Among the glitterati of the Kannada film industry, the multifaceted veteran actor, producer, and director, Bungle Shama Rao Dwarakanath—popularly known as Dwarakish—has had more than just a fleeting engagement with the world of politics. Apart from his enduring presence in cinematic circles, Dwarakish’s political ambitions surfaced when he contested for a seat in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections from his native Hunsur in Mysuru during the 2004 electoral bout as a representative of the Kannada Nadu Party. Anchored by Vijay Sankeshwar, a notable businessman who had bid adieu to BJP, the party sought to make inroads into the political landscape with Dwarakish as one of its visible faces. However, the popular actor faced defeat at the hands of G.T. Deve Gowda of the JD(S).
Despite the setback in electoral politics, Dwarakish’s fascination with the political theatre did not wane. A seasoned observer of State and national political dynamics, he has continued to keep a close watch on the shifting tides and fortunes of various political entities. His interest in politics extends to engaging discussions on the subject, as evidenced by an informal conversation with The Hindu held about a week prior to the summary’s publication. Here, he mused over the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the competing candidates, and also commented on the influence wielded by Kannada actors and producers within State politics.
During this discourse, the subject of “guarantees” in elections was raised, prompting Dwarakish to reflect on which would have more sway: the “Modi guarantee” or the guarantees put forth by the State Congress government. His views did not just touch upon these electoral promises but also the broader political clashes, emphasizing his aversion to the slugfest that often characterizes political campaigns. Additionally, he ruminated over the typically lackluster performances of film actors who venture into the political arena, save for the few who have managed to secure success.
His realm of political interests encompassed the goings-on in Mandya district, renowned for being a battleground for several celebs who dared to tread the path from silver screens to polling booths. A personal bond with the late Jaffer Sharief—former Union Railway Minister—shone through when Dwarakish fondly remembered him as his “godfather.” In fact, Sharief had been instrumental in aiding Dwarakish through heart surgery, a testament to the depth of their friendship.
Yet amidst the rollercoaster ride of his extensive six-decade-long film career, the jovial actor’s love for life thrived. He cherished social gatherings, such as celebrating his birthday in August 2023 with a bevy of friends. A proud son of Mysuru, Dwarakish’s acting credentials were burnished by his work alongside the legendary Rajkumar, with whom he shared not only screen space but a friendship that was immortalized on the walls of his residence with a cherished photograph.
Dwarakish was a man of varied interests; his passion for gardening led him to cultivate an assorted array of flowering and fruit-bearing plants around his abode. A fervent devotee of Raghavendra Swami, he found solace and inspiration in books, enveloping himself in the world of literature whenever he carved out a moment of respite from the limelight and occasional forays into the political sphere.
The snapshot of Dwarakish’s life, both under the arc lights and in the shadow of election banners, paints a portrait of a man driven by a deep-seated love for art, an abiding curiosity about the machinations of power, and above all, a ceaseless yearning to bond with the people around him. Whether pondering the path not taken in politics or reflecting on the fleeting yet indelible vignettes of film, Dwarakish remained a steadfast icon, one immersed in the richness and diversity of his many pursuits.
