Raghavendra Rajkumar (born 15 August 1965) is an Indian actor, singer and producer of Kannada cinema. He is the son of actor Dr. Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar. He made his debut as a lead in the film Chiranjeevi Sudhakar (1988) before appearing in the successful 1989 film Nanjundi Kalyana. He went on to star in films such as Gajapathi Garvabhanga (1989), Anukoolakkobba Ganda (1990), and Geluvina Saradaara (1996). His last prominent film was Upendra's Swasthik (1998), a box office failure. He starred in Pakkadmane Hudugi (2004) before taking a fifteen-year sabbatical from acting. Since then he has produced television serials under Poornima Productions and films under Sri Vajreshwari Combines.
His comeback film as a villain, Chillum, was dropped. In 2019, when he went to act in a lead role in the movie Ammana Mane, the Prime Minister of Singapore heard about it and watched the movie.
Career 1980s: Lead debut and breakthrough After years behind the scenes, Raghavendra made his debut as a lead actor in Chiranjeevi Sudhakar (1988). His real breakthrough came with the romantic comedy Nanjundi Kalyana (1989), which became a superhit and established him as a bankable star. The same year, he starred in Gajapathi Garvabhanga, further cementing his popularity. These films showcased his ability to handle light-hearted roles with ease, and he often collaborated with directors like M. S. Rajashekar and co-stars such as Malashri, Shruti and Ananth Nag.
1990s: Success and stardom The 1990s marked Raghavendra’s most prolific phase. He delivered a string of successful films, including Anukoolakkobba Ganda (1990) – A family entertainer, Kalyana Mantapa (1991) and Bharjari Gandu (1992): both romantic dramas. Anuragada Alegalu (1993) and Navibbaru Namagibbaru (1993) that showcased his comic timing, Geluvina Saradara (1996) and Sutradhara (1996) earned praise for emotional depth.
He also experimented with thrillers like Swasthik (1998), directed by Upendra, though it was a box-office failure despite critical appreciation for its bold narrative. His collaborations during this decade included directors like Relangi Narasimha Rao and Singeetham Srinivasa Rao.
2000s: Transition to production After Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi (1999) and Pakkadmane Hudugi (2004), Raghavendra gradually stepped away from acting to focus on production under Sri Vajreshwari Combines, assisting his mother Parvathamma Rajkumar. He managed major projects featuring his brothers Shiva Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar, such as Vamshi (2008), Aakash, and Yaare Koogadali (2012). He also produced television serials under Poornima Productions, marking his successful transition to a behind-the-scenes role.
2010s-present: Comeback and character roles After a 15-year hiatus, Raghavendra returned to acting with Ammana Mane (2019), a family drama that earned him the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor. He followed this with Thrayambakam (2019), showcasing his ability to handle mature, layered characters. His comeback was widely appreciated for its emotional authenticity and simplicity.
In recent years, Raghavendra has appeared in supporting and character roles in films like Rajatantra (2021), Pogaru (2021), James, and Raaji (2022). He continues to be involved in production and occasionally lends his voice as a playback singer.
Personal life
Raghavendra Rajkumar was born on 15 August 1965 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, to legendary Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar. He is the second son in the Rajkumar family, with elder brother Shiva Rajkumar and younger brother Puneeth Rajkumar, both prominent actors in Kannada cinema. His sons Vinay Rajkumar and Yuva Rajkumar are both actors. He also has two sisters, Poornima and Lakshmi. The family is deeply rooted in Karnataka’s cultural and cinematic heritage, and Raghavendra was named after Raghavendra Swami, reflecting his parents’ devotion.
Raghavendra married Mangala, and the couple has two sons: Vinay Rajkumar and Yuva Rajkumar, both actors continuing the family legacy. Known for his humility and strong family values, Raghavendra has maintained a low profile compared to his brothers, focusing on production and occasional acting. In 2013, he suffered a severe stroke while in Singapore, which led to prolonged physiotherapy and rehabilitation. He has undergone physiotherapy treatment. In December 2013, he had become victim of death hoax which was proven to be false. Despite health challenges, he made a successful comeback to acting with Ammana Mane (2019).
Filmography As actor +Key Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearFilmRole(s)Notes 1974 Sri Srinivasa Kalyana Child artist 1975 Daari Tappida Maga Kitty Child artist 1988 Chiranjeevi Sudhakar Sudhakar Lead debut 1989 Nanjundi Kalyana Raghuchandra Gajapathi Garvabhanga Kishore 1990 Aasegobba Meesegobba Raghu Cameo appearance Anukoolakkobba Ganda Brahmachari 1991 Kalyana Mantapa Shankara 1992 Bharjari Gandu Gopi 1993 Anuragada Alegalu Priyadarshan Navibbaru Namagibbaru Chandru Dual role 1994 Sagara Deepa Kumar 1995 Aata Hudugata Raj Nishchithartha 1996 Shreemathi Kalyana Anand Geluvina Saradaara Seethapathi Ibbara Naduve Muddina Aata Sutradhara Ravindra 1997 Shivaranjani Shiva 1998 Swasthik Guru 1999 Tuvvi Tuvvi Tuvvi Kumar 2004 Pakkadmane Hudugi Balu 2019 Ammana ManeRajeeva Karnataka State Film Award for Best ActorThrayambakamShiva Rudraiah 2021Rajatantra Captain RajaramPogaru Shiva's guru 2022RaajiJames Santosh's Ashrama Guru Cameo appearance2024 Rangasamudra Philanthropist Ondu Sarala Prema KatheMusic teacher Guest appearancePepeBagappaCameo appearance 2025 Kanna Mucche Kaade Goode Kamaro2 Arya's father AadisidaathaTBADelayed
As singer YearFilmSong(s)Composer(s)Notes1989 Nanjundi Kalyana "Nijava Nudiyale", "Hosa Premadalli"Upendra Kumar 1990 Gajapathi Garvabhanga All songs except "Jataka Kudure"Anukoolakkobba Ganda All songs1991 Kalyana Mantapa All songs except "Ombathu Ombathu"1993 Anuragada AlegaluAll songs except "Jeeva Kogile"Hamsalekha 1995 Aata HudugaataAll songsSadhu Kokila 2019 Ammana Mane All songsSameer Kulakarani
As producer Film Film Notes 1987 Shruthi Seridaaga 1989 Inspector Vikram 2010 Jackie 2012 Anna Bond 2012 Yaare Koogadali 2016Run Antony
Television Year Title Notes 2019 Marali Bandalu Seethe 2020 Jeeva Hoovagide
References
External links
Fecilitation Ceremony of Raghavendra Raj Kumar organized by Slum Children and Women Development Association in Bangalore Plackback Songs by Raghavendra RajKumar (Audio) from Udbhava.com Udbhava.com - Search results for Raghavendra Rajkumar