Shiva Rajkumar Profile
- Name: Shiva Rajkumar
- Real Name: Nagaraju Shiva Puttaswamy
- Popular Name: Shivanna
- Nicknames: Hat-trick Hero, Century Star, Karunada Chakravarthy
- Profession: Actor, Film Producer, Television Presenter, Playback Singer
- Gender: Male
- Date of Birth: 1962-07-12
- Age: 64 years
- Birth Place: Madras, present-day Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Nationality: Indian
- Hometown: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- School: Schooling in T. Nagar, Chennai
- College: The New College, Chennai; University of Madras
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Acting Training: M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute/acting training in Chennai
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse Name: Geetha Shivarajkumar
- Children: Niveditha Rajkumar, Nirupama Rajkumar
- Father: Dr. Rajkumar
- Mother: Parvathamma Rajkumar
- Brothers: Raghavendra Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar
- Sisters: Lakshmi Rajkumar, Poornima Rajkumar
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 70–75 kg; not officially confirmed
- Eye Color: Dark Brown/Black
- Hair Color: Black
- Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, watching movies, dance, fitness and music
- Net Worth: Media estimates vary; approximately ₹50–100 crore is sometimes reported, but there is no officially verified figure
Shiva Rajkumar Biography: Real Name, Age, Family, Education, Career and Net Worth
Shiva Rajkumar, popularly known as Shivanna, is one of the most celebrated actors in Kannada cinema. The eldest son of legendary Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar and film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar, he has built a successful identity of his own over a career spanning nearly four decades. He has appeared in more than 125 films and is known for his versatility across romantic dramas, action films, crime stories and experimental cinema.
His birth name is Nagaraju Shiva Puttaswamy. He was born in Madras, now Chennai, and grew up in the influential Rajkumar family. He completed his schooling in T. Nagar, Chennai, before studying at The New College, Chennai. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Madras in 1983. He subsequently received acting training in Chennai and also trained in Kuchipudi dance under Vempetti Chinni Sathyam.
Shiva Rajkumar made his leading-hero debut with Anand in 1986. The film became a success, followed by Ratha Sapthami and Manamecchida Hudugi. The success of his first three films earned him the popular title “Hat-trick Hero.” His career reached another major milestone with Om (1995), which became a landmark Kannada gangster film and earned him major acting recognition. Other notable films include Janumada Jodi, Nammoora Mandara Hoove, A.K. 47, Hrudaya Hrudaya, Jogi, Thamassu, Bhajarangi, Tagaru and Mufti.
Shiva Rajkumar has received several prestigious honours, including multiple Karnataka State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South and SIIMA Awards. He also received an honorary doctorate from Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University in 2014. In 2023, his cameo as Narasimha in Rajinikanth’s Jailer introduced him to an even wider audience outside Karnataka.
He married Geetha, daughter of former Karnataka Chief Minister S. Bangarappa, in 1986. The couple have two daughters, Niveditha Rajkumar and Nirupama Rajkumar. His siblings include Raghavendra Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, Lakshmi Rajkumar and Poornima Rajkumar.
Unknown Facts About Shiva Rajkumar
- His birth name is Nagaraju Shiva Puttaswamy.
- He is the eldest child of Dr. Rajkumar and Parvathamma Rajkumar.
- He was born in present-day Chennai, not Karnataka.
- He studied Chemistry before entering the film industry.
- He trained in Kuchipudi during his college years.
- His first major film as a hero was Anand in 1986.
- His first three successful films earned him the title “Hat-trick Hero.”
- Om became one of the defining films of his career.
- He has worked in more than 125 films.
- He is also a trained dancer.
- He made his television debut as a presenter in 2010.
- He appeared alongside Rajinikanth in Jailer.
- He has won four Filmfare Awards South for Best Actor according to published biographical records.
- He received an honorary doctorate in 2014.
- His brother Puneeth Rajkumar was also a major Kannada film star.
- His daughter Niveditha has been involved in film production and new-age Kannada content.
- Despite being part of the legendary Rajkumar family, Shiva Rajkumar established a distinct identity through his own acting style and film choices.
