FAN SCORE
90
POPULARITY
Legendary Star
Upendra Rao, popularly known as Upendra or the Real Star, is a renowned Indian actor, director, screenwriter, and politician in the Kannada film industry. Famous for his experimental storytelling and bold filmmaking style, he has delivered cult classics like A, Upendra, and Super. As an actor, he has appeared in several hit films across Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil, earning a massive fan following for his unique screen presence and powerful dialogue delivery. Beyond cinema, Upendra is also active in politics, having founded the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party in 2018.
Upendra Rao, popularly known as Upendra or the Real Star, is a renowned Indian actor, director, screenwriter, and politician in the Kannada film industry. Famous for his experimental storytelling and bold filmmaking style, he has delivered cult classics like A, Upendra, and Super. As an actor, he has appeared in several hit films across Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil, earning a massive fan following for his unique screen presence and powerful dialogue delivery. Beyond cinema, Upendra is also active in politics, having founded the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party in 2018.
Upendra Rao (born 18 September 1968), popularly known as Upendra or the Real Star, is an acclaimed Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and politician who predominantly works in the Kannada film industry. Known for his bold themes, experimental storytelling, and unique style of filmmaking, he has left a strong imprint on South Indian cinema. He began his career as a writer and assistant director under the legendary filmmaker Kashinath. In 1992, he made his directorial debut with the comedy-drama Tharle Nan Maga, which established his unique style. He gained cult status with his directorial ventures A (1998) and Upendra (1999), both of which became massive successes and are remembered for their philosophical depth and unconventional narrative techniques. As an actor, Upendra has starred in several commercially successful and critically acclaimed films including Kutumba, Raktha Kanneeru, Buddhivanta, and Kabzaa. His versatility and powerful dialogue delivery have made him a fan favorite, especially among mass audiences. In 2010, his film Super showcased futuristic storytelling and won accolades for its vision. Over the years, Upendra has acted not only in Kannada but also in Telugu and Tamil films, further expanding his fan base across South India.
Upendra Rao (born 18 September 1968), popularly known as Upendra or the Real
Star, is an acclaimed Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and politician who predominantly works in the Kannada film industry. Known for his bold themes, experimental storytelling, and unique style of filmmaking, he has left a strong imprint on South Indian cinema. He began his career as a writer and assistant director under the legendary filmmaker Kashinath. In 1992, he made his directorial debut with the comedy-drama Tharle Nan Maga, which established his unique style. He gained cult status with his directorial ventures A (1998) and Upendra (1999), both of which became massive successes and are remembered for their philosophical depth and unconventional narrative techniques. As an actor, Upendra has starred in several commercially successful and critically acclaimed films including Kutumba, Raktha Kanneeru, Buddhivanta, and Kabzaa. His versatility and powerful dialogue delivery have made him a fan favorite, especially among mass audiences. In 2010, his film Super showcased futuristic storytelling and won accolades for its vision. Over the years, Upendra has acted not only in Kannada but also in Telugu and Tamil films, further expanding his fan base across South India.
Photos
Known for
videos
Personal details
- Alternative names Upendra Rao
- Height 5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
- Born September 18, 1968 · Koteshwara, Udupi, Karnataka, India
- Spouses
- Priyanka Trivedi
- Children Ayush Upendra Aishwarya Upendra
- Relatives Priyanka Upendra (Wife), Ayush Upendra (Son), Aishwarya Upendra (Daughter)
- Other works
- Film Director (Tharle Nan Maga, A, Upendra, Super), Screenwriter and Dialogue Writer for many of his films, Producer of select Kannada films under his own banner, Politician – Founder of Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP)
Parents
Manjunatha Rao
Anusuya
FAQ
Upendra began his career as a writer and assistant director under Kashinath, a well-known Kannada filmmaker. He later made his directorial debut with Tharle Nan Maga (1992).
Some of Upendra’s most famous films include A (1998), Upendra (1999), Super (2010), Kutumba (2003), Raktha Kanneeru (2003), Buddhivanta (2008), and Kabzaa (2023).
Yes, Upendra entered politics in 2018 by founding the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP), which focuses on transparency and citizen-driven governance.
Did you know
Trivia
Upendra worked as an assistant director and writer for over 6 years under Kashinath before becoming a director.
His film A (1998) was released with very little promotion but went on to become a blockbuster and gained cult status.
Upendra is admired for his philosophical and socially reflective themes, often mixing mass entertainment with deep messages.
Despite his stardom, he is known for living a simple lifestyle off-screen.
Quotes
“Cinema is not just entertainment, it is a mirror to society.”
Trademarks
Experimental and unconventional filmmaking style.
Nicknames
Upendra Rao
Salaries
Early Career (1990s): Around ₹5–10 lakhs per film.
Peak Acting Career (2000s–2010s): ₹1–2 crores per film.
Recent Projects & Big-Budget Films (2020s): Estimated ₹3–5 crores per film.
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