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{{Short description|Indian filmmaker and | {{Short description|Indian actor, filmmaker, and politician}} | ||
{{About|the Kannada film actor and director|the film|Upendra (film)}} | {{About|the Kannada film actor and director|the film|Upendra (film)}} | ||
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}} | {{EngvarB|date=September 2013}} | ||
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{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name = Upendra Rao | | name = Upendra Rao | ||
| image = Upendra( | | image = File:Upendra (06).jpg | ||
| caption = | | image_size = 250px | ||
| caption = Rao in 2019 | |||
| other_names = Uppi | | other_names = Uppi | ||
| birth_name = Upendra Rao | | birth_name = Upendra Rao | ||
| birth_date = | | birth_date = 18 September 1968 | ||
| birth_place = [[Kundapura]], [[Udupi]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]] | | birth_place = [[Kundapura]], [[Udupi]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]] | ||
| occupation = [[Film actor|Actor]], director, film producer, lyricist, screenwriter, singer, politician | | occupation = [[Film actor|Actor]], director, film producer, lyricist, screenwriter, singer, politician | ||
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| children = 2 | | children = 2 | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Upendra Rao''' | '''Upendra Rao''' (known [[Mononymous person|mononymously]] as '''Upendra'''; born 18 September 1968) is an Indian actor, filmmaker, producer, screenwriter and politician who works primarily in [[Cinema of Karnataka|Kannada cinema]]. Upendra has also worked in [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] films. | ||
He started his film career as a writer and an assistant director with actor and film director [[Kashinath (actor)|Kashinath]]. His first directorial venture was ''[[Tharle Nan Maga]]'' (1992). In the mid-1990s, Upendra directed ''[[Om (1995 film)|Om]]'', followed by ''[[A (1998 Kannada film)|A]]'', in which he debuted as an actor. His next film ''[[Upendra (film)|Upendra]]'' starred [[Raveena Tandon]], a [[Bollywood]] actress. After a decade of acting in [[Kannada]] and several [[Cinema of Andhra Pradesh|Telugu]] films,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39316.html|title=Excited Upendra on Tamil Film 'Sathyam'|publisher=IndiaGlitz|date=14 June 2008|access-date=3 April 2011}}</ref> he returned to directing with Kannada film ''[[Super (2010 Indian film)|Super]]'', which was well-received critically and commercially.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemagupshup.com/kannada/kannada-box-office-report/upendra-kannada-film-super-box-office-report-collections/ |title=Upendra Kannada Film Super Box Office Report, Collections|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222021816/http://www.cinemagupshup.com/kannada/kannada-box-office-report/upendra-kannada-film-super-box-office-report-collections/ |date=22 December 2010 |work=Cinemagupshup.com|archive-date=22 December 2010}}</ref> | |||
Upendra is known for his work in films such as ''[[A (1998 Kannada film)|A]]'' (1998), ''[[Upendra (film)|Upendra]]'' (1999), ''[[Preethse]]'' (2000), ''[[Super Star (2002 film)|Super Star]]'' (2002), ''[[Kutumba]]'' (2002), ''[[Gokarna (film)|Gokarna]]'' (2002), ''[[Hollywood (2002 film)|Hollywood]]'' (2002), ''[[Raktha Kanneeru]]'' (2003), ''[[Gowramma]]'' (2005), ''[[Aishwarya (film)|Aishwarya]]'' (2006), ''[[Anatharu]]'' (2007), ''[[Budhivanta]]'' (2008), ''[[Super (2010 Indian film)|Super]]'' (2010), ''[[Kalpana (2012 film)|Kalpana]]'' (2012), ''[[Godfather (2012 film)|Godfather]]'' (2012), ''[[S/O Satyamurthy]]'' (2015), ''[[Uppi 2]]'' (2015), ''[[I Love You (2019 film)|I Love You]]'' (2019). | |||
Upendra is known for his thematic representation of [[Politics of India|Indian politics]] and society in his films. In October 2017, He joined the political party [[Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Kannada film actor Upendra unveils name of his new political outfit|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/kannada-film-actor-upendra-unveils-name-of-his-new-political-outfit/articleshow/61366803.cms|access-date=1 November 2017|work=The Times of India|date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kannada-actor-upendra-s-new-political-party-karnataka-pragnavanta-janata-paksha-70821|title=Karnataka Pragnavantha Janatha Paksha(KPJP)|date=31 October 2017 |work=The News Minute|access-date=31 October 2017}}</ref> before quitting the party in March 2018 due to internal differences and formed another party named [[Uttama Prajakeeya Party]] (UPP), which is based on the principles of ''Prajakiya'' (citizen-centric administration). Although its promoted as people party, it has Upendra's photo on its logo and the party name itself is abbreviated as UPPI which is contradictory to what it preaches. Recently many have questioned the legitimacy of this party <ref>{{cite news|title=Kannada actor Upendra quits KPJP, rules out joining BJP|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kannada-actor-upendra-quits-kpjp-rules-out-joining-bjp-karnataka-election-5088234/|access-date=6 March 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=6 March 2018}}</ref> | Upendra is known for his thematic representation of [[Politics of India|Indian politics]] and society in his films. In October 2017, He joined the political party [[Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Kannada film actor Upendra unveils name of his new political outfit|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/kannada-film-actor-upendra-unveils-name-of-his-new-political-outfit/articleshow/61366803.cms|access-date=1 November 2017|work=The Times of India|date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kannada-actor-upendra-s-new-political-party-karnataka-pragnavanta-janata-paksha-70821|title=Karnataka Pragnavantha Janatha Paksha(KPJP)|date=31 October 2017 |work=The News Minute|access-date=31 October 2017}}</ref> before quitting the party in March 2018 due to internal differences and formed another party named [[Uttama Prajakeeya Party]] (UPP), which is based on the principles of ''Prajakiya'' (citizen-centric administration). Although its promoted as people party, it has Upendra's photo on its logo and the party name itself is abbreviated as UPPI which is contradictory to what it preaches. Recently many have questioned the legitimacy of this party <ref>{{cite news|title=Kannada actor Upendra quits KPJP, rules out joining BJP|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/kannada-actor-upendra-quits-kpjp-rules-out-joining-bjp-karnataka-election-5088234/|access-date=6 March 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=6 March 2018}}</ref> | ||
Upendra got an Honorary Doctorate from [[Angkor University]] in 2015.<ref> | Upendra got an Honorary Doctorate from [[Angkor University]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cinema/news/honorary-doctorate-for-upendra-from-cambodias-angkor-university/259326.html|title = ನಟ-ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಉಪೇಂದ್ರಗೆ ಗೌರವ ಡಾಕ್ಟರೇಟ್}}</ref> | ||
== Early life == | == Early life == | ||
Upendra was born to Manjunath Rao and Anusuya in Bangalore. His father was from Thekkatte, [[Koteshwara]], [[Kundapur Taluk]], [[Udupi district]] in Karnataka (formerly [[Mysore State]]) Brahmin family. He is the second son; his older brother is Sudheendra Rao. Rao's family was poor. As a baby, he had an eye problem, the result of which can be seen when he rolls his eyeballs in many film sequences. He obtained his [[Bachelor of Commerce]] degree from APS College of Commerce, Bangalore. During his time at the college, he participated in plays and often formed troupes with his friends. His association with actor and director [[Kashinath (actor)|Kashinath]], a distant relative of his, began during his final year in college.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0kCYzGPnoY|title=Weekend With Ramesh — Episode 15 – September 20, 2014|date=20 September 2014|people=Rao, Upendra|publisher=Zee Kannada|location=India|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref> | Upendra was born to Manjunath Rao and Anusuya in Bangalore. His father was from Thekkatte, [[Koteshwara]], [[Kundapur Taluk]], [[Udupi district]] in Karnataka (formerly [[Mysore State]]) Brahmin family. He is the second son; his older brother is Sudheendra Rao. Rao's family was poor. As a baby, he had an eye problem, the result of which can be seen when he rolls his eyeballs in many film sequences. He obtained his [[Bachelor of Commerce]] degree from APS College of Commerce, Bangalore. During his time at the college, he participated in plays and often formed troupes with his friends. His association with actor and director [[Kashinath (actor)|Kashinath]], a distant relative of his, began during his final year in college.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0kCYzGPnoY|title=Weekend With Ramesh — Episode 15 – September 20, 2014|date=20 September 2014|people=Rao, Upendra|publisher=Zee Kannada|location=India|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref> | ||
== | ==Film career== | ||
{{Main|Upendra filmography}} | |||
=== As a director === | |||
He assisted director Kashinath in various departments apart from assisting in writing songs, dialogues, and screenplay for his movies. He co-directed a film with Kashinath<!--Which one?-->.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kashinath was a film university in himself: Upendra - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kashinath-was-a-film-university-in-himself-upendra/articleshow/62555313.cms|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> He started as a director with a typical Kashinath style comedy called ''[[Tharle Nan Maga]]'' in 1992. The film introduced famed comedian [[Jaggesh]]. The movie went on to be a success and has since achieved a cult following.<ref name=sandalwoodking>{{cite web|title=Uppi ... RealStar from Tharle Nan Maga to Uppi 2|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/6802-uppi-realstar-from-tharle-nan-maga-to-uppi2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416214256/http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/6802-uppi-realstar-from-tharle-nan-maga-to-uppi2/|archive-date=16 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | He assisted director Kashinath in various departments apart from assisting in writing songs, dialogues, and screenplay for his movies. He co-directed a film with Kashinath<!--Which one?-->.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kashinath was a film university in himself: Upendra - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kashinath-was-a-film-university-in-himself-upendra/articleshow/62555313.cms|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> He started as a director with a typical Kashinath style comedy called ''[[Tharle Nan Maga]]'' in 1992. The film introduced famed comedian [[Jaggesh]]. The movie went on to be a success and has since achieved a cult following.<ref name=sandalwoodking>{{cite web|title=Uppi ... RealStar from Tharle Nan Maga to Uppi 2|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/6802-uppi-realstar-from-tharle-nan-maga-to-uppi2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416214256/http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/6802-uppi-realstar-from-tharle-nan-maga-to-uppi2/|archive-date=16 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
Upendra directed a horror suspense thriller next called ''[[Shhh! (film)|Shhh!]]'' in 1993. The film featured Kashinath and a young producer and actor named [[Kumar Govind]]. The film was a major box office success, and Upendra came out as an independent director.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> | Upendra directed a horror suspense thriller next called ''[[Shhh! (film)|Shhh!]]'' in 1993. The film featured Kashinath and a young producer and actor named [[Kumar Govind]]. The film was a major box office success, and Upendra came out as an independent director.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> | ||
His next film was a gangster film called ''[[Om (1995 film)|Om]],'' which was released in 1995. The film starred [[Shivrajkumar]] and | His next film was a gangster film called ''[[Om (1995 film)|Om]],'' which was released in 1995. The film starred [[Shivrajkumar]] and cast real gangsters in its cast. ''Om'' became a blockbuster<ref name=sandalwoodking/> and went on to be one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of its time and made news at a national level. Upendra became an overnight star director.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> With ''Om'', Upendra again reunited actress Prema<!--Who?--> with Shivanna earlier they had acted in a film called Savyasachi. ''Om'' was also remade into several languages – the Hindi version was called Arjun Pandit and had Sunny Deol playing Shivrajkumar's role. | ||
Upendra turned towards a project to direct an extended version of the 1981 film ''Antha'' and called it ''[[Operation Antha]]''. The film had [[Ambareesh]] reprise his role from ''Antha'' as Kanwar Lal. The film was not very successful; it was also controversial for its taunts on some real-life political figures.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> | Upendra turned towards a project to direct an extended version of the 1981 film ''Antha'' and called it ''[[Operation Antha]]''. The film had [[Ambareesh]] reprise his role from ''Antha'' as Kanwar Lal. The film was not very successful; it was also controversial for its taunts on some real-life political figures.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> | ||
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In 2011, Tamil actor [[Rajinikanth]] attended a private screening of ''Super'' in [[Bangalore]]. Rajinikanth watched the film along with Upendra and a couple of friends. "Upendra is a great actor and director. There is hardly anyone in [[Indian Cinema]], who would think like him. Only he can think like that. I like watching Upendra's films, and this was no exception. If I get an opportunity and an impressive script, I'd like to act in a Upendra film in the future," said Rajini.<ref>{{cite news|author=Madhu Daithota|agency=TNN|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-30/news-interviews/28367130_1_kannada-film-rajini-uppi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410104538/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-30/news-interviews/28367130_1_kannada-film-rajini-uppi|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 April 2013|title=I like watching Upendra's films: Rajinikanth|date=30 January 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Shekhar H Hooli |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2011/rajinikanth-upendra-super-different-film-290111-aid0062.html|title=Rajinikanth describes Upendra's Super as different film|publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=29 January 2011|access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref> | In 2011, Tamil actor [[Rajinikanth]] attended a private screening of ''Super'' in [[Bangalore]]. Rajinikanth watched the film along with Upendra and a couple of friends. "Upendra is a great actor and director. There is hardly anyone in [[Indian Cinema]], who would think like him. Only he can think like that. I like watching Upendra's films, and this was no exception. If I get an opportunity and an impressive script, I'd like to act in a Upendra film in the future," said Rajini.<ref>{{cite news|author=Madhu Daithota|agency=TNN|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-30/news-interviews/28367130_1_kannada-film-rajini-uppi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410104538/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-30/news-interviews/28367130_1_kannada-film-rajini-uppi|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 April 2013|title=I like watching Upendra's films: Rajinikanth|date=30 January 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Shekhar H Hooli |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2011/rajinikanth-upendra-super-different-film-290111-aid0062.html|title=Rajinikanth describes Upendra's Super as different film|publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=29 January 2011|access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Shanshank, Upendra 2.jpg|thumb|right|215px|Film director [[Shashank (director)|Shashank]], Upendra in 2019]] | |||
In 2015, Upendra directed and starred in a sequel to his 1999 film ''Upendra'', titled ''[[Uppi 2]]''.<ref name=ibtimes1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/uppi-2-upendra-2-review-upendra-cooks-delicious-food-it-difficult-digest-643013|title='Uppi 2' (Upendra 2) Review: Upendra Cooks Delicious Food but it is Difficult to Digest!|publisher=IBTimes|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> As it was a sequel to ''Upendra'' and his comeback as a director after 5 years, expectations and the resulting hype was high before it released.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/12185-uppi2-in-250-screens.html|title=Uppi2 in 250 Screens}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ytalkies.com/sandalwood-film-news/uppi-2-getting-delayed|title=Why is 'Uppi 2′ getting delayed?|publisher=Ytalkies}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/upendras-directorial-comeback-uppi-2-set-release-soon-638899|title=Upendra's Directorial Comeback 'Uppi 2' Set for Release Soon|publisher=IBTimes}}</ref> The film was simultaneously released in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the US in over 600 theaters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ytalkies.com/sandalwood-film-news/uppi-2-release-600-theatres|title=Uppi-2 to release in 600 theatres|publisher=Ytalkies}}</ref> Upon release, the film set records for the highest grossing opening day for a Kannada movie.<ref name=ibtimes2>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/uppi-2-box-office-collection-upendra-directorial-makes-fantastic-business-2-days-643061|title='Uppi 2' Box Office Collection: Upendra Directorial Makes Fantastic Business in 2 Days|publisher=IBTimes|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref name=filmbeat>{{cite news|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2015/uppi-2-weekend-box-office-collection-collects-45-crores-194609.html|title=Uppi 2 Weekend (3 Days) Box Office Collection: Collects 45 Crores!|publisher=Filmibeat|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> Although the film got mixed responses because of its confusing storyline and screenplay, it was commercially successful and profitable with a 50-day theatrical run.<ref name=chitraloka>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/12395-uppi-2-completes-50-days.html|title=Uppi 2 Completes 50 Days|publisher=Chitraloka|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> It sold the second-highest number of tickets in online ticket sales on Bookmyshow among Kannada movies in 2015.<ref name=bookmyshow>{{cite web|url=https://in.bookmyshow.com/entertainment/the-best-of-2015/66999|title=The Best of 2015|publisher=Bookmyshow|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> It was also successful outside of India and became the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time in US.<ref name=timesofindia>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/RangiTaranga-scores-above-all-Kannada-films/articleshow/49102147.cms|title=RangiTaranga scores above all Kannada films|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=25 September 2015|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> | In 2015, Upendra directed and starred in a sequel to his 1999 film ''Upendra'', titled ''[[Uppi 2]]''.<ref name=ibtimes1>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/uppi-2-upendra-2-review-upendra-cooks-delicious-food-it-difficult-digest-643013|title='Uppi 2' (Upendra 2) Review: Upendra Cooks Delicious Food but it is Difficult to Digest!|publisher=IBTimes|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> As it was a sequel to ''Upendra'' and his comeback as a director after 5 years, expectations and the resulting hype was high before it released.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/12185-uppi2-in-250-screens.html|title=Uppi2 in 250 Screens}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ytalkies.com/sandalwood-film-news/uppi-2-getting-delayed|title=Why is 'Uppi 2′ getting delayed?|publisher=Ytalkies}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/upendras-directorial-comeback-uppi-2-set-release-soon-638899|title=Upendra's Directorial Comeback 'Uppi 2' Set for Release Soon|publisher=IBTimes}}</ref> The film was simultaneously released in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and the US in over 600 theaters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ytalkies.com/sandalwood-film-news/uppi-2-release-600-theatres|title=Uppi-2 to release in 600 theatres|publisher=Ytalkies}}</ref> Upon release, the film set records for the highest grossing opening day for a Kannada movie.<ref name=ibtimes2>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/uppi-2-box-office-collection-upendra-directorial-makes-fantastic-business-2-days-643061|title='Uppi 2' Box Office Collection: Upendra Directorial Makes Fantastic Business in 2 Days|publisher=IBTimes|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref><ref name=filmbeat>{{cite news|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2015/uppi-2-weekend-box-office-collection-collects-45-crores-194609.html|title=Uppi 2 Weekend (3 Days) Box Office Collection: Collects 45 Crores!|publisher=Filmibeat|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> Although the film got mixed responses because of its confusing storyline and screenplay, it was commercially successful and profitable with a 50-day theatrical run.<ref name=chitraloka>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/12395-uppi-2-completes-50-days.html|title=Uppi 2 Completes 50 Days|publisher=Chitraloka|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> It sold the second-highest number of tickets in online ticket sales on Bookmyshow among Kannada movies in 2015.<ref name=bookmyshow>{{cite web|url=https://in.bookmyshow.com/entertainment/the-best-of-2015/66999|title=The Best of 2015|publisher=Bookmyshow|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> It was also successful outside of India and became the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time in US.<ref name=timesofindia>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/RangiTaranga-scores-above-all-Kannada-films/articleshow/49102147.cms|title=RangiTaranga scores above all Kannada films|agency=TNN|work=The Times of India|date=25 September 2015|access-date=30 January 2016}}</ref> | ||
== | ===Acting career=== | ||
==== Cameo appearances ==== | |||
=== Cameo appearances === | |||
Upendra first appeared on screen making an appearance in [[Kashinath (actor)|Kashinath]]'s 1989 comedy film, ''[[Anantana Avantara]]''. He appeared as Lord [[Kamadeva]] in the song "Come On Come On Kaamanna". In ''Ajagajantara'', also directed by Kashinath, he made a cameo appearance. In his directorial debut, ''[[Shhh! (film)|Shhh!]]'' (1993), Upendra made another cameo appearance, like a mad man in the attire of a police officer barging into a film set. In his 1995 directorial ''[[Operation Antha]]'', he appears as a man urinating on a roadside wall and explains of India's ways to a complaining Mandakini (played by Sangeetha). | Upendra first appeared on screen making an appearance in [[Kashinath (actor)|Kashinath]]'s 1989 comedy film, ''[[Anantana Avantara]]''. He appeared as Lord [[Kamadeva]] in the song "Come On Come On Kaamanna". In ''Ajagajantara'', also directed by Kashinath, he made a cameo appearance. In his directorial debut, ''[[Shhh! (film)|Shhh!]]'' (1993), Upendra made another cameo appearance, like a mad man in the attire of a police officer barging into a film set. In his 1995 directorial ''[[Operation Antha]]'', he appears as a man urinating on a roadside wall and explains of India's ways to a complaining Mandakini (played by Sangeetha). | ||
=== 1998–2005 === | ==== 1998–2005 ==== | ||
From 1998 to 2005, Upendra starred in eight 100 days hits in eight years, such as ''[[A (Kannada film)|A]]'', ''[[Upendra (film)|Upendra]]'', ''[[Preethse]]'', ''[[Kutumba (2003 film)|Kutumba]]'', ''[[Raktha Kanneeru]]'', ''[[Gokarna (2003 film)|Gokarna]]'', ''[[Gowramma (2005 film)|Gowramma]]'' and ''[[Auto Shankar (film)|Auto Shankar]]''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/5309-shankar-nag-discussion/page-18|title=Shankar Nag Discussion – Shivu Adda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419011509/http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/5309-shankar-nag-discussion/page-18|archive-date=19 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | From 1998 to 2005, Upendra starred in eight 100 days hits in eight years, such as ''[[A (Kannada film)|A]]'', ''[[Upendra (film)|Upendra]]'', ''[[Preethse]]'', ''[[Kutumba (2003 film)|Kutumba]]'', ''[[Raktha Kanneeru]]'', ''[[Gokarna (2003 film)|Gokarna]]'', ''[[Gowramma (2005 film)|Gowramma]]'' and ''[[Auto Shankar (film)|Auto Shankar]]''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/5309-shankar-nag-discussion/page-18|title=Shankar Nag Discussion – Shivu Adda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419011509/http://www.sandalwoodking.com/topic/5309-shankar-nag-discussion/page-18|archive-date=19 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
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From 2003 to 2005 he starred in 5 back-to-back films that each ran for 100 days such as ''Kutumba'', ''Raktha Kanneeru'', ''Gokarna'', ''Gowramma'', and ''Auto Shankar''; all of which were well received at the box office.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> Only two films of Upendra in this time were received poorly: ''[[Omkara (2004 film)|Omkara]]'' and ''News''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> | From 2003 to 2005 he starred in 5 back-to-back films that each ran for 100 days such as ''Kutumba'', ''Raktha Kanneeru'', ''Gokarna'', ''Gowramma'', and ''Auto Shankar''; all of which were well received at the box office.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> Only two films of Upendra in this time were received poorly: ''[[Omkara (2004 film)|Omkara]]'' and ''News''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/> | ||
=== 2006–2009 === | ==== 2006–2009 ==== | ||
Upendra had a less successful phase from 2006 to 2009, as most of his films during this period went unnoticed at the box office such as ''[[Uppi Dada M.B.B.S.]]'', ''Tandege Takka Maga'', ''Parodi'', ''[[Masti (2007 film)|Masti]]'', ''[[Toss (2007 film)|Toss]]'' (Telugu), ''[[Lava Kusha (2007 film)|Lava Kusha]]'', ''[[Sathyam (2008 film)|Sathyam]]'' (Tamil), ''[[Dubai Babu]]'' and ''Rajini''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/52982.html|title=Kannada films 2009 – Hits and misses|publisher=IndiaGlitz|date=25 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kannadawood.com/2010/01/super-hit-and-super-flop-kannada-films.html|title=Kannada films 2009 – BO Report|date=January 2010}}</ref> | Upendra had a less successful phase from 2006 to 2009, as most of his films during this period went unnoticed at the box office such as ''[[Uppi Dada M.B.B.S.]]'', ''Tandege Takka Maga'', ''Parodi'', ''[[Masti (2007 film)|Masti]]'', ''[[Toss (2007 film)|Toss]]'' (Telugu), ''[[Lava Kusha (2007 film)|Lava Kusha]]'', ''[[Sathyam (2008 film)|Sathyam]]'' (Tamil), ''[[Dubai Babu]]'' and ''Rajini''.<ref name=sandalwoodking/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/52982.html|title=Kannada films 2009 – Hits and misses|publisher=IndiaGlitz|date=25 December 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kannadawood.com/2010/01/super-hit-and-super-flop-kannada-films.html|title=Kannada films 2009 – BO Report|date=January 2010}}</ref> | ||
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''[[Budhivanta]],'' which was Upendra's only release in 2008, was considered as his big comeback. The film was declared a blockbuster<ref>{{cite web|date=30 December 2008|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hollywood/article/43964.html|title=Kannada films 2008 Report}}</ref> and ran for 100 days;<ref>{{cite news|date=6 January 2009|website=Oneindia |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2009/buddhivantha-100-days-060109.html|title=Buddhivatha completes 100 days}}</ref> it became the top box office grosser of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819162326/http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-08-19|title=Upendra's 'Buddhivantha' – The Top Grosser of 2008|website=Sify}}</ref> ''Budhivanta''{{'}}s Telugu dub was also well-received and ran for 50 days in Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=gandhadagudi1/> | ''[[Budhivanta]],'' which was Upendra's only release in 2008, was considered as his big comeback. The film was declared a blockbuster<ref>{{cite web|date=30 December 2008|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hollywood/article/43964.html|title=Kannada films 2008 Report}}</ref> and ran for 100 days;<ref>{{cite news|date=6 January 2009|website=Oneindia |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2009/buddhivantha-100-days-060109.html|title=Buddhivatha completes 100 days}}</ref> it became the top box office grosser of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819162326/http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-08-19|title=Upendra's 'Buddhivantha' – The Top Grosser of 2008|website=Sify}}</ref> ''Budhivanta''{{'}}s Telugu dub was also well-received and ran for 50 days in Andhra Pradesh.<ref name=gandhadagudi1/> | ||
=== 2010–present === | ==== 2010–present ==== | ||
[[File:Upendra at KLE Society's Law-College, Bangalore 6.jpg|thumb|right|215px|Upendra with a fan on stage during his visit to [[KLE Society's Law College]], Bangalore, in 2019]] | |||
[[File:Upendra at Surana College, Bangalore 7.jpg|thumb|right|215px|Upendra during his visit to [[Surana College]], Bangalore, in 2019]] | |||
2010 marked Upendra's comeback to directing after 10 years. After several ups and downs in his acting career, Upendra came back to direct and act in the 2010 film ''[[Super (2010 Indian film)|Super]]'' in which he starred alongside Tamil actress [[Nayantara]] and [[Tulip Joshi]]. The movie was released in a record number of theatres all over [[Karnataka]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/-super--fabulous-in-collection--kannada-news-62151|title=Upendra's Super released in record number of theaters|publisher=IndiaGlitz|date=7 December 2010}}</ref> and was also dubbed into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and released in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. ''Super'' broke many box office records upon release and completing 175 days of the run, becoming one of the highest-grossing critically acclaimed [[Kannada cinema|Kannada films]] of 2010.<ref name=indiaglitz1/> | 2010 marked Upendra's comeback to directing after 10 years. After several ups and downs in his acting career, Upendra came back to direct and act in the 2010 film ''[[Super (2010 Indian film)|Super]]'' in which he starred alongside Tamil actress [[Nayantara]] and [[Tulip Joshi]]. The movie was released in a record number of theatres all over [[Karnataka]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/-super--fabulous-in-collection--kannada-news-62151|title=Upendra's Super released in record number of theaters|publisher=IndiaGlitz|date=7 December 2010}}</ref> and was also dubbed into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and released in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. ''Super'' broke many box office records upon release and completing 175 days of the run, becoming one of the highest-grossing critically acclaimed [[Kannada cinema|Kannada films]] of 2010.<ref name=indiaglitz1/> | ||
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In 2016, Upendra starred in a sequel to his earlier hit horror film ''[[Kalpana (2012 film)|Kalpana]]'' titled as ''[[Kalpana 2]]'' which became an average grosser at the box office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sandalwood-2016-highest-grossing-kannada-movies-2016-box-office-709450|title=Sandalwood 2016: Highest-grossing Kannada movies of 2016 at the box office|work=International Business Times|date=22 December 2016}}</ref> He also starred along with [[Sudeep]] in the remake of Bollywood film ''[[OMG – Oh My God!|OMG]]'' titled as ''[[Mukunda Murari]],'' which became a box office success and had a 50-day run.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/14118-mukunda-murari-and-santhu-straight-forward-completes-50-days.html|title=Mukunda Murari And Santhu Straight Forward Completes 50 Days|work=Chitrolka|date=16 December 2016}}</ref> | In 2016, Upendra starred in a sequel to his earlier hit horror film ''[[Kalpana (2012 film)|Kalpana]]'' titled as ''[[Kalpana 2]]'' which became an average grosser at the box office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sandalwood-2016-highest-grossing-kannada-movies-2016-box-office-709450|title=Sandalwood 2016: Highest-grossing Kannada movies of 2016 at the box office|work=International Business Times|date=22 December 2016}}</ref> He also starred along with [[Sudeep]] in the remake of Bollywood film ''[[OMG – Oh My God!|OMG]]'' titled as ''[[Mukunda Murari]],'' which became a box office success and had a 50-day run.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/14118-mukunda-murari-and-santhu-straight-forward-completes-50-days.html|title=Mukunda Murari And Santhu Straight Forward Completes 50 Days|work=Chitrolka|date=16 December 2016}}</ref> | ||
=== Upcoming projects === | ==== Upcoming projects ==== | ||
Upendra's upcoming films include a ''[[Soggade Chinni Nayana]]'' remake titled ''Upendra Matte Baa, Inti Ninna Prema'', ''Kanneshwara'', ''Uppi Rupee'', his 50th film directed by ''[[Masterpiece (2015 film)|Masterpiece]]'' director Manju Mandavya, a film directed and produced by [[Shashank (director)|Shashank]], and ''Dr. Modi'' directed by Uday Prakash. In May 2019 he finished principal photography for ''Buddhivantha-2''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-24|title= | Upendra's upcoming films include a ''[[Soggade Chinni Nayana]]'' remake titled ''Upendra Matte Baa, Inti Ninna Prema'', ''Kanneshwara'', ''Uppi Rupee'', his 50th film directed by ''[[Masterpiece (2015 film)|Masterpiece]]'' director Manju Mandavya, a film directed and produced by [[Shashank (director)|Shashank]], and ''Dr. Modi'' directed by Uday Prakash. In May 2019 he finished principal photography for ''Buddhivantha-2''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-05-24|title=Upendra's next titled 'Buddhivantha 2'|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/upendra-s-next-titled-buddhivantha-2-102357|access-date=2021-07-23|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> | ||
Upendra's upcoming movie 'Ghani', directed by Kiran Korrapati.<ref>{{ | Upendra's upcoming movie 'Ghani', directed by Kiran Korrapati. The movie also stars [[Varun Tej]], Saiee Manjrekar, [[Suniel Shetty]], [[Jagapathi Babu]] and [[Naveen Chandra]].{{Cn|date=November 2021}} | ||
== Political career == | |||
{{main|Uttama Prajakeeya Party}} | |||
[[File:Upendra (05).jpg|thumb|right|Upendra promoting his political party ''′Uttama Prajakeeya Party′'']] | |||
He started the political party Uttama Prajakeeya Party in 2018, under the concept of "Prajakeeya"{{mdash}}which represents the workers. Although he has strictly kept himself away from contesting in any elections, UPP had candidates across all the constituencies in [[Karnataka]] in the [[2019 Indian general elections|2019 Lok Sabha Elections]].<ref name="ref-ibt1">{{cite news |title=Karnataka assembly elections 2018: Upendra, Ramya, other Sandalwood star campaigners and contestants – IBTimes India |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/karnataka-assembly-elections-2018-upendra-ramya-other-sandalwood-star-campaigners-contestants-765150 |access-date=17 June 2019 |date=28 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="ref-bng1">{{cite news |title=Uttama Prajakeeya Party Candidate list – LS 2019 – Bangalorean |url=https://www.bangalorean.com/politics/uttama-prajakeeya-party-candidate-list-ls-2019/ |access-date=17 June 2019 |date=1 April 2019}}</ref> | |||
== Craft and style == | == Craft and style == | ||
Upendra's films have been praised and criticized for their unusual plotlines and screenplay.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-28|title= | Upendra's films have been praised and criticized for their unusual plotlines and screenplay.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-11-28|title=He's 'different' - Deccan Herald|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/F4C73A8E8DD5F735E5256B8A0020E922|access-date=2021-07-23|website=web.archive.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128133756/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/F4C73A8E8DD5F735E5256B8A0020E922|archive-date=28 November 2012}}</ref> During a radio interview, Upendra expressed his disappointment at being labeled as a "different director" and explained that most of his directorial ventures deal with the things that he had undergone in his real life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2010/upendra-not-different-director-031210.html |title=Upendra says, "I'm not at all different director."|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707181730/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2010/upendra-not-different-director-031210.html |archive-date=7 July 2012|work=Oneindia|date=3 December 2010}}</ref> He said, in regards to his non-linear narrative, that "when one wants to capture the upheavals in one's mind, it becomes a jumble. Our mind is like that, always confused."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/11/stories/2005111104250100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420020602/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/11/stories/2005111104250100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-04-20|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Entertainment Bangalore : Uppi's hardly uppity|last=bgbnd}}</ref> | ||
The subject of the films coupled with Uppi's novel approach made headlines for mixed reasons. Upendra added that in his self-titled film he explored human nature which "ended with “Aham Brahmaasmi", where I wanted to say rise above I."<ref>{{cite | The subject of the films coupled with Uppi's novel approach made headlines for mixed reasons. Upendra added that in his self-titled film he explored human nature which "ended with “Aham Brahmaasmi", where I wanted to say rise above I."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/the-importance-of-being-uppi/article1419579.ece|title=The importance of being Uppi|date=28 June 2008|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> | ||
== Personal life == | == Personal life == | ||
===Family=== | |||
[[File:Priyanka Upendra 1.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Upendra's spouse Priyanka Upendra]] | |||
On 14 December 2003, Upendra married actress and former Miss Kolkata [[Priyanka Trivedi]], who first starred opposite him in the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] movie ''[[Raa (film)|Raa]]'' and then in ''[[H2O (2002 film)|H2O]]''. Upendra and his family reside in Bangalore. | On 14 December 2003, Upendra married actress and former Miss Kolkata [[Priyanka Trivedi]], who first starred opposite him in the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] movie ''[[Raa (film)|Raa]]'' and then in ''[[H2O (2002 film)|H2O]]''. Upendra and his family reside in Bangalore. | ||
== | === Endorsements === | ||
Upendra has endorsed the largest number of brands of any Kannada Actors.<ref name=gandhadagudi3>{{cite web|url=http://gandhadagudi.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4965&start=90|title=Brand Ambassadors of Kannada Film Industry}}</ref> Upendra has been the brand ambassador of the [[United Breweries Group|United Breweries]], Lunars Footwear, SK Super TMT, [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] (replaced by [[Puneeth Rajkumar]] in [[2010 Indian Premier League|IPL 3]]), [[Mavalli Tiffin Room]] (MTR), [[Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation|Bangalore Electricity Supply Company]], [[Emani]] Navaratna Brand, [[Karnataka Milk Federation]] (Nandini), [[Udayavani]] News Daily.<ref name=gandhadagudi3/> | |||
[[File:Upendra at BMS college of Law, Bangalore 7.jpg|thumb|right|Upendra felicated at BMS College of Law's annual inter-collegiate cultural fest LEVIOSA 2019]] | |||
== Awards and nominations == | == Awards and nominations == | ||
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| Best Male Actor | | Best Male Actor | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
|rowspan=2|<ref name=oneindia4>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/udaya-film-awards-pics-upendra-radhika-winners-list-104563.html|title=Udaya film Awards won by Upendra}}</ref> | |rowspan=2|<ref name=oneindia4>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/udaya-film-awards-pics-upendra-radhika-winners-list-104563.html|title=Udaya film Awards won by Upendra|date=4 March 2013}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Best Director | | Best Director | ||
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|Best Actor in a Supporting Role | |Best Actor in a Supporting Role | ||
|{{nom}} | |{{nom}} | ||
|<ref>{{cite web|title=SIIMA 2016 Telugu movie nominations revealed; 'Baahubali,' 'Srimanthudu' lead the list5|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2016-telugu-movie-nominations-revealed-baahubali-srimanthudu-lead-list-680040|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526120833/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2016-telugu-movie-nominations-revealed-baahubali-srimanthudu-lead-list-680040|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 May 2016}}</ref> | |<ref>{{cite web|title=SIIMA 2016 Telugu movie nominations revealed; 'Baahubali,' 'Srimanthudu' lead the list5|website=[[International Business Times]]|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2016-telugu-movie-nominations-revealed-baahubali-srimanthudu-lead-list-680040|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526120833/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-2016-telugu-movie-nominations-revealed-baahubali-srimanthudu-lead-list-680040|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 May 2016}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|rowspan=3|2016 | |rowspan=3|2016 | ||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJi7qi0fi98vO852usDIcJg Upendra at Youtube] | |||
* {{IMDb name|1962192}} | * {{IMDb name|1962192}} | ||
{{commons category}} | {{commons category}} | ||
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[[Category:Kannada people]] | [[Category:Kannada people]] | ||
[[Category:People from Udupi district]] | [[Category:People from Udupi district]] | ||
[[Category:Indian male | [[Category:Indian male playback singers]] | ||
[[Category:Male actors from Bangalore]] | [[Category:Male actors from Bangalore]] | ||
[[Category:Film directors from Bangalore]] | [[Category:Film directors from Bangalore]] | ||
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[[Category:Screenwriters from Bangalore]] | [[Category:Screenwriters from Bangalore]] | ||
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]] | [[Category:Indian actor-politicians]] | ||
[[Category:Madhva Brahmins]] | [[Category:Madhva Brahmins]] | ||
[[Category:1968 births]] | |||