Srinath
Biography
**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.
Movies 136
Bete
1986
Digvijaya
as Gundu Rao
1987
Savathiya Neralu
1979
Annavra Makkalu
1996
Kakana Kote
1977
Chandra
as Maharaja
2014
Rishi
2005
Balu Aparoopa Nam Jodi
1978
Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare
1991
Eradu Rekhegalu
1984
Gaja
as Father of Gaja
2008
Navathare
1991
Pakka Kalla
1979
Mr & Mrs Ramachari
as Venkatesh
2014
Sidilu
1984
Hennina Sedu
1981
Kurukshetra
as Dhritarashtra
2019
Kiladi Jodi
as Jaggu
1978
Gadibidi Aliya
1995
Kiccha Huccha
2010
Premaloka
as Shashi's father
1987
Pooja Phala
1984
Ganda Bherunda
as Raju
1984
Geluvina Saradara
1996
Shubhamangala
as Prabhakara / Prabhakara's father
1975
Rowdy & MLA
1991
Muyyige Muyyi
as Santhosh
1978
Hudugatada Hudugi
1976
Mugdha Manava
1977
Gange Baare Thunge Baare
2008
Hasyarathna Ramakrishna
as Krishnadevaraya
1982
Shubhashaya
1977
Poorvapara
as Sharada's husband
2004
Shanti Kranti
as Commissioner of Police (Kannada & Telugu Version)
1991
Maagiya Kanasu
1977
Tony
as Prasad
1982
Poorna Chandra
as Sundar
1987
Mayura
as Yuvaraja
1975
Ganda Hendathi
1977
Driver Hanumanthu
1980
Sye
as Chakri's father
2005
Aaru Mooru Ombhatthu
as Gundanna
1970
Bharjari Gandu
1992
Ade Raaga Ade Haadu
1989
Ajay
2006
Nagarahavu
2002
Bangara s/o Bangarada Manushya
2017
Sharapanjara
as Sudheer, Sathish's Friend
1971
Kanasu Nanasu
1976
Super Boy
1988
Naa Ninna Preethisuve
1986
Shambhavi
1992
Devaru Kotta Thangi
1973
Bangaarada Manushya
as Chakrapani
1972
Nalla
as Preeti's Father
2004
Halli Haida
1978
Bhale Huchcha
as Naganna/Nagaraj
1972
Nanda Gokula
1972
Shruthi
1990
Bhagavan Sri Saibaba
1993
Software Ganda
as Manu's father
2014
Darshan
as Ramamurthy
2004
Modada Mareyalli
1991
Manasa Sarovara
as Dr. Anand
1982
Vijaya Khadga
1988
Kumkuma Bhagya
1993
Aralida Hoovugalu
1991
Prema Simhasana
1994
Naa Mecchida Huduga
1972
Sri Venkateshwara Mahime
1988
Samayada Gombe
as Military Officer Vinod Kumar
1984
Snehada Sankole
1982
Tenali Rama
2006
Putaani Agents 123
as Murali
1979
Dhanalakshmi
1977
Prema Raga Haadu Gelathi
1997
Kanasugara
2001
Idu Saadhya
as Ganesh, the King
1989
Neenandre Ishta
2003
Akramana
1979
Sangliyana
1988
Suryodaya
1993
Saagara Deepa
1994
Gajapathi Garvabhanga
as Ananthu Meshtru
1989
Satya In Love
2008
Haddina Kannu
as Vinod
1980
Preethi Madu Thamashe Nodu
as Sripathi/Chidambara Swamy
1979
Chamundeshwari Mahime
1974
Karulina Koogu
as Swamiji
1994
Shravana Banthu
as Vishwa
1984
Beda Krishna Ranginata
1994
Mugila Mallige
1985
Mahadeshwara Pooja Phala
1974
Ekalavya
1990
Thulasi
1976
Dattha
2006
Jaga Mechida Huduga
as Mohan Rao
1993
Havina Hejje
1978
Bhoomi Thayiya Chochhala Maga
1998
Padmavyuha
1989
Dhum
2002
Belliyappa Bangarappa
1992
Rama Parushurama
1980
Dance Raja Dance
1987
Vasantha Lakshmi
as Ravi
1978
Rathasapthami
1986
Devara Maga
as Rajashekhar
2000
Annayya
as Manjunathayya
1993
Swasthik
1998
Point Parimala
as Rajesh
1980
Thavarumane Udugore
1991
Pavanaganga
as Annayya
1977
Sri Krishna Rukmini Sathyabhama
as Narada
1971
Aparadhi
as Suresh
1976
Laali Haadu
2003
Hennu Samsarada Kannu
1975
Manasella Neene
2002
Dharmasere
as Maadhu
1979
Sri Srinivasa Kalyana
as Narada
1974
Sriramachandra
1992
Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage
as Manohar Nayak
1983
Mooruvare Vajragalu
as Kritavarma
1973
Pattanakke Banda Putta
1996
Indrana Gedda Narendra
1994
Sirivantha
2006
Chiranjeevi
1976
Kasidre Kailasa
as Gopinath's Secretary
1971
Raam
as Raghunath prasad
2009
Valmiki
2005
Yaarivanu
as Shridhar
1984
Baduku Bangaravayitu
1976
Shikari
1981
Harakeya Kuri
1992
Lagnapathrike
as Kashi
1967
Police Matthu Dada
1991
