Shankar Nag

Shankar Nagarakatte (9 November 1954 – 30 September 1990) was an Indian actor, screenwriter, director, and producer known for his work in Kannada-language films and television. A popular cultural icon of Karnataka, Nag is often referred to as ''Karate King.'' He directed and acted in the teleserial, ''Malgudi Days'', based on novelist R. K. Narayan's short stories.

Nag received the inaugural IFFI Best Actor Award (Male): Silver Peacock Award" at the 7th International Film Festival of India for his work in the film '' Ondanondu Kaladalli''. He co-wrote ''22 June 1897'', a National award-winning Marathi film. He is the younger brother of actor Anant Nag. Vincent Canby, the chief film critic of ''The New York Times'' had opined that Shankar's performance in '' Ondanondu Kaladalli'' had the force and humor of the younger Toshiro Mifune.

Early career

Shankar Nagarkatte was born on 9 November 1954 in Honnavar, then a part of North Canara (now Uttara Kannada), in Bombay State (now in Karnataka). His parents were Anandi and Sadanand Nagarkatte. Born into a Konkani-speaking Brahmin family, his family settled in Shirali, a village near Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada of Karnataka State. He had an elder sister, Shyamala, and an elder brother, actor Anant Nag. After completing formal education, Nag moved to Bombay. There, he was attracted to Marathi theatre and immersed himself in theatrical activities. Incidentally, he met his future wife, Arundhathi during a drama rehearsal.

Nag then shifted base to Karnataka. His elder brother Anant had already established himself as an actor and urged Nag to act in films. In 1978 Nag made his debut in the role of a mercenary in Girish Karnad's epic film '' Ondanondu Kaladalli,'' where he played a mercenary who earns a position in a rival army to get even with his brother, whom he considers his enemy.

Acting and directing

Following the modest success of '' Ondanondu Kaladalli'' and the critical accolades he won, Nag appeared in other films. ''Seetharamu'', '' Auto Raja'' and Preethi Madu Thamashe Nodu'' were amongst his early movies. He eventually became known for his action films, and while he had never undergone any martial arts training, he earned the nickname "Karate King".''

He also made his directorial debut with '' Minchina Ota'', one of the earliest heist movie in Kannada cinema. This won him seven state awards, including that for best film. '' Janma Janmada Anubandha'' and '' Geetha'' followed. There was no looking back after that.

Some of his most popular commercial movies as an actor include '' Nyaya Ellide'', '' Nyaya Gedditu'','' Gedda Maga'', '' Sangliyana'' and ''S. P. Sangliyana Part 2'' and '' C.B.I. Shankar''. He formed a popular pair with top actress '' Bhavya'' who acted with him in 11 films.

His directorial ventures include '' Accident'', which won many state and national awards, ''Ondu Muttina Kathe'', which was loosely based on John Steinbeck's novel '' The Pearl''), '' Nodi Swamy Navirodu Hige'', ''Lalach'' and ''Hosa Theerpu'', which was a remake of '' Dushman''.

Television and theatre

In 1987, Nag directed the Doordarshan series ''Malgudi Days'', which was based on a collection of short stories by R.K. Narayan. The series featured Vishnuvardhan and Anant Nag, with music by was composed by L. Vaidyanathan. The series was shot in Agumbe, Shimoga district, Karnataka. Nag went to direct another teleserial, ''Swami'', in the same year. ''Malgudi Days'' has been rated as one of the finest serials ever to be made in the history of Indian television.

He anchored the ''Parichaya'' program on DD1-Kannada, in its starting days.
Nag retained an interest in theatre. His brother Anant Nag and he founded Sanket, an amateur theatre group, which still produces plays. His first directorial effort in Kannada theatre was ''Anju Mallige'' by Girish Karnad. He continued with productions like ''Barrister'', ''Sandhya Chhaya''. He was later joined by T. N. Narasimhan, who wrote and co-directed ''Nodi Swamy Navirodu Hige'' which had, apart from himself, his wife Arundhati Nag and Ramesh Bhat in the cast.

Social work

Shankar Nag, was multi-faceted person, involved in various aspects of Karnataka's Infrastructure. He is credited with pioneering efforts in initiating
* Rope Way/Cable Car to heighten the tourist experience at Nandi Hills
* Metro Train for Bengaluru
* Low Cost Houses that could be built in 8 days
* Club for Amusement
* Theater for performing Arts, including Drama

Death

Nag died in a car collision at Anagodu village on the outskirts of Davanagere town on 30 September 1990 during the pre-production work for his film ''Jokumaraswamy''. His last film as an actor, ''Sundarakanda'', was released a few days after his death. For ''Sundarakanda'', Nag's voice was dubbed by Murali. ''Nigooda Rahasya'', one of his last films also had his brother, Anant Nag, complete the voice dubbing.

Filmography

Television

Awards

Karnataka State Film Awards

* Best Second Film (1979–80) along with Anant Nag for '' Minchina Ota''
* Best Screenplay (1979–80) along with Mariyam Jetpurwala for '' Minchina Ota''
* Best First Film (1984–85) for '' Accident''
* Best Director (1984–85) for '' Accident''

Filmfare Awards South

* Best Director (1980) for Minchina Ota
* Best Film (1984) for Accident (1985 film),

IFFI Award for Best Actor

* Silver Peacock Award for Best Actor (1979) for ''