Prakash Raj is a renowned actor, producer, director, and television presenter in the Indian film industry, particularly in South Indian and Hindi films. With a career spanning over three decades, he has appeared in approximately 400 films and has received numerous awards and accolades.
Born in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, to Manjunath Rai and Swarnalatha Raj, Prakash Raj was initially known as Prakash Rai. He adopted the surname Raj on the advice of director K. Balachander. His brother, Prasad Raj, is also an actor.
Raj's interest in acting began with a play in the seventh grade, and he continued to act in theatre during his college days. However, it wasn't until he started performing in stage shows that he developed a passion for the craft. He went on to perform in over 2,000 street theatre shows, which led him to explore bigger opportunities in the field.
Prakash Raj's journey into the acting world began with television, where he worked on serials like Guddada Bhootha and Bisilu Kudure. He later transitioned to films, initially working as an assistant director and editor before landing his first acting role.
His breakthrough came with the film Harakeya Kuri (1992),which caught the attention of lead actress Geetha. She introduced him to director K. Balachander, who gave him a major role in the Tamil film Duet (1994). Raj then made his Telugu debut with Sankalpam (1995) and his Malayalam debut with The Prince (1996).
Throughout his career, Prakash Raj has received numerous awards and accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Iruvar (1997) and the National Film Award for Best Actor (Special Jury) for his performance in Anthahpuram (1998). He has also won several state film awards, including the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain and the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor.
In addition to his film work, Prakash Raj has also ventured into television, hosting several shows and winning awards for his performances. He has been married twice, first to actress Lalitha Kumari and then to choreographer Pony Prakash Raj Verma. He has three children, including two daughters and a son who passed away in 2004.
Throughout his career, Prakash Raj has been recognized for his exceptional acting skills, versatility, and dedication to his craft. He continues to be a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, with a wide range of films and television shows to his credit.
