Shashikumar Nayak (born 2 December 1965), professionally known as Shashi Kumar (also spelled Shashikumar), is an Indian actor and politician who rose to prominence in Kannada cinema during the late 1980s and 1990s. Starting his acting career in villainous role in Chiranjeevi Sudhakara (1988) and subsequent supporting roles in few films, Shashi Kumar played his first lead role in Baare Nanna Muddina Rani (1990). Celebrated for his energetic dancing and onscreen charisma, he earned the affectionate title “Supreme Hero” from fans.
Beyond Kannada, his filmography includes few Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, including a notable role as Rajinikanth’s brother in the blockbuster Baashha (1995). Some of his notable roles came with Rani Maharani (1990), Policena Hendthi (1990), Readymade Ganda (1991), Kitturina Huli (1991), Edurmaneli Ganda Pakkadmaneli Hendthi (1992), Muddina Maava (1993), Mutthanna (1994), Kunthi Puthra (1994), Ganeshana Galate (1995), Habba (1999) and Yajamana (2000). Post 2000, he switched to supporting roles and starred in several multi-starrer films.
After a prolific film career with over 100 titles, Shashi Kumar entered politics, serving as Member of Parliament for Chitradurga in the 13th Lok Sabha (1999–2004) and subsequently joining various political parties.
Acting career Shashi Kumar's first released film was Chiranjeevi Sudhakar starring Raghavendra Rajkumar. In 1989 he became popular with Yuddha Kaanda starring V. Ravichandran and Poonam Dhillon and C.B.I Shankar with Shankar Nag. In 1990 two successful films Rani Maharani and Baare Nanna Muddina Rani established him as a top hero of Kannada cinema. Shashi Kumar and Malashri, who acted together in several hit films together are considered one among the all-time popular pairs of Kannada cinema. He was also paired with actresses Sudha Rani, Tara, Mahalakshmi, Soundarya, Sithara and Shruti.
He was injured a car accident near the Bangalore Turf Club in 1998. The surgeries altered his looks and offers for lead roles from big banners stopped coming his way. For a few years, he starred in supporting roles in multi-starrers like Yajamana, Habba, Kanasugara, Snehaloka and Yaarige Saluthe Sambala. He later decided to enter politics.
Political career He was a member of the 13th Lok Sabha representing Chitradurga and contesting on a Janata Dal (United) ticket. He has successfully contested and won the Member of Parliament elections for Chitradurga constituency. He joined the Indian National Congress in 2006.
Selected filmography Kannada films Year Film Role Notes 1988 Chiranjeevi Sudhakar Avinash1989 Yuddha Kaanda Vicky Indrajith C.B.I. Shankar Santosh Premagni 1990 Challenge Gopalakrishna Cameo Baare Nanna Muddina Rani Mruthyunjaya Sundara Rudra Thaandava Rani Maharani Policena Hendthi S. P. Sangliyana Part 2 Trinetra Vinod Wanted Ashoka Chakra Shashi 1991 Ibbaru Hendira Muddina Police Krishnaiah/Anand Dual role Anatha Rakshaka Maneli Ili Beedeeli Huli Readymade Ganda Kollur Kala Kitturina Huli Gandanige Takka Hendathi Sakalakalavallabha Kalla Malla Keralida Kesari Tejaswi 1992 Kanasina Rani Raja Edurmaneli Ganda Pakkadmaneli Hendthi Bava Hosa Kalla Hale Kulla Aathma Bandhana Gandharva Mallige Hoove Baa Nanna Preethisu Hendthire Hushar 1993 Sarkarakke Saval Shrungara Raja Muddina Maava Kempaiah IPS Dharma Peeta Kalyana Rekhe Bhagavan Sri Saibaba Eshwara 1994 Alexander Mutthanna Police Inspector Sammilana Kunthi Puthra Swathi 1995 Nighata Thumbida ManeGaneshana Galate Ganesha Rowdy Stri Shubha Lagna 1996 Muddina Aliya Nirbandha Arjun 1997Laxmi Mahalaxmi Balida Mane Baalina Daari 1998 Doni Sagali 1998 Baaro Nanna Muddina Krishna 1999 Khalayanaka Habba Shashi Snehaloka Shashi Coolie Raja Sundarapurusha 2000 Yarige Salatte Sambla Ramesh Yajamana Subramanya 2001 Lankesha Bahala Chennagide Shivaji Namma Samsara Ananda Sagara Haalappa Kanasugara Ajay 2002 Baanallu Neene Bhuviyallu Neene 2003 Ree Swalpa Bartheera 2004 Sahukara Raja Hendthi Andre Hendthi2006Pandavaru 2007 Masti 2008 Bandhu Balaga 2008 Slum Bala Shantaram 2010 Lift Kodla Police Inspector Naradha Vijaya Rame Gowda vs Krishna Reddy Rame Gowda 2011 Take It Easy 2012 Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna Channabasava 2013 Galaate 2014 Power Police Commissioner 2016 Shivayogi Sri Puttayyajja 2019 Kurukshetra Dharmaraya 2022 Bairagee Prakash Sarang 2023 Vidhi (Article) 370 2024 Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi Shashiraj 2025 September 10 Congratulations Brother 2026 Terror Bengaluru Inn
Other language films Year Film Role Language Notes 1990 Manasu Mamtha Telugu 1991 Veetla Eli Velila Puli Tamil Guest role in song "Nayaram"Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Ashwini Chandu Telugu 1993 Kokkoroko Prema Samaram 1995 Baashha Shiva Tamil 1996 Amma DurgammaTelugu Maa Inti Aadapaduchu
Television Anna Thangi (Star Suvarna)
References
External links
Shashi Kumar bioprofile