Shyamaprasad is a renowned Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor who has made a lasting impact on Malayalam cinema.

Born on 7 November 1960 in Palakkad, Kerala, he is the younger son of politician O. Rajagopal and Santhakumari, and was named after Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Shyamaprasad studied at the Basel Evangelical Mission School in Palakkad and later pursued a degree in Theatre Arts at the School of Drama and Fine Arts, Thrissur. In 1989, he received the Commonwealth Scholarship and completed his Master’s in Media Production at the University of Hull, UK, where he also gained experience working with the BBC and Channel 4.

He made his directorial debut with Kallu Kondoru Pennu (1998), but it was Agnisakshi (1999) that brought him widespread acclaim, earning him the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam. Over the years, Shyamaprasad has directed critically acclaimed films such as Akale (2004), Ore Kadal (2007), Artist (2013), and Ivide (2015), known for their artistic depth and exploration of human emotions. Alongside directing, he has also acted in several films, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Shyamaprasad has received numerous honors, including Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, and the Gollapudi Srinivas Award, cementing his reputation as one of the most respected voices in Malayalam cinema. Married to Sheeba, he is also a father, balancing his personal life with his creative pursuits. Today, Shyamaprasad is celebrated not only as a filmmaker but also as a cultural figure who has consistently elevated Malayalam cinema with his unique storytelling style.