Movies

Devaraj (born 20 September 1953) is an Indian actor and theatre actor who works in Indian film industry. He has largely featured in Kannada films performing various roles as a lead character, supporting character and villainous character. He has also featured in Telugu and Tamil films.

Having worked in over 200 feature films, Devaraj is popularly referred to as a "Dynamic Hero" in the Kannada film industry. Prior to acting in films, Devaraj performed in stage plays under the guidance of Shankar Nag and B. Jayashree. Devaraj has won several awards and accolades including the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor for his portrayal as the protagonist in the film Veerappan in 1991.

Early life
Devaraj was born on 20 September 1953 to Ramachandrappa and Krishnamma in Lingarajpuram, a locality in Bangalore, in the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka). His father worked in ITC Factory, Welfare department. Devaraj lost his father when he was 3 months old as he was suffering from malaria. In 1976 due to his family's financial problems Devaraj decided to work in a HMT Watch factory, Case & Dial Section, where he worked for 9 years, and it was suggested he should act in dramas by his senior colleague at HMT, Govindaraju. Firstly Devaraj joined R.Nagesh's theatre group, later he joined B. Jayashree's theatre group SPANDANA and later on with Shankar Nag's SANKET. His film debut was as a supporting actor in 'Trishula'. He continued to appear as a supporting actor, then acted in leading roles.