📝 Introduction
Thoogudeepa Srinivas was a renowned Indian actor who dominated Kannada cinema with his villainous and supporting roles during the 1960s to 1980s. He began his journey as a theatre artist, and over time, his commanding presence, strong voice, and versatile acting made him one of the most memorable antagonists in the industry. His legacy continues through his son, actor Darshan Thoogudeepa.
📊 Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mysore Srinivas |
| Popular Name | Thoogudeepa Srinivas |
| Date of Birth | 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Mysore, Karnataka, India |
| Date of Death | 16 October 1995, Bangalore, Karnataka |
| Profession | Actor (Kannada Cinema) |
| Years Active | 1966–1995 |
👨👩👦 Family Background
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Meena Thoogudeepa
|
| Children | Darshan, Dinakar, Divya |
Thoogudeepa Srinivas was married to Meena on 15 November 1973 in Ponnampet, Kodagu, Karnataka. Together, they had three children:
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Darshan Thoogudeepa: Born on 16 February 1977, Darshan Thoogudeepa is a prominent actor and producer in Kannada cinema, known for his roles in films like Majestic, Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, and Roberrt.
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Dinakar Thoogudeepa: Born on 21 September 1978, Dinakar is a film director and producer, known for his work in the Kannada film industry.
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Divya Thoogudeepa: Details about Divya’s professional life are limited, but she is known to be the daughter of Thoogudeepa Srinivas and Meena.
In a remarkable act of love and sacrifice, Meena donated one of her kidneys to her husband, Srinivas, who had been battling diabetes and kidney ailments. Despite her heroic gesture, Srinivas passed away on 16 October 1995, due to a massive heart attack.
🎓 Education
| Level | Institution |
|---|---|
| Schooling | Local School in Mysore |
| Higher Education | Not publicly documented |
He focused on theatre and acting early in life, which shaped his performing skills and helped him transition into cinema.
🎬 Career
Srinivas began with theatre before debuting in the Kannada film Thoogudeepa (1966), which earned him his iconic screen name. Over the years, he acted in 200+ Kannada films portraying negative and intense roles. His screen presence and delivery made him a regular collaborator with stars like Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, and Shankar Nag.
🗓️ Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1966 | Film debut with Thoogudeepa |
| 1970s | Established as a top antagonist in Kannada films |
| 1980s | Continued major villain roles in multi-starrer films |
| 1995 | Passed away after completing over 200 films |
⚡ Controversies
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| None Known | Maintained a clean public image |
He had a controversy-free career and was respected by peers.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
| Award | Details |
|---|---|
| Recognition | Highly respected for his villainous roles |
| Filmfare Awards | No specific records available |
| State Honors | Remembered posthumously in industry events |
Though he did not receive many mainstream awards, his contribution remains widely acknowledged by peers and fans.
💛 Personal Life
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Meena |
| Children | Darshan Thoogudeepa |
He was known to be soft-spoken, grounded, and a supportive father who guided Darshan towards a film career.
💖 Favourites
| Category | Favourite |
|---|---|
| Actor | Dr. Rajkumar (reportedly) |
| Cuisine | South Indian food |
| Hobby | Theatre & Drama |
💰 Net Worth
| Period | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 1990s (at peak) | Not publicly disclosed but considered well-off |
💡 Lesser-Known Facts
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He got the name “Thoogudeepa” from his debut film.
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He was known for his theatre-like dialogue delivery on screen.
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Despite playing villains, he was considered extremely kind off-screen.
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He encouraged his son Darshan to pursue acting from childhood.
Key Takeaways
| Thoogudeepa Srinivas redefined villain roles in Kannada cinema with powerful performances. |
| His legacy continues through his son, superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa. |
📰 Latest News
There are no recent news updates, but his name frequently comes up in tributes whenever Darshan talks about his father’s influence on his career.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thoogudeepa Srinivas redefined villainous roles in Kannada cinema through his commanding screen presence and versatile performances. Furthermore, he laid a strong foundation for his children, especially his son Darshan, to continue his cinematic legacy. Despite his untimely demise, his contributions remain influential, inspiring new generations of actors and filmmakers. Consequently, his life story reflects not only his talent but also his dedication, resilience, and impact on the Kannada film industry.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Who was Thoogudeepa Srinivas?
He was a renowned Kannada actor known for villain and character roles.
Q2. What was his real name?
His real name was Mysore Srinivas.
Q3. How did he get his screen name?
He got it from his debut film Thoogudeepa (1966).
Q4. Who is his son?
His son is actor Darshan Thoogudeepa.
Q5. When did he pass away?
He died on 16 October 1995 in Bangalore.
