Popularly called the ‘dream merchant’ of Kannada cinema, V. Ravichandran is often compared to Raj Kapoor of Bollywood. He was born and brought up in a family in which most members worked in the film industry. His father, N. Veeraswamy, was one of the leading producers in the Kannada film industry.
Ravichandran, besides being an actor, is also a producer, director and music composer. He has played a major role in expanding the horizons of Kannada cinema.
Recipient of prestigious Puttanna Kangal Award, Ravichandran is the ‘Crazy Star’ for his fans.He made a mark in the film industry through his movie called Prema Loka (1987), a romantic comedy, which created a record of sorts in the history of Kannada cinema. Ranadheera, Anjada Gandu, Yuddha Khanda, Halli Meshtru, Ramachari, Sipayi, Preetsodu Tappa and Malla are some of his films that were a hit at the box office.
Ravichandran also produced Chakravyuha starring M.H. Ambareesh and Ambika. His Shanti Kranti , made in 1991, was the costliest production in South India at that time. The film was made in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu simultaneously.
When Ravichandran and music director Hamsalekha worked together, they made movies that became a hit. In Hamsalekha’s absence, he took up the role of the music director and created popular tunes in Ekangi and Aham Premasmi .
