Rangayana Raghu

For the Mysore theatre institute, see Rangayana.

Rangayana Raghu
Raghu during the filming of Ishtakamya, 2015
Born (1965-04-17) 17 April 1965 (age 59)
Koththuru, Pavagada, Tumkur, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India
NationalityIndian
OccupationActor
Years active1995–present
SpouseMangala
Children1

Koththuru Chikkarangappa Raghunath (born 17 April 1965),[1] known by his screen name Rangayana Raghu, is an Indian film and stage actor, known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is a recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards South, SIIMA Awards, and two Karnataka State Film Awards.

Born in Koththuru, a village in the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka), to a Bayalaata artist, Raghu was inspired to act as a teenager. He began his career in theatre and worked as a stage actor with B. V. Karanth's theatre group Rangayana, from 1988 to 1999. His first feature film, Suggi, got shelved, and Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998) was his first release. During the initial phase of his career, Raghu usually portrayed comedic or negative-shaded characters and played supporting roles. His first major break came when he appeared as an antagonist in Dhumm (2002). He is best noted for his performance in the 2007 film Duniya which won him his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. His other notable roles during this period came in Ranga SSLC (2004), Suntaragaali (2006), Cyanide (2006), Raam (2009), Olave Mandara (2011) and Jayammana Maga (2013).

Later, Raghu progressed to play more character and lead roles, while also appearing frequently in comedic roles. He became noted for his versatility, and earned praise for his performances in films such as Badava Rascal (2021), Family Pack (2022), Rangasamudra (2024) and Shakhahaari (2024).[2][3] He has appeared in more than 400 films.[4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference zk was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "I value every role, regardless of its duration on screen: 'Shakhahaari' actor Rangayana Raghu". The New Indian Express. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  3. ^ M. V., Vivek (5 March 2022). "Inside the mind of Rangayana Raghu". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  4. ^ "New-age filmmakers are redefining Kannada cinema: Rangayana Raghu". The Times of India. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.