Shiva Rajkumar praises Ram Charan.At 62, Kannada cinema's Shiva Rajkumar ("Shivanna") shows no signs of slowing down. Despite a long and celebrated career earning him titles like Hat-trick Hero, Century Star, and Karunada Chakravarthy, he remains beloved by fans. His latest film, Bhairathi Ranagal, a prequel to the 2017 hit Mufti, released on November 15th. In a recent interview, Shivanna discussed the film and his upcoming projects, including his health.
Bhairathi Ranagal, also directed by Narthan, explores the transformation of the titular character from lawyer to don, visually represented by a shift from white to black clothing. Shivanna highlighted the film's focus on the emotional depth of the character, explaining that Narthan's direction delves deep into the motivations behind his actions. He praised Narthan's ability to explore character psychology, creating compelling narratives.
Shivanna is set to make his Telugu cinema debut in a Ram Charan film, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, a project he's enthusiastic about, citing a long-standing friendship between the Rajkumar and Charan families.He said “Our family (Dr Rajkumar’s) and Ram Charan’s family have been friends for decades. My father and Chiranjeevi ji were close friends and we all remain close even today. I have seen Ram Charan’s rise in cinema and he’s extremely talented. What I love is that Ram Charan is such a big star when you see him on screen but in real life, he’s so simple and a wonderful human being. That simplicity is really nice to see.”
Recently, Shivanna publicly addressed a health issue requiring surgery in the US, expecting a full recovery by January 2025. He explained his decision to be transparent, stating he wanted to preempt speculation and reassure fans, producers, and colleagues. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he's received.
Throughout his 38-year career, Shivanna's commitment to diverse roles remains unwavering. He seeks roles that constantly showcase different facets of his acting abilities, striving to offer audiences a fresh portrayal of Shiva Rajkumar in each performance. His continued dedication is driven by his love for cinema and the immense appreciation from his fans.