M. V. Subbaiah Naidu | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Mysore Venkatappa Subbaiah Naidu 1896[1] Madapura,Heggadadevanakote,Kingdom of Mysore |
| Died | 21 July 1962(1962-07-21) (aged 65–66) Mandya,Mysore State, India |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, film director |
| Spouse | Munivenkatamma |
| Children | 4, includingLokesh |
Mysore Venkatappa Subbaiah Naidu (1896 – 21 July 1962) was an Indian theatre and film actor. He was well known for his work in films likeSati Sulochana (1934)—the firstKannadatalkie film,Bhookailas (1940) inTelugu, andBhakta Prahlada (1958) in Kannada.[1] He acted in the first Kannada talkie film and brought distinction to Kannada cinema.[2] He was the father of Kannada actorLokesh and the grandfather of Kannada TV personalitySrujan Lokesh.[2] Recognizing his work in theatre, he was awarded theSangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1961.[3]
Naidu began his acting career appearing inbit roles in stage plays. He soon flourished as an actor and began to play lead roles and had gained a "sizable fan following" in the Kannada theatre circles.The Indian Express, on his obituary wrote, "Brawny roles played with vigour and a mellifluous voice through which flowed the typical elan of stage music were his forte."[4] His film career was marked with frequent collaborations withR. Nagendra Rao, another famed stage and film personality. They made early Kannada films such asVasantsena (1941),Satya Harishchandra (1943) andMahatma Kabir (1947) among others. Naidu's final screen appearance came in the 1958 filmBhakta Prahlada on the sets of which he burnt his fingers, and following which he quit films while continuing to perform on stage.[4]
Naidu died on 21 July 1962 of acardiac arrest inMandya. In the weeks leading to his death, he was actively involved in theatre with his troupe, Sahitya Samrajya Nataka Mandali. He was in Mandya with the troupe and was playing the role ofAmbarisha in a play. His body was brought toBangalore the same day and a public viewing was held at Subedar Chatram Road. Funeral services were held on 22 July. Hearing the news of his death, his wife Munivenkatamma died the same day.[4]
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Sati Sulochana | Indrajit |
| 1940 | Bhookailas | Ravana |
| 1941 | Vasantasena | Charudatta |
| 1943 | Satya Harishchandra | Harischandra |
| 1947 | Mahatma Kabir | |
| 1958 | Bhakta Prahlada |