Raj B. Shetty
Shetty in 2023
Born	(1987-07-05)5 July 1987 (age 38) Bhadravathi, Karnataka,India
Occupation	Actor • director • filmmaker • writer . film producer
Years active	2015 – present

Raj B. Shetty (born 5 July 1987) is an Indian actor, director, screenwriter, producer and filmmaker who primarily works inKannada cinema and has appeared inMalayalam films. He owns a production house named Lighter Buddha Films and has co-produced several of his films.^[1]

Known for his rooted storytelling and unique cinematic style, Shetty rose to fame with his debut filmOndu Motteya Kathe (2017) and later directed the critically acclaimedGaruda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021). His debut in Malayalam cinema came throughRudhiram (2023).^[2]

He has won several prestigious awards, including theFilmfare Award for Best Director - Kannada forGaruda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana and theFilmfare Award for Best Kannada Film forOndu Motteya Kathe. His films have also earnedSIIMA Awards and multiple critics’ choice honors, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential voices in contemporary Kannada cinema.

Shetty was born on 5 July 1987 inBhadravathi, Karnataka, into aTulu-speaking Bunt family. He completed his schooling at Bharathi English Medium School,Mangalore, and pursued a postgraduate degree in Social Work from Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore. Before entering films, Shetty worked as a radio jockey atBig 92.7 FM, wrote advertising scripts, and directed short films in Kannada and Tulu.^[3] He also assisted actor-directorUpendra Rao as a writer and assistant director.

Shetty began his cinematic journey in 2017 withOndu Motteya Kathe, a romantic comedy that he wrote, directed, and starred in. The film was produced byPawan Kumar and became a sleeper hit, praised for its simplicity and Shetty’s natural performance as a bald protagonist navigating love and societal expectations. Critics lauded his ability to blend humor with emotional depth, and the film earned him theFilmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada, establishing him as a promising filmmaker.^[4]

In 2018, Shetty appeared inAmmachi Yemba Nenapu, a film based on Vaidehi’s short stories, where his nuanced portrayal of a supporting character was appreciated for its authenticity. The following year, 2019, saw him in multiple projects includingMahira,Gubbi Mele Brahmastra, andKatha Sangama. His segment inKatha Sangama, directed byKiranraj K., showcased his versatility as an actor. He also contributed dialogues forSarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai, collaborating with directorRishab Shetty.

In 2020, Raj played Kubera inMayabazar 2016, a dark comedy that received positive reviews for its ensemble cast. However, his career-defining moment came in 2021 withGaruda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, which he wrote, directed, and starred in alongside Rishab Shetty. The film, set in Mangaluru’s underworld, was hailed as a masterpiece for its poetic storytelling and powerful performances. Critics compared Shetty’s direction to world cinema greats, and his portrayal of Shiva—a complex, brooding gangster—earned widespread acclaim.^[5][6] The film swept awards, includingFilmfare Best Director (Kannada) andSIIMA Best Film. In 2021, his next assignment,Pedro, directed by Natesh Hegde was screened in film festivals.^[7][8]

In 2022, Shetty appeared in777 Charlie, directed by Kiranraj K., where his cameo was noted for its emotional impact. He also acted inThurthu Nirgamana and choreographed the intense climax ofKantara, showcasing his creative versatility. The year 2023 broughtSwathi Mutthina Male Haniye, a poignant drama he directed and starred in, exploring themes of grief and healing. His performance inToby, directed by Basil Alchalakkal, was described as “raw and transformative,” earning him critical praise.

Raj expanded his horizons in 2024 with his Malayalam debut inMammootty’sTurbo, where he played a pivotal antagonist role. Critics in Kerala praised his screen presence and ability to adapt to a new language and industry. He also featured in Malayalam projects likeKondal andRudhiram, further cementing his pan-South Indian appeal.

Shetty initially started out as an RJ and a short filmmaker. He gained recognition through his directorial debut,Ondu Motteya Kathe (2017), which was a huge commercial success. He further cemented it withGubbi Mele Brahmastra (2019),Mayabazar 2016 (2020), andGaruda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021), which got widespread acclaim and is now considered to be one of the best films ofKannada cinema.

In 2025, Shetty produced and acted inSu From So, directed byJ. P. Thuminad, which became a blockbuster horror-comedy. His upcoming projects include45 andBandar, both highly anticipated for their experimental narratives.

Raj B. Shetty is unmarried as of 2025. He is an avid animal lover and owns pet dogs named Jiggi and Maria. His love for dogs influenced his role in777 Charlie.^[9] He enjoys reading and writing stories in his leisure time and is known for his vegetarian lifestyle.

He has frequently voiced the issues ofwriters inKannada Movie industry.^[10] He considers Cinematographer and editor Praveen Shriyan one of the pillars of his movies.^[11]

Shetty owns a prominent production house called Lighter Buddha Films, which he co-founded with cinematographer-editor Praveen Shriyan in 2019. The name reflects their philosophy of creating meaningful cinema while maintaining a light-hearted approach to the process.The company has backed several acclaimed Kannada films, includingGaruda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (2021),Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye (2023), andToby (2023). In 2025, Lighter Buddha Films producedSu From So, marking the banner’s commitment to introducing fresh talent and experimental genres. Raj has stated that the goal of his production house is to champion new voices and faces in Kannada cinema, ensuring that stories rooted in local culture reach a wider audience.^[12]

• All films are inKannada language unless otherwise noted.

Wikimedia Commons has media related toRaj B. Shetty.

• Raj B. Shetty atIMDb

• Living people
• 21st-century Indian male actors
• Male actors from Karnataka
• People from Shimoga district
• Indian male film actors
• Film directors from Karnataka
• Kannada film directors
• Male actors in Kannada cinema
• 1987 births

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