Bengaluru, 16 December(HS): V Ravichandran, the legendary Kannada film actor, is a multi faceted film fraternity member. He brought laurels to the Kannada film industry with his aesthetics in Kannada movies. His father, Veeraswamy, was a well-known film distributor and financier. Eeshwari Pictures, Gandhinagar, Bangalore, is a highly respected organisation.

V Ravichandran began dabbling in the film industry in various capacities before his big splurge as an actor - director through the movie Prema Loka ( 1987). Premaloka rewrote the very concept of filmmaking in Kannada. It starred Ravichandran and Juhi Chawla in the lead. The movie remains a classic to date for the freshness the narrative brought in to the industry.

Prema Loka film music rights were sold to M/s Lahari Recording Company for a record sum. Over 35 lakhs music Cassettes were sold during its release, and it remains an unbeaten record. Above all Premaloka validated the reach of State-owned Doordarshan. Prema Loka, which was tottering in its first week , aired a song from the film and the rest as they say, is history. Prema loka had a successful run for more than forty weeks in several theatres in Karnataka.

The movie brought the affluent, pricey, high class young girls and boys to the Kannada mainstream as audience. Watching Premaloka was a fashion statement. Ranadheera, Anjada Gandu, in the following years established Ravi Chandran as the superstar, Showman of the Kannada film Industry. Shanti Kranti was a high-budget movie in Kannada and Tamil . The movie expanded the reach of Eeshwari Pictures.

Ramachari scripted history by its phenomenal success and created a new brand image for Ravichandran.

Ravichandran and music director Hamsalekha went on to work together for over two decades. In the later years, Ravichandran turned lyric writer, music director in his professional life and was successful too.

A man with high ambition, he collaborated with Telugu super star Chiranjeevi for the movie Sipayi.

With the onset of the digital age and satellite TV, Ravichandran effectively used his talent as a judge for many Talent shows, thus nurturing new talents.

A high-calibre talent spotter, the list of actors, actresses, and film technicians he has introduced is endless.

In a glorious career of over four decades, his contribution to Indian Cinema remains unparalleled.

He is a recipient of many awards and citations.

Ravi, I have loved watching your movies and I am in awe of your picturization of songs, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor had admitted with Ravichandran at a film awards ceremony.

It is not only a great validation for the crazy star but also for the entire Kannada film industry, for Ravichandran took the industry to Pan India level in his impeccable showman style .

May his tribe grow and glow.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manjunath Chavan