Dheerendra Gopal

Dheerendra Gopal was a popular Kannada actor and stage artiste. He was popular in Kannada cinema as a supporting actor, mostly playing the role of a villain or a comedian. He was known for his perfect dialogue delivery. He died in Davangere on 25 December 2000, at the age of 59.Holenarasipura

Career

Dheerendra Gopal was noticed at a young age by Gubbi Veeranna. Gubbi Veeranna saw him solo act at a school and was impressed with his performance and invited him to be part of his company. The young Gopal donned the main role in Yechchama Nayaka and never looked back thereafter. He later began acting in films. His first film appearance was in Naagarahaavu. Over the years, he acted in over 180 Kannada films and became popular for his role as politician-villain. He earned recognition from Puttanna Kanagal's film "Paduvarahalli Pandavaru". His other popular films were Subhadra Kalyana, Gajapathi Garvabhanga, Simha Jodi, Naga Kala Bhairava, Nanjundi Kalyana and Annaiah. Nannavalu Nannavalu was his last film.

He released over 300 political-satire dialogues on audio cassettes, that became popular.

He was a lover of theatre and acted in hundreds of plays. His roles in the plays, Tippu Sultan and Mudukana Maduve, brought him acclaim.

Death

Dheerendra Gopal's health deteriorated in 1999 after a severe attack of jaundice. He died of a heart attack at his residence in Harihar on 25 December 2000. He was 59. He was survived by his wife Sunandamma, daughter Vidyavathi and two sons, Narendra Babu and Sudheendra. The funeral was held on Tuesday, 26 December 2000, at the Hindu Rudrabhoomi in Harihar.

Partial filmography

• Naagarahaavu (1972)
• Paduvarahalli Pandavaru (1978)
• Nanobba Kalla (1979) ... Satish
• Sahasa Simha (1982)
• Aahuti (1985)
• Gajapathi Garvabhanga (1989)
• Annaiah (1993)
• Mana Mecchida Sose (1992)
• Gadibidi Ganda (1993)
• Anjali Geethanjali (2001)

Awards

Dheerendra Gopal was a recipient of the Karnataka Nataka Academy Award and the Rajyotsava Award.