Mysore Puttalingappa Shankar (20 August 1935 – 17 July 2008) was an Indian actor and filmmaker in Kannada cinema. He acted in films like Satya Harishchandra as 'Veera Baahu', Naagarahaavu as 'Pailwan Basanna', Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu as Bhootayya, Ratnamanjari etc. He produced the film Gandhada Gudi starring Dr. Rajkumar in which Shankar acted as forest department driver Johnny. He died on 17 July 2008 in Mysore. His contribution to Kannada cinema was recognised by the Government of Karnataka by awarding him the Rajyotsava Prashasti in 2002.
Early life Shankar was the third son of Puttalingappa and Gangamma. His father ran a handloom textile industry. Shankar had his primary and secondary education in Dalvoy School and higher secondary education in Banumaiah's High School. His family got into financial crisis due to losses at textile industry. He could not even appear for SSLC exams because of financial problems. He worked as a daily wager in the then Mysore Electricity Board.
Career Shankar started his career as a foundry man in the railway workshop at Mysore in 1955 on a monthly wage of Rs. 80. This iron grinding work affected his body. Shankar, who practised wrestling, participated in the Dasara wrestling competition in 1956 and received title from the then Chief Minister B. D. Jatti. He dreamt of winning the "Sri Mysore" wrestling title. But the wrestling competition was suspended for three years from 1957, following the violence which broke out during the competition that year. His acting talent came to light when he played the role of Kadu Kuruba in the diamond jubilee celebration of Banumaiah's Institutions and received a prize from Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar.
He formed a drama troupe under the banner Bharani Kalavidaru and enacted plays such as Gadayuddha, Yechchama Nayaka, Yelahanka Bhoopala and Raja Gopichand throughout the State.
M. P. Shankar made his entry into films in 1962 as a villain in the film Ratnamanjari, directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy and made a name for himself in the cine industry. He earned the distinction of acting in 108 films. Shankar acted as a villain in films such as Veera Sankalpa, Kadina Rahasya, Naari Munidare Maari, Gandhada Gudi, Rama Lakshmana and Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu .
Shankar started his own production unit in 1968 under the banner "Bharani Chitra". He began creating awareness about environment and wildlife through his films like Kaadina Rahasya, Gandhada Gudi, Rama Lakshmana, Mrugalaya.
Partial filmography Year Film Role Notes 1962 Rathna Manjari Debut film 1964 Mane Aliya Nagesh 1965 Satya Harishchandra Veerabahu Bettada Huli 1967 Parvathi Kalyana Tarakasura Gange Gowri Shani Deva Manassiddare Marga Prakash 1968 Jedara Bale Gopinath Kumar's associate Mannina Maga Byra Chinnari Puttanna 1969 Kadina Rahasya Kaala Also producer Mayor Muthanna Rajappa Gandondu Hennaru Kodanda 1971 Nyayave Devaru 1972 Bangaarada Manushya Honnaiah Naagarahaavu Pailwan Basanna 1973 Gandhada Gudi Johnny Also producer 1974 Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu Bhootayya 1975 Mayura Rangajetti 1978 Kiladi Jodi 1979 Huliya Haalina Mevu Dodda Veerarappa 1980 Narada Vijaya Gurupada Maria My Darling Maria's father 1981 Bhaari Bharjari Bete Bartender 1983 Onde Guri Also producer 1984 Naane Raja Police Commissioner Also producer 1985 Kaadina Raja Also producerVajra MushtiPolice Commissioner Chandrashekhar 1986 Mrugaalaya Also producer Na Ninna Preetisuve Lakshmipathi 1988 Vijaya Khadga Sardar Gopinath Vijaya Khadga Also producer 1989 Avane Nanna Ganda Mullukatte Parandhamaiah 1990 Kempu Surya 1991 Gandu Sidigundu Gowri Kalyana Halli Rambhe Belli Bombe Also producer 1994 Gandhada Gudi Part 2 1995 Tungabhadra Giddu Dada Also producer 2003 Katthegalu Saar Katthegalu Smile Sharma Nanjundi 2006 Belli Betta Nagegowda Kallarali Hoovagi Dodda Madakari Nayaka 2007 Anatharu Undertaker
Death He died on 17 July 2008 after a prolonged illness at his residence Manjunatha Nilaya in Vijayanagar in Mysore city. He is survived by his wife Manjula, son Tilak and daughter Shobha. The last rites were held with full state honours in Mysore on 18 July.
References Kannada film actor M.P. Shankar is dead
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