Shankar Nag was an Indian actor,  screenwriter, director and producer known for his work in Kannada language films and television.

In 1978 Nag made his debut in the role in Girish Karnad’s film “Ondenondu Kaladalli”. In 1978 this film won National Film Award for best feature film in Kannada. “For delineating the code of warrior’s ethics in a medieval setting with modern vision.  The film was excellent outdoor photography,  high standard of acting and an eye-catching decor ” as cited by the Jury. Shankar Nag received the “Best Actor : Silver Peacock Award” at the 7th International Film Festival of India for his work in the film.

The movie was released at The Guild Theater, Rockefeller Plaza on 17 May 1982. Vincent Canby, the chief film critic of The New York Times, called the movie “that is both exotic as well  as  surprising in view of all the bodies on the ground at the end,  sweet natural”.

Nag  appeared in other films. He eventually became known for his action films and while he had never undergone any martial training, he earned nickname “Karate King”

He also made the directorial debut with ‘Minchina Ota’ one of the earliest heist movie in Kannada Cinema. This won him seven State Awards.

In 1987, Nag directed the Doordarshan series “Malgudi Days” which was based on a collection of short stories by R. K. Narayan. Malgudi Days has been rated as one of the finest serials ever to be made in the history of Indian Television.

Photos courtesy Google. Excerpts taken from Google.