rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Movies » The singing stars of Kannada cinema

The singing stars of Kannada cinema

Last updated on: August 10, 2009 

Image: Dr Vishnuvardhan
R G Vijayasarathy

Kannada film industry has a long list of singing stars starting from Dr Raj Kumar. And the new addition to the long list of singing stars is Golden Star Ganesh who will sing in his forthcoming film Maleyalli Jotheyalli.

In the meantime here are the ones who have sung in films:

Dr Vishnuvardhan

Dr Vishnuvardhan has sung many popular songs besides cutting his own albums of devotional songs. He has his own musical group, Snehaloka which organises many musical events. His songs like Thuththu Anna Thinnokke from Jimmy Gallu, Idhdhadhdhu Idhdhaange Helidhre from Huli Hejje, Beda Annoru Unte from Sididedhdha Sahodhara and Abhimaanigale Nanna from Vishnu Sene are extremely famous. He has also sung in films in which he didn't act.

Shivaraj Kumar

Image: Shivaraj Kumar

It was natural for all the three sons of Dr Raj Kumar to follow in their father's footsteps.

Shivaraj Kumar has many popular songs to his credit and that include Mani Mani from the blockbuster Janumada Jodi, Kaamanna Makkalu from Lava Kusha and Hero Hero Hatrick Hero from Rowdy Aliya.

Sudeep

Image: Sudeep

Sudeep started singing for his films from his third film. His biggest musical success is the recently released Veera Madakari where he sung Jing Thakku Tha.

The other popular songs include Sontadha Vishya from Chandu, Dav, Dav Dav Duniya Kano from Ranga S.S.L.C. and Ondhu Katheya Heluve from 73, Shanthi Nivasa.

Upendra

Image: Upendra

Upendra has been singing his own songs from his first film as a hero. Idhu One Day Matchoo Kano from the film A was just the beginning.

Upendra also writes the lyrics of the songs he sings. Bendakaloora Gowda from his recently released film Dubai Babu is very popular.

His popular songs include Uppigintha Ruchi Bere Illa from Upendra, Bidabeda Bidabeda from H2O, Apple Apple from Lava Kusha, Chithranna Chithranna from the super hit film Budhdhivantha, Ella O.K, Maduve Yaake from Aishwarya and Parodi Parodi from Parodi.

Puneet Raj Kumar

Image: Puneet Raj Kumar

Puneet Raj Kumar started singing as a child artist and the first song was Kaanadhanthe Maayavaadano, Nanna Siva from the film Cheluvina Modagalu.

When he was launched as a hero in Appu, it was also as a singer. Then in his next film Abhi, Puneet sung another popular song, Ma Ma Majaa Maadu.

Puneet has been the most successful singer-actor in the Kannada film industry after Dr Raj Kumar. Puneet's song, Haatappa Haatu Sakaththu Haatu for his brother Shivaraj Kumar in Lava Kusha was very popular. His popular songs include Machchalli Kochchodilla from Maurya and Jothe Jotheyalli from Vamshi.

Vijaya Raghavendra

Image: Vijaya Raghavendra

Vijaya Raghavendra is one of the best known singer-actors of the Kannada film industry.

Other than television programs, he has sung his own songs recently in films like Ganesha Maththe Bandha (Gopike) and Nam Yejamaanaru (Ee Hrudaya).

Ganesh

Image: Ganesh

Golden Star Ganesh's films have always been known for its melodious songs of great lyrical value.

Ganesh is turning singer in Maleyalli Jotheyalli. This film is produced by his wife, Shilpa and directed by Preetham, the story writer of Mungaru Male.