]
2005 Karnana Sampatthu[Actor]
2004 Bimba[Actor]
2003 Preethsod Thappa[Actor]
2003 Preethi Prema Pranaya[Actor(Dr. Ashok)]
2002 Athithi[Actor]
2002 Ekangi[Actor]
2001 Bava Bamaida[Actor]
2001 Majnu[Actor]
2001 Premakke Sai[Actor]
2001 Usire[Actor(Rudre Gowda)]
2000 Chamundi[Actor]
1999 The Killer[Actor]
1999 Z[Actor]
1998 Bisi Raktha[Actor]
1998 Kanasalu Neene Manasalu Neene[Actor]
1998 Shanti Shanti Shanti[Actor(Ganga Prasad)]
1998 Yare Neenu Cheluve[Actor]
1997 Mommaga[Actor]
1997 Nagamandala[Actor]
1996 Vasantha Kavya[Actor]
1994 Adhipathi[Actor]
1994 Chamathkara[Actor]
1994 Lockup Death[Actor]
1994 Murder[Actor]
1993 Baa Nalle Madhuchandrake[Actor]
1993 Bhavya Bharatha[Actor]
1993 Nanendu Nimmavane[Actor]
1993 Nishkarsha[Actor(ATS Commando)]
1993 Vijaya Kranthi[Actor]
1992 Harakeya Kuri[Actor]
1992 Prema Sangama[Actor]
1992 Mallige Hoove[Actor]
1991 Bombay Dada[Actor]
1991 Jagadeka Veera[Actor]
1991 Kala Chakra[Actor]
1991 Keralida Kesari[Actor]
1991 Kiladi Gandu[Actor]
1991 Ramaachari[Actor]
1990 Anukoolakkobba Ganda[Actor]
1990 Chakravarthy[Actor]
1990 Challenge[Actor]
1990 Mutthina Haara[Actor]
1990 Ramarajyadalli Rakshasaru[Actor]
1989 Tarka[Dubbing Artist]
1988 Mithileya Seetheyaru[Actor]
1988 Ranadheera[Actor]
1987 Ravana Rajya[Dubbing Artist]

Quotes

[Top ⇑]
  1. I don't have a role model, I like different people for different aspects.
  2. I do not have time for God, when I get near a temple or Church I go in, I'm not saying I don't believe, I simple don't have time.
  3. I don't like fan clubs, watch my movies, enjoy them, be fans of art, I'm only doing my job, and taking handsome money for it, you should also be doing your jobs, we have to bring in that understanding.
  4. I don't want a shoulder to cry upon.