On the 98th anniversary of one of Kannada cinema's renaissance-men, let's take an endearing look at his life and times at the movies
Without a doubt, T.R. Narasimharaju is a pivotal figure in the shaping of Kannada cinema. A comedic icon and a superstar in his own right, Narasimharaju's cultural influence is apparent even today for his comedy and cinematic presence still manage to beguile the Kannada cinema patrons. From being a super popular theatre actor in the '40s to acting in over 250 films in a span of 25 years, the Hasya Chakravarthy has seen it all and done it all but one would still lament that he left the scene a bit too soon. On his 98th birth anniversary, let's take a quick look at the many sides to the actor that most people are unaware of and in turn, discuss his stellar career in the arts.
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A traveling theatre performer in the early days
Prior to making his debut alongside Dr. Rajkumar in the 1954 film 'Bedara Kannappa', Narasimharaju was part of a number of touring theatre companies in Karnataka. In fact, he had begun acting on stage at the age of 4, and the prevailing poverty in his household forced him to take up acting quite early on. He was part of several reputed companies like Edathore, Shri Chandramauleshwara Nataka Sabha, Belur's Gunda Joisara Company, and others before joining the Gubbi Veeranna Company sometime in the '40s. Reportedly, Narasimharaju would often start his theatre troupes but would incur losses to eventually return to other companies.
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One of Dr. Rajkumar's closest aids, both on and off screen
The Edathore Theatre Company, established in the town of Krishnarajanagara, was to become the rendezvous point for many future stalwarts like Dr. Rajkumar, G.V. Iyer, and T.R. Narasimharaju. For Dr. Raj and Narasimharaju especially, this was the beginning of a glorious journey together that lasted almost three decades with several iconic films produced along the way. The two even made their film debut together with 'Bedara Kannappa' and act together in a number of films over the years.
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One of the first Kannada actors to own a home in Madras
Having achieved stardom in no time, T.R. Narasimharaju was no stranger to wealth and was known to be very prudent and smart with his investments. Apparently, the thespian is one of the first Kannada actors to own a home in Madras, even before the likes of Dr. Rajkumar and Co. did, and also has the feat of being the first taxing paying Kannada actor to his name! Despite being a resident of Madras, Narashimharaju was a fervent Kannadiga who was always around to be in aid of his statesmen.
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A doting father who craved a hearty meal
In an interview with a daily, T.R. Narasimharaju's wife Sharadamma states that the late comedic genius was always fond of a sumptuous meal and had his favorite restaurants to often visit. Alongside, he was also known to be a thorough family man who keenly looked forward to being amidst his loved ones and often to them to cinema halls/hotels during his off time.
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The mighty Amitabh Bachchan got him out in a game of cricket!
A story goes that T.R. Narasimharaju and fellow members of the acting fraternity would participate in an exhibition game of cricket at the Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru. Incidentally, Narasimharaju would open the batting for his team and had to face this mighty gentleman from the other side who happened to a certain Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The towering figure would get Narasimharaju out on the very first ball but the comedian would ask for one more chance right away, which led to the crowd erupt in laughter! Interestingly, Narasimharaju thought of Mr. Bachchan as India's finest and was even close friends with Hindi cinema's legendary performer Mehmood saab.
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