Srinath
**Narayana Swamy** (born 28 December 1943), widely known by his stage name **Srinath**, is a veteran Indian actor, television presenter, and film producer who works predominantly in Kannada cinema. With a prolific career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in hundreds of films and is celebrated for his immensely successful romantic roles during the 1970s, which earned him the endearing moniker "Pranaya Raja" (King of Romance). Born in Mysore, Kingdom of Mysore (present-day Karnataka), to Lalithamma and Ramaswamy Shastry, he was drawn to acting early in his life. He actively participated in amateur theater plays during his youth and practiced cinematography in Bangalore before transitioning to the silver screen. He is the younger brother of the late renowned Kannada theater and film personality C. R. Simha. Srinath made his feature film debut with a minor role in the 1967 film *Lagna Patrike*, but gained his first leading role in *Madhura Milana* (1969). Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he formed one of the most successful on-screen pairings in Kannada cinema with actress Manjula, starring together in a record 35 films. He delivered memorable performances in classic films such as *Shubhamangala* (1975), *Besuge* (1976), *Dharmasere* (1979), *Bangaarada Manushya* (1972), and *Maanasa Sarovara* (1982). His nuanced portrayal of complex characters made him a household name and one of the leading stars of his era. As he transitioned into senior character roles in later decades, Srinath continued to be a prominent figure in the industry, playing supporting roles in contemporary films. Beyond acting in cinema, he found immense success on television, most notably as the host of the hugely popular couples' game show *Adarsha Dampatigalu* on Udaya TV, a channel where he also served as vice-president. His profound contributions to Kannada cinema have been highly decorated. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Kannada) for his performance in *Besuge* and the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor for *Shri Raghavendra Vaibhava* (1980). In 2003, the Government of Karnataka honored him with the prestigious 'Kalaratna' Award in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the arts. Furthermore, in 2013, he was honored with the prestigious Dr. Rajkumar Award for his lifetime achievement to Kannada cinema.
Known For
Credits
- 2019 · Kurukshetra as Dhritarashtra
- 2017 · Bangara s/o Bangarada Manushya as
- 2014 · Mr & Mrs Ramachari as Venkatesh
- 2014 · Software Ganda as Manu's father
- 2014 · Weekend With Ramesh as Himself
- 2014 · Chandra as Maharaja
- 2010 · Kiccha Huccha as
- 2009 · Raam as Raghunath prasad
- 2008 · Gange Baare Thunge Baare as
- 2008 · Satya In Love as
- 2008 · Gaja as Father of Gaja
- 2006 · Tenali Rama as
- 2006 · Sirivantha as
- 2006 · Dattha as
- 2006 · Ajay as
- 2005 · Valmiki as
- 2005 · Sye as Chakri's father
- 2005 · Rishi as
- 2004 · Nalla as Preeti's Father
- 2004 · Darshan as Ramamurthy
- 2004 · Poorvapara as Sharada's husband
- 2003 · Neenandre Ishta as
- 2003 · Laali Haadu as
- 2002 · Dhum as
- 2002 · Nagarahavu as
- 2002 · Manasella Neene as
- 2001 · Kanasugara as
- 2000 · Devara Maga as Rajashekhar
- 1998 · Swasthik as
- 1998 · Bhoomi Thayiya Chochhala Maga as
- 1997 · Prema Raga Haadu Gelathi as
- 1996 · Pattanakke Banda Putta as
- 1996 · Annavra Makkalu as
- 1996 · Geluvina Saradara as
- 1995 · Gadibidi Aliya as
- 1994 · Indrana Gedda Narendra as
- 1994 · Beda Krishna Ranginata as
- 1994 · Prema Simhasana as
- 1994 · Karulina Koogu as Swamiji
- 1994 · Saagara Deepa as
- 1993 · Jaga Mechida Huduga as Mohan Rao
- 1993 · Bhagavan Sri Saibaba as
- 1993 · Kumkuma Bhagya as
- 1993 · Annayya as Manjunathayya
- 1993 · Suryodaya as
- 1992 · Sriramachandra as
- 1992 · Bharjari Gandu as
- 1992 · Harakeya Kuri as
- 1992 · Belliyappa Bangarappa as
- 1992 · Shambhavi as
- 1991 · Police Matthu Dada as
- 1991 · Shanti Kranti as Commissioner of Police (Kannada & Telugu Version)
- 1991 · Rowdy & MLA as
- 1991 · Navathare as
- 1991 · Modada Mareyalli as
- 1991 · Thavarumane Udugore as
- 1991 · Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare as
- 1991 · Aralida Hoovugalu as
- 1990 · Shruthi as
- 1990 · Ekalavya as
- 1989 · Gajapathi Garvabhanga as Ananthu Meshtru
- 1989 · Padmavyuha as
- 1989 · Ade Raaga Ade Haadu as
- 1989 · Idu Saadhya as Ganesh, the King
- 1988 · Sangliyana as
- 1988 · Sri Venkateshwara Mahime as
- 1988 · Vijaya Khadga as
- 1988 · Super Boy as
- 1987 · Dance Raja Dance as
- 1987 · Digvijaya as Gundu Rao
- 1987 · Premaloka as Shashi's father
- 1987 · Poorna Chandra as Sundar
- 1986 · Rathasapthami as
- 1986 · Bete as
- 1986 · Naa Ninna Preethisuve as
- 1985 · Mugila Mallige as
- 1984 · Pooja Phala as
- 1984 · Sidilu as
- 1984 · Ganda Bherunda as Raju
- 1984 · Eradu Rekhegalu as
- 1984 · Shravana Banthu as Vishwa
- 1984 · Yaarivanu as Shridhar
- 1984 · Samayada Gombe as Military Officer Vinod Kumar
- 1983 · Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage as Manohar Nayak
- 1982 · Tony as Prasad
- 1982 · Hasyarathna Ramakrishna as Krishnadevaraya
- 1982 · Snehada Sankole as
- 1982 · Manasa Sarovara as Dr. Anand
- 1981 · Shikari as
- 1981 · Hennina Sedu as
- 1981 · Yetu Yeduretu as
- 1980 · Driver Hanumanthu as
- 1980 · Haddina Kannu as Vinod
- 1980 · Rama Parushurama as
- 1980 · Point Parimala as Rajesh
- 1979 · Akramana as
- 1979 · Preethi Madu Thamashe Nodu as Sripathi/Chidambara Swamy
- 1979 · Putaani Agents 123 as Murali
- 1979 · Pakka Kalla as
- 1979 · Dharmasere as Maadhu
- 1979 · Savathiya Neralu as
- 1978 · Vasantha Lakshmi as Ravi
- 1978 · Balu Aparoopa Nam Jodi as
- 1978 · Kiladi Jodi as Jaggu
- 1978 · Muyyige Muyyi as Santhosh
- 1978 · Havina Hejje as
- 1978 · Halli Haida as
- 1977 · Ganda Hendathi as
- 1977 · Shubhashaya as
- 1977 · Mugdha Manava as
- 1977 · Maagiya Kanasu as
- 1977 · Dhanalakshmi as
- 1977 · Kakana Kote as
- 1977 · Pavanaganga as Annayya
- 1976 · Aparadhi as Suresh
- 1976 · Baduku Bangaravayitu as
- 1976 · Kanasu Nanasu as
- 1976 · Thulasi as
- 1976 · Chiranjeevi as
- 1976 · Hudugatada Hudugi as
- 1975 · Mayura as Yuvaraja
- 1975 · Shubhamangala as Prabhakara / Prabhakara's father
- 1975 · Hennu Samsarada Kannu as
- 1974 · Mahadeshwara Pooja Phala as
- 1974 · Sri Srinivasa Kalyana as Narada
- 1974 · Chamundeshwari Mahime as
- 1973 · Mooruvare Vajragalu as Kritavarma
- 1973 · Devaru Kotta Thangi as
- 1972 · Naa Mecchida Huduga as
- 1972 · Bhale Huchcha as Naganna/Nagaraj
- 1972 · Nanda Gokula as
- 1972 · Bangaarada Manushya as Chakrapani
- 1971 · Sri Krishna Rukmini Sathyabhama as Narada
- 1971 · Kasidre Kailasa as Gopinath's Secretary
- 1971 · Sharapanjara as Sudheer, Sathish's Friend
- 1970 · Aaru Mooru Ombhatthu as Gundanna
- 1967 · Lagnapathrike as Kashi