Bhargavi Narayan

Biography:

Bhargavi Narayan, born on 4 February 1938, was a highly esteemed Indian actress in the Kannada film industry and a prominent theatre artist in Karnataka. With a career spanning over 22 films and numerous Kannada theatre plays, Narayan left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

Before her artistic pursuits, Narayan worked as a manager in ESI Corporation, Bengaluru. Her foray into literature included the Kannada book “Naa Kanda Nammavaru,” published by Ankita Pustaka, Bengaluru. She also contributed to AIR’s women’s programs and the Women’s Association for Children, Karnataka, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

Married to Belavadi Nanjundaiah Narayana, known as Makeup Nani, a distinguished Kannada film actor and makeup artist, Bhargavi Narayan had four children: Sujatha, Prakash, Pradeep, and Sudha. Prakash, a National Film Award recipient, carved a niche in Indian theater, film, television, and media.

Her autobiography, “Naanu, Bhargavi” (“I am, Bhargavi”), released in 2012, garnered acclaim and awards from Karnataka State Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Sangha (Shimoga), and Srimati Gangamma Somappa Bommai Pratishthana, Dharwad, Karnataka.

Bhargavi Narayan’s profound impact on the arts earned her various accolades, including the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Karnataka State Nataka Academy Award for theatre/drama works.

She passed away on 14 February 2022, in Jayanagar, Bangalore, at the age of 84. Bhargavi Narayan’s legacy endures through her significant contributions to Kannada cinema, theatre, and literature, enriching the cultural heritage of Karnataka.