Actor
Upendra Rao
Based In
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Origin
Kundapura, Karnataka, India
Years Active
1989 – Present
Upendra Rao Biography
Upendra Rao – Full Information
- Full Name: Upendra Rao
- Popular Name: Upendra
- Date of Birth: 18 September 1968
- Age: 57 years
- Birthplace: Kundapura, Karnataka, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Family Background
- Father: Manjunath Rao
- Mother: Rajamma Rao
- Spouse: Priyanka Upendra
Children:
- Upasana Rao (Daughter)
Education
- Schooling: Kundapura School, Karnataka
- Higher Education: Bachelor’s degree in Science
Career Highlight
| Year | Movie Name |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Shhh! |
| 1995 | Om |
| 1996 | A |
| 1999 | Upendra |
| 2000 | Preethse |
| 2002 | Raktha Kanneeru |
| 2003 | Swathi Muthu |
| 2006 | Uppi Dada M.B.B.S |
| 2010 | Super |
| 2015 | Uppi 2 |
| 2018 | Katari Veera Surasundarangi |
| 2022 | I Love You |
Recent Activity
- In August 2023, Upendra Rao faced backlash for controversial remarks he made publicly.
- In November 2025, he was involved in a cyber fraud case along with his wife Priyanka.
- Recently, there has been social media buzz around new pictures of Upendra with his wife Priyanka.
- Fans are also talking about his upcoming films, including Brahmana.
- Upendra continues to remain active in the Kannada film industry, balancing acting and directing projects.
- He is involved in political interests through his party, the Uttama Prajakeeya Party, though he is not contesting elections.
Awards List
| Year | Award Category | Award Name | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Best Male Actor | Udaya Film Awards | A | Won |
| 2000 | Best Director | 47th Filmfare Awards South | Upendra | Won |
| 2000 | Best Film | 47th Filmfare Awards South | Upendra | Won |
| 2003 | Best Male Actor | Udaya Film Awards | Nagarahavu | Won |
| 2004 | Best Actor | Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004 | Raktha Kanneeru | Won |
| 2004 | Best Dialogue | Hello Gandhinagara Awards 2004 | Raktha Kanneeru | Won |
| 2008 | Special Award For Performance | Suvarna Film Awards | Anatharu | Won |
| 2011 | Best Screenplay | Udaya Film Awards | Super | Won |
| 2011 | Favorite Director Award | Suvarna Film Awards | Super | Won |
| 2011 | Favorite Film | Suvarna Film Awards | Super | Won |
| 2012 | Best Director | Karnataka State Film Awards | Not Applicable | Won |
| 2012 | Best Film | Karnataka State Film Awards | Not Applicable | Won |
| 2012 | Special Appreciation Award | 1st SIIMA Awards | Shrimathi | Won |
| 2013 | Best Male Actor (Critics) | 2nd SIIMA Awards | Katariveera Surasundarangi | Won |
| 2013 | Best Male Actor | Udaya Film Awards | Kalpana | Won |
| 2016 | Best Director | 5th SIIMA Awards | Uppi 2 | Won |
| 2025 | Best Director | 13th SIIMA Awards | UI | Won |
About Upendra Rao
Upendra Rao, popularly known as Upendra, is a renowned Kannada actor, filmmaker, and director known for his experimental storytelling and influential presence in Sandalwood.
He made his acting debut in 1989 and also started directing around the same time.
Upendra primarily works in the Kannada film industry (Sandalwood), and has also acted in Telugu and Tamil films.
Some of his notable films include Upendra, A, Super, Raktha Kanneeru, Uppi 2, Kalpana, and Katariveera Surasundarangi.
Yes, he has won multiple awards including Filmfare Awards South, Karnataka State Film Awards, SIIMA Awards, and Udaya Film Awards for acting and directing.