Rathnakar (actor)

Kollur Manjunatha Bhatta Rathnakar (11 April 1931 - 21 September 2010), popularly known as Rathnakar, was an Indian comedy actor and director, known for his work in Kannada film industry. He is best known for his comic roles in movies including Kanyarathna (1963), Satya Harishchandra (1965), Guru Shishyaru (1981), Hosa Belaku (1982) and Halli Meshtru (1992).[1][2][3]

For the politician, see Kimmane Rathnakar.

K. M. Rathnakar
Born
Kollur Manjunatha Rathnakar

(1931-04-11)11 April 1931
Kollur, British India
Died21 September 2010(2010-09-21) (aged 79)
Mysore, Karnataka
NationalityIndian
Occupation
  • Actor
  • director
Years active1955 – 2010
Spouse(s)Mookambike (died 1992)
Children3
Parents
  • Manjunatha Bhatta (father)
  • Nagavenamma (mother)

Personal life

Rathnakar was born in Kollur in a family of priests. His father Manjunatha Bhatta was one of the priests at Mookambika Temple, Kollur. Being the only child in the family, Rathnakar refused the job of priest and came to Mysore.[4]

Career

Early days & theatre life

Rathnakar left home at the age of 12 and came to Mysore. He worked in a Choultry on Seethavilasa road and used to sing near temples in Mysore. Sorat Ashwath and Dikki Madhava Rao who heard his singing, introduced him to theatre personality H.L.N. Simha. Rathnakar became a permanent member of Simha's troupe and went on to act plays with Rajkumar and Pandari Bai.[5]

Entry to films

Rathnakar made his debut in the 1955 movie Vichitra Prapancha.[5] Apart from comic roles, he also worked as assistant director in many movies. He is famous for his squeaky trembling trademark voice. In his five decade career, Rathnakar has played variety of roles as teacher, singer, priest, palm reader, vendor in more than 300 films. His last movie was Vishnuvardhan's Aptharakshaka in 2010.

Death

Rathnakar died on 21 September 2010 in Mysore, due to respiratory problems and other age related ailments.[6][7] Survived his 3 sons, Rathnakar donated his eyes to JSS hospital eye bank.[8]

Awards

Selected filmography

As actor

  • Vichitra Prapancha (1955)
  • Dharma Vijaya (1959)
  • Dashavatara (1960)
  • Veera Kesari (1963)
  • Satya Harishchandra
  • Katari Veera (1966)
  • Katha Sangama (1976)
  • Guru Shishyaru (1981)
  • Nyaya Ellide (1982)
  • Ananda Bhairavi (1983)
  • Hosa Jeevana (1990)
  • Ganeshana Maduve (1990)
  • Ondagona Baa (2003)
  • Aptharakshaka (2010)

As director

  • Shani Prabhava (1977)
  • Bandhavya (1972)
  • Bhagya Devathe (1968)

References
  1. "Artiste Ratnakar passes away". Deccan Herald. 21 September 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  2. "Veteran Kannada actor Rathnakar dead". 21 September 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  3. "Actor Rathnakar filmography". Chiloka.com. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  4. Naveen MS (11 April 2019). "ಅರ್ಚಕರಾಗಬೇಕಿದ್ದ ರತ್ನಾಕರ್ ಹಾಸ್ಯರತ್ನರಾದ ಕಥೆ ಇದು" [This is the story of Comedy King Rathnakar, who was supposed to be a priest]. Filmibeat (in Kannada). Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  5. Muralidhara Khajane (19 August 2010). "When laughter fades away..." The Hindu. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  6. "Actor Ratnakar passes away". Times of India. 21 September 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  7. "Veteran actor Ratnakar passes away". New Indian Express. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  8. "Veteran Kannada actor KM Rathnakar passes away". DNA India. 21 September 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  9. "ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳಿಂದ ಹಾಸ್ಯನಟ ರತ್ನಾಕರ್ ಅವರ ನೆನಪಿನ ಸ್ಮರಣೆ" [Actor Rathnakar remembered by his fans] (in Kannada). 21 September 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  10. "Karnataka Government". karnataka.gov.in. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  11. "Kannada Rajyotsava awards presented to 32 achievers at Republic Day function | Mangaluru News - Times of India". The Times of India. 27 January 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
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