Rangayana Raghu, born Koththuru Chikkarangappa Raghunath on 1965-04-17, is one of the most celebrated actors in Kannada cinema and theatre. Known for his powerful comic and villainous roles, he has appeared in over 160 films and is a recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards South, SIIMA Awards, and Karnataka State Film Awards. His journey began in theatre with B. V. Karanth’s Rangayana troupe in Mysore, where he honed his craft before transitioning to films in the late 1990s.
Raghu’s first film release was Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998), and since then he has become a household name in Sandalwood. His versatility allows him to seamlessly shift between comedy, drama, and negative roles, making him one of the most respected character actors in the industry. Married to Mangala, with one child, Raghu continues to contribute to both cinema and theatre, embodying the spirit of Karnataka’s rich performing arts tradition.