![](https://pplstatic.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/static/images/dummy-gradient.jpg)
Quick Facts
Biography
D. Rajendra Babu (Kannada: ರಾಜೇಂದ್ರ ಬಾಬು) (30 March 1951 – 3 November 2013) was a Kannada film maker and screenplay writer. He has directed for over 50 films in various genres, most of them being sentimental films. He wrote and directed numerous blockbuster films, though many of them are re-makes. Apart from Kannada films, he directed a few Telugu and Tamil films along with a Malayalam and Hindi film each. He is considered one of the most revered directors of Kannada film industry sandalwood.
Some of the notable works of Babu are Nanu Nanna Hendathi (1985), Olavina Udugore (1987), Ramachaari (1991), Ramarajyadalli Rakshasaru (1990), Halunda Thavaru (1994), Appaji (1996), Diggajaru (2000), Amma (2001), Encounter Dayanayak (2005) and Bindaas (2010).
Early career
Babu joined the Kannada film industry in early 1980s as an actor but later on became a filmmaker. He worked as an associate to many top directors like Rajendra Singh Babu, K. S. R. Das and V. Somashekhar.
Babu became an independent director with Jiddu starring Tiger Prabhakar and Jayamala. Though the film was not a big success, his subsequent films like Swabhimaana and Naanu Nanna Hendthi were massive silver jubilee hits. He has so far directed 50 films including a Hindi film, Pyaar Karke Dekho (1987).
Personal life
Babu was married to Sumithra, a multi-lingual actress. They have two daughters – Umashankari and Nakshatra. Nakshatra has made her acting debut in a Tamil film Doo.
Death
Babu was admitted to M. S. Ramaiah Hospital on 2 November 2013 after he complained of abdominal pain. He died of a heart attack in the hospital on the morning of 3 November.
Filmography
Year | Film | Credited as | Language | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Director | Screenplay | ||||
1984 | Jiddu | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1984 | Kalinga Sarpa | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1984 | Hosa Ithihaasa | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1985 | Swabhimana | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1985 | Naanu Nanna Hendthi | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1986 | Asambhava | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1986 | Rekthabhishekam | ![]() | ![]() | Malayalam | |
1987 | Olavina Udugore | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Also co-produced |
1987 | Pyaar Karke Dekho | ![]() | ![]() | Hindi | |
1989 | Yuga Purusha | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Remake of Karz |
1989 | Samsara Nouke | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1990 | Ramarajyadalli Rakshasaru | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1990 | Chakravarthy | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1991 | Kaala Chakra | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Also story |
1991 | Ramachaari | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Remake of Chinna Thambi |
1992 | Entede Bhanta | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Based on novel by Sudarshan Desai |
1992 | Sriramachandra | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1993 | Annayya | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1994 | Haalunda Thavaru | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Also dialogues |
1994 | Karulina Koogu | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1996 | Appaji | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1996 | Jeevanadhi | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1997 | Jodi Hakki | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Also writer Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay |
1998 | Kurubana Rani | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Also writer and dialogues |
1998 | Yaare Neenu Cheluve | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
1999 | Habba | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay |
2000 | Devara Maga | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2000 | Krishna Leele | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2000 | Preethse | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2000 | Yare Nee Abhimani | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2001 | Diggajaru | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Remake of Natpukkaga |
2002 | Nandhi | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2002 | Naanu Naane | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Remake of Raja Hindustani |
2003 | Swathi Muthu | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2005 | Encounter Dayanayak | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Based on the life of encounter specialist Daya Nayak |
2005 | Auto Shankar | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2006 | Uppi Dada MBBS | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2008 | Bindaas | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Based on Telugu film Dhana 51 |
2008 | Bombaat | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | |
2014 | Aryan | ![]() | ![]() | Kannada | Also writer and dialogues Posthumously released |
Awards & Honors
- 2011 – Karnataka State Award for Lifetime Achievement.
- 2012 – Puttanna Kanagal Award for Outstanding contribution in Kannada cinema.