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Mudaveedu Krishnarao
ಮುದವೀಡು ಕೃಷ್ಣರಾವ್
The lion of the Kannada stage — the master of the heroic role
Years
1899 – 1983
Known as
Mudaveedu Krishnarao — the actor of the Kannada stage
Birthplace
Karnataka
Field
Artists & Performers
“Play the hero so that the people leave the theatre taller — the stage builds the nation.”
— The spirit of Mudaveedu Krishnarao
The Story
Born in 1899, Mudaveedu Krishnarao was drawn to the theatre in his youth and rose to become one of the leading actors of the Kannada stage. He was famous for the heroic roles — the kings and warriors of the historical and mythological plays — and his performances, full of power and dignity, made him a beloved figure of the people.
The account of his life records that his speeches and his plays moved audiences to a thrill of patriotism — he was a master of the patriotic drama who used the stage to awaken the pride of the people in their land and their culture. His pride in his religion, language, and country was deep, but it never became arrogance.
He died in 1983, honoured as the lion of the Kannada stage. His performances are remembered as among the greatest of the modern theatre of Karnataka, and his life was a service to the culture of his people.
Core Ideas
The Heroic Roles
The master of the kings and warriors of the stage.
The Patriot
His plays stirred the pride of the people.
The Beloved
A favourite of the audiences of Karnataka.
The Pride
Deep love of his land, language, and faith.
The Lion of the Stage
The title of the great actor.
Why it matters today
Mudaveedu Krishnarao is honoured as the lion of the Kannada stage — an actor whose heroic roles and patriotic plays moved the people of Karnataka for half a century. His performances are remembered as among the greatest of the modern theatre, and his life was a service to the culture of his people.