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Rathnakar (actor)

Kollur Manjunatha Bhatta Rathnakar (11 April 1931 - 21 September 2010) was an Indian actor and director, known for his work in Kannada film industry. He is best known for his comic roles in movies including Kanyarathna (1963), Satya Harishchandra (1965), Guru Shishyaru (1981), Hosa Belaku (1982) and Halli Meshtru (1992).

Personal life

Rathnakar was born in Kollur in a family of priests. His father Manjunatha Bhatta was one of the priests at Mookambika Temple, Kollur. Being the only child in the family, Rathnakar refused the job of priest and came to Mysore.

Career

Early days & theatre life

Rathnakar left home at the age of 12 and came to Mysore. He worked in a Choultry on Seethavilasa road and used to sing near temples in Mysore. Sorat Ashwath and Dikki Madhava Rao who heard his singing, introduced him to theatre personality H.L.N. Simha. Rathnakar became a permanent member of Simha's troupe and went on to act plays with Rajkumar and Pandari Bai.

Entry to films

Rathnakar made his debut in the 1955 movie Vichitra Prapancha. Apart from comic roles, he also worked as assistant director in many movies. He is famous for his squeaky trembling trademark voice. In his five decade career, Rathnakar has played variety of roles as teacher, singer, priest, palm reader, vendor in more than 300 films. His last movie was Vishnuvardhan's Aptharakshaka in 2010.

Death

Rathnakar died on 21 September 2010 in Mysore, due to respiratory problems and other age related ailments. Survived by his 3 sons, Rathnakar donated his eyes to JSS hospital eye bank.