Shiva Rajkumar (12 July 1962) is an Indian actor, film producer and television presenter. He is also known as “Shibanna” to his fans. He is the eldest son of matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar.
He has worked in Kannada cinema for over three decades and has won four Karnataka State Film Awards, four Filmfare South Awards and six South Indian International Film Awards. He made his debut as a child artist in 1974 with the film ‘Sri Srinivas Kalyan’. He made his film debut as a lead actor in 1986 with the film ‘Ananda’ which won him the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor. He is still involved in acting. He has acted in more than 125 films in Kannada till date.
| Attribute | Details |
| Born | 12 July 1962 |
| Active Years | 1986 – Present |
| Parents | Dr.Rajkumar & Parvathamma |
| Spouse | Geeta |
| Children | Nivedita & Nirupama |
Personal Life
Shiva Rajkumar was born in present-day Chennai (then Madras, Tamil Nadu). He is the eldest of five children of actor Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma. His two brothers are producer Raghavendra and actor Puneeth. Shiva Kumar completed his primary education in T. Nagar, Chennai, completed his higher secondary education at New College and graduated from the University of Madras. He studied acting at a school in Chennai.
Shiva Rajkumar is married to Geeta. Geeta’s father is former Chief Minister of Karnataka Sarekoppa Bangarappa. The Shiva-Geeta couple has two daughters: Nivedita and Nirupama.
Career
He made his debut as a child artist in the film ‘Sri Srinivas Kalyan’ in 1974. He made his second debut in 1986 by playing the lead role in the movie ‘Ananda’. After that, he has been associated with acting for more than 36 years. His films include ‘Janumada Jodi’, ‘Yogi’, ‘Ananda’, ‘Rath Saptami’, ‘Nammura Mandara Huve’, ‘Om’ and ‘Chigurida Kanasu’.
He acted in the movie ‘Bhoomi Thaiya Chochchala Maga‘ in 1998. He acted in the movie ‘Srinivas Don’ in 2003. The movie ‘Cheluveye Nine Nodalu’ in which he acted was shot in the seven wonders of the world. He played the role of Shiv Kumar Mafia in the movie ‘Mufti’ which was released in 2017. In the same year, he acted in the movie ‘Bairagi’. He acted in the movie ‘Tagaru’ in 2018. Another movie he acted in in 2018 was ‘Premer The Villain’.
Shiv Rajkumar made a cameo in the movie ‘James’ in 2022, released after the death of his brother Puneet, and also dubbed for him in the last part of the movie. In the same year, he acted in the movie ‘Captain Miller’ in 2022. He played the role of a gangster in the movie ‘Kabja’ released in 2023. In the same year, his movie ‘Jailer’ was released. His robbery film Ghost was released in October 2023. He has acted in 125 movies in a row. Even at the age of 60, he continues to play the main role.
Ambassador
He was the brand ambassador of Royal Changers Bangalore in the 11th season of the Indian Premier League. He is currently the brand ambassador of Nandini dairy products. He was the second Kannada actor to be named in 1983 when the Maruti 800 was launched.
Awards and honours
Shiva Rajkumar has won 4 Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, 4 Kannada State Awards. He has created social awareness for social welfare and charitable organizations. He founded a charitable organization named “Shiva Rajkumar Subarna Mahotsav Abhinandan Samiti” on his birthday.
- Win Four Filmfare Awards as a Best Actor in 1995, 1996, 1999 & 2010
- Win Four Karnataka State Awards as a Best Actor in 1995, 1999, 2003 & 2005
- Win Six South Indian International Movie Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 & 2024 (2)
