
Mukhyamantri Chandru
Biography
**Honnasandra Narasimhaiah Chandrashekar** (born 28 August 1953), widely and affectionately known as **Mukhyamantri Chandru**, is a veteran Indian actor, theatre personality, and politician who works predominantly in Kannada cinema. With a prolific career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in over 500 films and is celebrated as one of the most versatile and enduring character actors in the Sandalwood industry. Born in Honnasandra in the Nelamangala taluk of Karnataka, Chandru developed a profound passion for the performing arts during his youth. He became heavily involved in amateur theatre and achieved massive statewide fame on the stage for his stellar portrayal of a cunning, ambitious politician in the hugely popular Kannada play *Mukhyamantri*. His performance in the titular role was so iconic and universally acclaimed that "Mukhyamantri" (Chief Minister) became a permanent prefix to his public and professional identity for the rest of his life. Chandru transitioned to the silver screen and made his feature film debut with the 1983 blockbuster film *Chakravyuha*. He quickly became a highly sought-after character actor, renowned for his impeccable comic timing, highly expressive dialogue delivery, and ability to seamlessly switch between humorous roles and menacing villains. He frequently portrayed corrupt politicians, eccentric landlords, and strict family patriarchs. He is particularly remembered for his legendary comedic collaborations with actor Anant Nag in classic hits like *Ganeshana Maduve* (1990) and *Gauri Ganesha* (1991). His extensive and celebrated filmography includes memorable roles in *Ondu Muttina Kathe* (1987), *Muthina Haara* (1990), *Golmaal Radhakrishna* (1990), *Mathadana* (2001), and *Simhadriya Simha* (2002). Beyond his cinematic achievements, Chandru is a prominent political and cultural figure in Karnataka. He served as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and has been a fierce, lifelong advocate for the state's culture and language. He made significant administrative contributions during his highly active tenure as the Chairperson of the Kannada Development Authority (Kannada Abhivruddhi Pradhikara), continuously fighting to safeguard, implement, and promote the Kannada language. In recognition of his monumental contributions to theatre, cinema, and linguistic activism, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Gulbarga University.
Filmografi
Killer Diary1995 ·
Swarna Samsara1990 ·
Shivanaga1992 ·
Anjada Gandu1988 · Bhujangayya
Sevanthi Sevanthi2006 ·
Suvvi Suvvalali1998 ·
Onde Raktha1984 ·
Vijaya Khadga1988 ·
Kitthurina Huli1991 ·
Gruha Pravesha1991 ·
Praja Prabhuthva1988 ·
Rowdy & MLA1991 ·
Sidilu1984 ·
Gajendra1984 ·
Narasimha1989 ·
Sathkara1986 ·
Guru Jagadguru1985 ·
Hosa Jeevana1990 ·
Bete1986 ·
Mr. Raja1987 ·
Bombat Hendthi1992 ·
Ranabheri1990 ·
Premaloka1987 · Chief Minister
Krishna Rukmini1988 ·
Umashree
Doddanna
Bank Janardhan
Devaraj
Arjun Sarja
Khusbhu Sundar
Jayalalita
Vijay Raghavendra
Ramesh Aravind
V. Ravichandran
Anant Nag
Tennis Krishna