Upendra Rao, popularly known as Upendra, is a celebrated Indian film actor, director, screenwriter, and politician. He has made a significant impact on Kannada cinema with his unconventional storytelling and thought-provoking films.
His career spans decades, and he remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. This blog explores his early life, career, achievements, controversies, and interesting facts.
Early Life and Upbriginging
Upendra Rao was born on September 18, 1967, in Koteshwara, Karnataka. He grew up in a modest household, where his father, Manjunath Rao, worked as a cook. His mother, Anusuya Rao, played a crucial role in shaping his values. Upendra was a bright student and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from APS College of Commerce, Bangalore.
During his college years, he developed a passion for theatre and storytelling. He formed a small theatre troupe called Yuvasree, where he wrote and directed plays. His early exposure to drama and cinema laid the foundation for his future success.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Upendra Rao |
| Nickname | Uppi |
| Alternative Names | Upendra |
| Date of Birth | 18 September 1967 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 57 years |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Koteshwara, Karnataka |
| Hometown | Bangalore, India |
| Current Address | Bangalore, India |
| Education Qualification | Bachelor’s in Commerce |
| Hobbies and Interests | Acting, Writing, Politics |
| Languages Known | Kannada, Telugu, Tamil |
| Social Media Profiles | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | IMDb Profile |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Body Measurements | 42-28-15 inches |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75 kg) |
| Chest | 42 inches |
| Waist | 28 inches |
| Biceps | 15 inches |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Short, wavy |
| Distinctive Features | Expressive eyes, strong jawline |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Upendra is married to Priyanka Trivedi, a former actress who won the Miss Kolkata title in 1996. The couple tied the knot in 2003 and have two children: Aayush Rao and Aishwarya Rao.activities.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Priyanka Trivedi |
| Father | Manjunath Rao |
| Mother | Anusuya Rao |
| Children | Aayush Rao, Aishwarya Rao |
| Siblings | Sudhindra Rao (Brother) |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Priyanka Trivedi |
| Significant Relationships | Priyanka Trivedi |
Rise to Stardom
Upendra started his career as a screenwriter and assistant director to Kashinath, a well-known filmmaker. His directorial debut came in 1992 with the film Tharle Nan Maga, which gained popularity for its unique storytelling.
His breakthrough as an actor came in 1998 with the film A, which he directed and starred in. The film was a massive success and established him as a leading actor in Kannada cinema.
Upendra – Selfie
Upendra – Debut Film – Anantana Avantara
Upendra – Successful Film – Super
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Upendra has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian cinema. His films often explore social issues, human psychology, and political themes.
- Filmfare Awards South – Best Director for Upendra (1999)
- Karnataka State Film Awards – Best Director for Super (2010)
- SIIMA Awards – Best Director for Uppi 2 (2016)
- Udaya Film Awards – Best Male Actor for A (1999)
His unique storytelling style and bold themes have earned him a loyal fan base.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor, Director, Screenwriter |
| Debut Film | Anantana Avantara (1989) |
| Notable Roles | A, Upendra, Super |
| Recent Films | I Love You (2019) |
| Upcoming Films | Coolie |
| Popular TV Series | Ghani. 4.5. Vikramaditya. |
| Awards & Achievements | SIIMA, Filmfare South, Karnataka State Film Awards |
| Endorsements | Lunars Footwear |
| Philanthropy | Social welfare initiatives |
| Professional Associations | Kannada Film Industry |
| Training & Education | Bachelor’s in Commerce |
| Production Company | N/A |
| Box Office Hits | A, Upendra, Super |
| Critically Acclaimed Movies | Upendra, Super, Raktha Kanneeru |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $100,000 – $1M |
| Per Movie Charges | 10cr to 15cr per movie |
| Per Endorsement Charges | N/A |
| Sponsorship Deals | N/A |
| Business Ventures | Digital Age Strategies Pvt Ltd |
| Investments | N/A |
| Real Estate Holdings | Channel Sales at Century Real Estate Holdings Pvt Ltd |
| Luxury Items/Properties | Mercedes-Benz S-Class, an Audi Q7 |
| Cars Collection | Mercedes-Benz S-Class, an Audi Q7 |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Rajinikanth |
| Favorite Actress | Priyanka Upendra |
| Favorite Film | Upendra |
| Favorite Music Bands | N/A |
| Favorite Sport | Cricket |
| Favorite Books | N/A |
| Favorite Colour | Black |
| Favorite Food | South Indian cuisine |
| Things s/he likes | Acting, Writing, Politics |
| Things s/he dislikes | N/A |
Top 5 Best Films – Upendra
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1998 | Surya |
| Upendra | 1999 | Naanu |
| Super | 2010 | Indiranagara Gopi |
| Raktha Kanneeru | 2003 | Mohan |
| Uppi 2 | 2015 | Naanu |
Controversies – Upendra
- Dalit Community Controversy – In August 2023, an FIR was filed against him under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for allegedly using offensive words during a Facebook Live.
- Political Statements – His statements on political issues have often sparked debates.
- Film Censorship Issues – Some of his films faced censorship challenges due to their bold themes.
- Social Media Backlash – His remarks on social issues have led to criticism.
- Legal Disputes – He has been involved in legal battles over film rights.
Interesting Facts – Upendra
- He started his career as a writer before becoming a director and actor.
- His film Upendra was inspired by real-life experiences and explored human psychology.
- He founded the political party Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP) in 2019.
- He is known for his philosophical approach to filmmaking.
- His films often challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
- He has a strong fan base in South India, especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Upendra Rao is a visionary filmmaker who has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His bold storytelling, unique cinematic style, and thought-provoking themes make him one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Whether through his films or political endeavors, Upendra continues to inspire audiences with his unconventional approach.
