Shivarajkumar is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Kannada cinema. The eldest son of the Kannada matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar, he made his screen debut in 1986 and has since built a long career as a leading man in Kannada films. He is popularly known by epithets such as Hat-trick Hero, earned after three of his early films completed successful 100-day runs, and Century Star.
| Full name | Shivarajkumar (born Shivanna) |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 July 1962, Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu |
| Father | Dr. Rajkumar, Kannada actor |
| Mother | Parvathamma Rajkumar, film producer |
| Siblings | Raghavendra Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar (actors) |
| Spouse | Geetha Shivarajkumar |
| Occupation | Actor, film producer |
| Industry | Kannada cinema (Sandalwood) |
| Debut film | Anand (1986) |
| Notable epithets | Hat-trick Hero, Century Star, Shivanna |
Shivarajkumar was born into the family of Singanallur Puttaswamayya Rajkumar, who would become one of the most celebrated figures in Kannada cinema, and Parvathamma Rajkumar, a leading producer through the family banner Vajreshwari Combines (later Poornima Enterprises). He completed his schooling in Chennai and pursued higher studies before entering films. His brothers Raghavendra Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar also became actors in the Kannada industry.
Shivarajkumar made his lead debut in Anand (1986), directed by Rajendra Singh Babu and produced under his family's banner. The film was a commercial success and established him as a youth icon. He followed it with Ratha Sapthami (1986) and Manmatha Raja (1988), both of which crossed 100 days at the box office, earning him the title Hat-trick Hero.
Through the 1990s, Shivarajkumar became one of the most bankable stars in Kannada cinema. Films such as Mutthina Haara (1990), Jeevana Chaitra (1992, in which he co-starred with his father Rajkumar), Om (1995, directed by Upendra), Janumada Jodi (1996) and A (1998) defined this period. Om, in particular, became a cult phenomenon for its portrayal of the Bengaluru underworld and is regarded as a landmark in Kannada cinema.
He continued in lead roles through the 2000s with films such as Nammoora Mandara Hoove (1996, late releases included), Bhoomi Thayiya Chochala Maga, Jogi (2005, directed by Prem) and Mylari (2010). Jogi emerged as one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of its time. Other notable works include Shivamani, Vijayadashami, Kalla Malla Sulla, Bhajarangi (2013) and Killing Veerappan (2016), the last directed by Ram Gopal Varma and based on the forest brigand Veerappan.
In later years he has appeared in films such as Tagaru (2018), The Villain (2018) opposite Sudeep, Bhajarangi 2 (2021) and Vedha (2022). He has also made appearances in pan-Indian projects, including a cameo in Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023), directed by Prashanth Neel.
Shivarajkumar has hosted reality television, most prominently the Kannada version of Kannadada Kotyadhipati, the regional adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, on Colors Kannada. He has also been associated with the family's production house and has produced selected projects.
Shivarajkumar has received several Karnataka State Film Awards and Filmfare Awards South over his career for performances in films including Mutthina Haara and Jogi. He was conferred an honorary doctorate by Tumkur University in recognition of his contribution to Kannada cinema.
Shivarajkumar is married to Geetha, daughter of former Karnataka Chief Minister S. Bangarappa. The couple have two daughters. The family resides primarily in Bengaluru.
As the eldest son of Rajkumar, Shivarajkumar represents continuity of one of Kannada cinema's most prominent acting families. His career spans nearly four decades and includes work across genres, from family dramas and romances to action and crime cinema. Films such as Om and Jogi are studied as significant cultural moments within the Kannada film industry, and he is widely regarded as a senior figure in Sandalwood.