View source for Prakash Raj

{{short description|Indian actor (born 1965)}}
{{distinguish|Prakash Raj (footballer)}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Prakash Raj
| image              = Prakash Raj at KLF 18 kozhikode.jpg
| landscape          = 
| caption            = Raj at the 2018 [[Kerala Literature Festival]]
| birth_name         = Prakash Rai
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1965|03|26}}
| birth_place        = [[Bangalore district|Bangalore]], [[Mysore State]]<!--Mysore State was renamed to Karnataka only in the year 1973-->, India
| occupation         = {{hlist|Actor|film producer|director|television presenter|politician}}
| years_active       = 1986–present
| works              = [[Prakash Raj filmography|Full list]]
| spouse             = {{ubl|{{marriage|[[Lalitha Kumari]]|1994|2009|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Pony Verma]]|2010}}}}
| children           = 4
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Prakash Raj|Full list]]
}}

'''Prakash Raj''' (born '''Prakash Rai'''; 26 March 1965) is an Indian actor, film director, producer, television presenter, and politician. Known for his works in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[English language|English]], and [[Hindi]]-language films.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-07-10 |title=I stopped taking life for granted after my son's death: Prakash Raj |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/i-stopped-taking-life-for-granted-after-my-sons-death-prakash-raj/articleshow/20987660.cms |access-date=2024-12-22 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-12-06 |title=dinakaran |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinebio/01-07-00/prakas.htm |access-date=2024-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001206120300/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinebio/01-07-00/prakas.htm |archive-date=6 December 2000 }}</ref> he is the recipient of [[List of awards and nominations received by Prakash Raj|several accolades]], including five [[National Film Awards]], eight [[Nandi Awards]], eight [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]], six [[Filmfare Awards South]], four [[South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Awards]], three [[CineMAA Awards]], and three [[Vijay Awards]]. Apart from his native language Tulu and Kannada, Raj's fluency in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, English, and [[Marathi language|Marathi]] has placed him among the most sought after actors in [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/prakash-rai-responds-to-detractors/articleshow/62213495.cms |title=Prakash Rai responds to detractors |website=The Times of India |date=23 December 2017 |access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224120758/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/prakash-rai-responds-to-detractors/articleshow/62213495.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

After working in stage shows and television in Kannada for a few years, Raj ventured into films. He made his debut in [[Tamil cinema]] through ''[[Duet (1994 film)|Duet]]'' (1994), by [[K. Balachander]], and has since been a commercially successful film star in Tamil. In remembrance, he named his production company [[Duet Movies]].<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/08/stories/2004060800210100.htm 'I cannot allow love to rule my thoughts'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927234958/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/08/stories/2004060800210100.htm |date=27 September 2013 }}, hindu.com, 8 June 2004.</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article582088.ece Catching them young!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026004110/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article582088.ece |date=26 October 2012 }}, Malathi Rangarajan, 19 August 2010 ''The Hindu''</ref>

A [[polyglot]], he played a variety of roles, most notably as the antagonist and, of late, as a character actor. Prakash, as an actor has won a [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor]] in 1998 for [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Iruvar]]'', a [[National Film Award – Special Mention (feature film)|National Film Award – Special Mention]] for the Telugu film ''[[Antahpuram]]'', directed by [[Krishna Vamsi]] in 1998<ref>{{cite web |title=46th National Film Festival 1999, pg 82 |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/46_nff_1999.pdf |publisher=nic.in|access-date=4 March 2016|archive-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310180429/http://dff.nic.in/2011/46_nff_1999.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and a [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] in 2007 for his role in ''[[Kanchivaram]]'', a Tamil film directed by [[Priyadarshan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2009/sep/r2009090707.pdf |title=55th National Film Awards for the Year 2007 |publisher=Press Information Bureau ([[Govt. of India]])|access-date=9 September 2009|archive-date=7 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007125534/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2009/sep/r2009090707.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

As a producer, he has won a [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada]] for ''[[Puttakkana Highway]]'', directed by his long-time theatre friend [[B. Suresha]] in 2011. Prakash was also the host of ''[[Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi]]'' during the show's second season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghavan |first=Nikhil |date=14 February 2013 |title=The game changer |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-game-changer/article4414954.ece |website=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126150704/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-game-changer/article4414954.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Prakash Raj was born as Prakash Rai on 26 March 1965 in [[Bangalore]]<ref name="hindu.com">{{cite news |date=8 June 2004 |title=I cannot allow love to rule my thoughts |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/08/stories/2004060800210100.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927234958/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/08/stories/2004060800210100.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=27 September 2013}}</ref><ref name=Openheart>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVhfzqkk3Ho |title=Prakash Raj Openheart with RK ABN Andhrajyothy |publisher=YouTube |date=6 November 2011 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=5 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205203529/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVhfzqkk3Ho |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dinakaran">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinebio/01-07-00/prakas.htm |title=Actor Prakashraj |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20001206120300/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinebio/01-07-00/prakas.htm |website=dinakaran.com |archivedate=6 December 2000 |accessdate=10 June 2014}}</ref> to a [[Tulu people|Tuluva]] father and a [[Kannada people|Kannadiga]] mother.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w1TamfyaiY&t=107 |title=Actor Prakash Raj &#124; Open Heart with RK &#124; Full Episode &#124; ABN Telugu – YouTube |website=YouTube |date=10 June 2019 |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011181856/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w1TamfyaiY&t=107 |url-status=live}}</ref>

His brother is Prasad Raj, who is also an actor.<ref name=Openheart/><ref>[https://www.indiaglitz.com/prakash-raj-s-brother-debuts-in-kollywood-tamil-news-60295 Prakash Raj's brother debuts in Kollywood&nbsp;– Tamil Movie News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006215859/http://www.indiaglitz.com/prakash-raj-s-brother-debuts-in-kollywood-tamil-news-60295 |date=6 October 2014 }}. Indiaglitz.com (23 September 2010). Retrieved on 10 June 2014.</ref> He completed schooling at [[St. Joseph's Indian High School]] and joined [[St. Joseph's College of Commerce]], Bangalore. Actress [[Geetha (actress)|Geetha]] introduced Prakash Raj to prominent Tamil film director [[K. Balachander]]. Prakash Raj changed his surname from 'Rai' to 'Raj' upon [[K. Balachander]]'s advice;<ref name="rai">{{Cite news |title=I stopped taking life for granted after my son's death: Prakash Raj |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/i-stopped-taking-life-for-granted-after-my-sons-death-prakash-raj/articleshow/20987660.cms|access-date=14 January 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en |last1=Gupta |first1=Priya|archive-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231001757/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/I-stopped-taking-life-for-granted-after-my-sons-death-Prakash-Raj/articleshow/20987660.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> he is still called Prakash Rai in his home state, [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/not-getting-hindi-film-offers-after-criticising-modi-prakash-rai/articleshow/64035135.cms |title=Prakash Raj: Not getting Hindi film offers after criticising Modi |website=The Times of India |date=5 May 2018 |access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=7 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507190759/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/not-getting-hindi-film-offers-after-criticising-modi-prakash-rai/articleshow/64035135.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prakash Raj married actress [[Lalitha Kumari]] in 1994. They had two daughters, Meghana and Pooja, and a son, Sidhu who died in 2004 when he was five years old after sustaining injuries from a fall while kite flying.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/prakashraj-and-pony-verma-get-married_100418359.html |title=Prakashraj and Pony Verma get married |work=Thaindian News|access-date=27 August 2010|archive-date=6 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006162737/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/prakashraj-and-pony-verma-get-married_100418359.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Actor-Prakash-Rajs-son-dies/articleshow/572556.cms |title=Actor Prakash Raj's son dies |date=21 March 2004 |access-date=25 July 2011 |archive-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701131932/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-03-21/hyderabad/28342135_1_sidhu-actor-prakash-raj-chennai |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=live}}</ref> The couple divorced in 2009.<ref name="Prakash Raj Granted Divorce">{{cite news |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/71841/Prakashraj-granted-divorce.html |title=Prakash Raj Granted Divorce |date=19 November 2009 |publisher=Yahoo! India | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123082954/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/71841/Prakashraj-granted-divorce.html | archive-date=23 November 2009 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Later, he married choreographer [[Pony Verma]] on 24 August 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prakash Raj marriage with Pony Verma |url=http://www.supergoodmovies.com/8001/tollywood/prakash-raj-marriage-with-pony-verma-news-details |publisher=www.supergoodmovies.com|access-date=20 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227021833/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/8001/tollywood/prakash-raj-marriage-with-pony-verma-news-details|archive-date=27 February 2013}}</ref> They have a son, Vedhanth born in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/little-hero-vedhanth-big-villain-prakash-raj-telugu-news-169056.html |title=Little hero Vedhanth, big villain Prakash Raj – Telugu News |date=13 October 2016 |website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=20 September 2020|archive-date=9 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409184921/https://www.indiaglitz.com/little-hero-vedhanth-big-villain-prakash-raj-telugu-news-169056.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.andhraheadlines.com/news/movies/163060/sunday-spl-cute-vedanths-picture |title=Cute Vedanth's picture – Andhra Headlines|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032019/http://www.andhraheadlines.com/news/movies/163060/sunday-spl-cute-vedanths-picture|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Prakash Raj's father is a Hindu and his mother a Roman Catholic, but he identifies himself as a non-believer.<ref name="forgranted">{{cite news |date=10 July 2013 |title=I stopped taking life for granted after my son's death: Prakash Raj |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/I-stopped-taking-life-for-granted-after-my-sons-death-Prakash-Raj/articleshow/20988027.cms|url-status=live|access-date=6 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109082909/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-10/news-interviews/40491192_1_negative-roles-prakash-rai-prakash-raj |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=9 January 2014}}</ref>

==Film career==
{{main|Prakash Raj filmography}}

===As an actor===
{{BLP sources section|date=November 2022}}
Prakash Raj acted in back-to-back stage shows for {{INR}}300 a month in the initial stages of his career, when he joined [[Ravindra Kalakshetra|Kalakshetra, Bengaluru]], and he has 2,000 street theatre performances to his credit.<ref name="hindu.com" />

Prakash began his television career with [[Doordarshan]] serials such as ''Bisilu Kudure'' (Kannada) and ''[[Guddada Bhootha]]'' ([[Tulu language|Tulu]] and Kannada). He later took up supporting roles in [[Kannada]] films such as ''Ramachari'', ''[[Ranadheera]]'', ''[[Nishkarsha]]'' and ''[[Lockup Death]]''. He was noticed for his dialogue delivery and histrionics. His breakthrough role came in ''[[Harakeya Kuri]]'', directed by [[K. S. L. Swamy]] starring [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]], with whom he had acted in other films such as ''[[Mithileya Seetheyaru]]'', ''[[Muthina Haara]]'' and ''[[Nishkarsha]]''. His performance was noticed by [[Geetha (actress)|Geetha]], the lead heroine of the film, who introduced Prakash to her mentor [[K. Balachander]], a Tamil director. He acted under the screen name "Prakash Rai" in Kannada films and was given the name "Prakash Raj" by [[K. Balachander]] for his debut Tamil film ''Duet'',<ref name="forgranted" /> which saw him playing his first major role.

Prakash re-entered Kannada films through ''[[Nagamandala]]'' in 1997, directed by [[T. S. Nagabharana]], which was selected for the Indian Panorama in the [[International Film Festival]] in 1997. He was also a part of [[Mani Ratnam]]'s stage show ''[[Netru, Indru, Naalai]]''. In 1997, he acted in Mani Ratnam's biopic ''[[Iruvar]]''. The movie dealt with the relationship between politicians [[M. G. Ramachandran]] and [[M. Karunanidhi]], for which he won the [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor]].

He starred in many [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam]] films in 1996: ''[[The Prince (1996 film)|The Prince]]'', ''[[Indraprastham (film)|Indraprastham]]'' and ''[[Oru Yathramozhi]]'', the last of which released in 1997. He also acted in ''[[Pandippada]]'', with [[Dileep (actor)|Dilip]] in 2005, ''Thekkekara Superfast'' in 2003, ''Keerthichakra'' in 2006, Amal Neerad's ''Anwar'' and Shyamaprasad's sensational movie ''Elecktra'' in 2010. For most of his Mollywood movies, he will render his own voice. He was also seen in the movie ''[[Achayans]] along with Jayaram''.

He acted in many Telugu films, including ''[[Antahpuram]]'' (1998), which earned him a [[National Film Award – Special Mention (Feature Film)|National Film Award&nbsp;– Special Jury Award / Special Mention]].

He played an important role in [[Venkat Prabhu]]'s ''[[Saroja (2008 film)|Saroja]]''. In 2008, he produced a film titled ''[[Abhiyum Naanum (film)|Abhiyum Naanum]]'' and played an important character in it. He remade the movie in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Naanu Nanna Kanasu]]''.

Prakash Raj also acted in a 2004-released multi starrer hit film [[Khakee]] along with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Aishwarya Rai Bachchan|Aishwarya Rai]], [[Ajay Devgn]], [[Akshay Kumar]] & [[Tusshar Kapoor|Tushar Kapoor]], playing Assistant Commissioner of Police Shrikant Naidu, Angre's main mole in the police force. Since ''[[Wanted (2009 film)|Wanted]]'' (2009), Prakash Raj has been a regular villain in [[Hindi language]] [[Bollywood movies]], including ''[[Singham]]'', ''[[Dabangg 2]]'', ''Mumbai Mirror'' (2013), and ''[[Policegiri]]''.

He acted with actor [[Kamal Haasan]] in ''[[Vasool Raja MBBS]]'', which was a critical and commercial success. Then, he paired again with Kamal Haasan in ''[[Thoongaa Vanam]]'' (2015). He acted in the Telugu movie ''[[Bharat Ane Nenu]]'' (2018). He will be seen in ''[[Major (film)|Major]]'', which is directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}

===As a director===
Prakash took on the mantle of director with ''[[Naanu Nanna Kanasu]]'', in Kannada in 2010, for which he was the joint producer. The film completed 125 days successfully in the theatres across [[Karnataka]], becoming the biggest hit of the year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/104809/naanu-nanna-kanasu-hindi.html |title='Naanu Nanna Kanasu' in Hindi |newspaper=Deccan Herald |date=21 May 2013 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016143643/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/104809/naanu-nanna-kanasu-hindi.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He was nominated for the Filmfare South "Best Director" category for his first film.

He then directed the Telugu and Tamil bilingual film ''[[Dhoni (film)|Dhoni]]''. In 2014, he directed the multilingual film ''[[Oggarane (film)|Oggarane]]'' (in Kannada), ''[[Ulavacharu Biryani]]'' (in Telugu) and ''[[Un Samayal Arayil]]'' (in Tamil).<ref name="ibnlive.in.com">{{cite news |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/prakash-raj-set-to-take-kannada-film-industry-by-storm/422738-71-205.html |title=Prakash Raj set to take Kannada film industry by storm |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016214800/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/prakash-raj-set-to-take-kannada-film-industry-by-storm/422738-71-205.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="behindwoods.com">{{cite web |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-12-03/prakash-raj-duet-movies-18-08-12.html |title=Prakash Raj To Remake Malayalam Hit&nbsp;– Prakash Raj&nbsp;– Duet Movies&nbsp;– Tamil Movie News |website=Behindwoods.com |date=18 August 2012 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016165124/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-12-03/prakash-raj-duet-movies-18-08-12.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="indiaglitz.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/97532.html |title='Vaggarane' from Prakash Raj&nbsp;– Kannada Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz.com |date=14 September 2013 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016144322/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/97532.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Times of India">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/news-interviews/Prakash-Raj-in-Kannada-version-of-Salt-and-Pepper/articleshow/22625298.cms |title=Prakash Raj in Kannada version of Salt and Pepper |date=16 September 2013 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=28 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928034457/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-16/news-interviews/42113380_1_prakash-raj-salt-pepper |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=live}}</ref> Although the Tamil and Telugu versions did not do any miracles at the box office, the Kannada version became the runaway blockbuster hit of the year.<ref name="rediff.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/prakash-rajs-oggarane-is-a-huge-success-at-the-box-office-south/20140616.htm |title=Prakash Raj's Oggarane is a huge success at the Box Office |date=16 June 2014 |work=Rediff|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620010102/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/prakash-rajs-oggarane-is-a-huge-success-at-the-box-office-south/20140616.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/Oggarane-Success-kannada-news-108987 |title=Oggarane Success! |date=14 June 2014|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-date=7 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007030857/http://www.indiaglitz.com/Oggarane-Success-kannada-news-108987|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="moviesamachar.com">{{cite web |url=http://moviesamachar.com/news/prakash-raj-s-oggarane-is-a-huge-success-at-the-box-office |title=Prakash Raj S Oggarane Is A Huge Success At The Box Office - Movie News :: MovieSamachar.com|access-date=25 June 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714220654/http://moviesamachar.com/news/prakash-raj-s-oggarane-is-a-huge-success-at-the-box-office|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="veooz.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.veooz.com/news/4HGey6f.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140625125530/http://www.veooz.com/news/4HGey6f.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 June 2014 |title=[News] Prakash Raj's Oggarane is a huge success ... – Veooz 360 |work=Veooz}}</ref><ref name="kannada.filmyfilmy.com">{{cite web |url=http://kannada.filmyfilmy.com/fn-oggarane-success-7065525.htm |title=Filmy Filmy – Bollywood News – Bollywood ShowBiz and Celebrity photos – Bollywood gossip |work=Filmy Filmy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714151014/http://kannada.filmyfilmy.com/fn-oggarane-success-7065525.htm|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="nthwall.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.nthwall.com/ka/Oggarane-Film-Success-Pressmeet/1000007821 |title=Oggarane film success press meet |work=Nth Wall |access-date=25 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714183712/http://www.nthwall.com/ka/Oggarane-Film-Success-Pressmeet/1000007821 |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref>

===As a film producer===
Prakash became a film producer beginning with the Tamil film ''[[Dhaya (film)|Dhaya]]'' (2002), in which he starred with actress [[Meena (actress)|Meena]]. It earned him a Special Jury National Award for his performance. He later produced films in Tamil such as ''[[Naam (2003 film)|Naam]]'' (2003), ''[[Azhagiya Theeye]]'' (2004), ''[[Kanda Naal Mudhal]]'' (2005), ''[[Poi (film)|Poi]]'' (2006), ''[[Mozhi (film)|Mozhi]]'' (2007), ''[[Velli Thirai]]'' and ''[[Abhiyum Naanum (film)|Abhiyum Naanum]]'', which won many Tamil Nadu State Awards in 2008, and ''[[Inidhu Inidhu]]'' in 2010.{{citation needed|date= November 2022}}

The first non-Tamil film that he produced was his directorial debut in Kannada, ''[[Naanu Nanna Kanasu]]'', a remake of his own Tamil production ''[[Abhiyum Naanum (film)|Abhiyum Naanum]]'', for which he was the joint producer, along with his long-time Bengaluru theatre friend, Kannada director-producer [[B. Suresha]].<ref name="Prakash Raj to direct">{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-09-02/prakash-raj-abhiyum-naanum-11-11-09.html |title=Prakash Raj finalizes |date=11 November 2009 |website=Behindwoods | access-date=11 November 2009 | archive-date=14 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114060445/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-09-02/prakash-raj-abhiyum-naanum-11-11-09.html | url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, he acted and jointly produced the Kannada film ''[[Puttakkana Highway]]'', again with Suresh, who directed the film. It was a milestone in Prakash's production career since ''Puttakkana Highway'' won him the [[National Film Awards|National Award]] for Best Regional Film for the year 2010–2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cinevedika.net/national-film-award-for-prakash-raj/ |title=National Film Award for Prakash Raj&nbsp;– Puttakkana Highway &#124; Cine Vedika &#124; Telugu &#124;Film News &#124; Daily Serials &#124; TV Shows &#124; Movies&#124; Music |publisher=Cine Vedika|access-date=6 August 2012|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011181857/http://www.cinevedika.net/national-film-award-for-prakash-raj/|url-status=live}}</ref> and an award in the fourth Bengaluru International Film Festival of 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lucky-wins-the-golden-bherunda-award-at-biff/215058-62-132.html |title='Lucky' wins the Golden Bherunda award at BIFF&nbsp;– IBN South&nbsp;– IBN Bangalore&nbsp;– ibnlive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=26 December 2011 |access-date=6 August 2012 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203220408/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lucky-wins-the-golden-bherunda-award-at-biff/215058-62-132.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2011, he produced the Tamil version of the Tamil-Telugu bilingual ''[[Payanam (2011 film)|Payanam]]'' in 2011, starring [[Nagarjuna Akkineni]] and himself. In 2012, he produced two Tamil films; ''[[Mayilu]]'' and ''[[Dhoni (film)|Dhoni]]''. In 2013, he produced a Telugu-Tamil bilingual film; ''[[Gouravam (2013 film)|Gouravam]]''. He produced a multilingual film ''[[Oggarane (film)|Oggarane]]'' (Kannada), ''[[Ulavacharu Biryani]]'' (Telugu) and ''[[Un Samayal Arayil]]'' (Tamil) in 2014.<ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/><ref name="behindwoods.com"/><ref name="indiaglitz.com"/><ref name="The Times of India"/> ''Oggarane'' became a huge blockbuster hit that year.<ref name="rediff.com"/><ref name="ReferenceB"/><ref name="moviesamachar.com"/><ref name="veooz.com"/><ref name="kannada.filmyfilmy.com"/><ref name="nthwall.com"/>

== Philanthropy ==
Prakash Raj adopted the villages of Kondareddypalle in [[Mahabubnagar District]], [[Telangana]] state<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telangananewspaper.com/actor-prakash-raj-follows-srimanthudu/ |location=Hyderabad, India |work=TNP |title=Humanity of Prakash Raj Makes tollywood industry proud |date=7 September 2015 | access-date=7 September 2015 | archive-date=7 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907231939/http://www.telangananewspaper.com/actor-prakash-raj-follows-srimanthudu/ | url-status=live}}</ref>
and Bandlarahatti in [[Chitradurga district]], Karnataka state.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prakash Raj vows to make Chitradurga village fluoride-free |url=http://www.coastaldigest.com/news/prakash-raj-vows-make-chitradurga-village-fluoride-free |website=Coastaldigest.com – The Trusted News Portal of India, Coastal Karnataka|access-date=9 February 2018 |language=en |date=27 January 2018|archive-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209182451/http://www.coastaldigest.com/news/prakash-raj-vows-make-chitradurga-village-fluoride-free|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Awards==

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Prakash Raj}}
[[File:The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Best Actor Award to Shri Prakash Raj for Tamil Film Kanchivaram, at the 55th National Film Awards function, in New Delhi on October 21, 2009.jpg|thumb|right|President presenting the Best Actor Award to Prakash Raj for the film Kanchivaram, at the [[55th National Film Awards]]]]

==Political career==
Prakash Raj started his active political movement with the hashtag #justasking on social media after his friend [[Gauri Lankesh]]'s assassination incident in September 2017.

He contested in the [[2019 Indian general election]] as an [[Independent (politician)|independent]] candidate for the [[Bangalore Central (Lok Sabha constituency)|Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha constituency]].<ref name="pol">{{citation |title=Prakash Raj gets 'whistle' symbol from Bengaluru Central, urges citizens to be 'whistleblowers' |date=29 March 2019 |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/elections/article/2019-lok-sabha-elections-prakash-raj-whistle-bengaluru-central-karnataka-narendra-modi-gauri-lankesh-congress-bjp/391220 |work=Times Now|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401161209/https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/elections/article/2019-lok-sabha-elections-prakash-raj-whistle-bengaluru-central-karnataka-narendra-modi-gauri-lankesh-congress-bjp/391220|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Prakash Rai files nomination from Bengaluru Central |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mohan-prakash-raj-file-papers-from-bangalore-central-724622.html |publisher=Deccan Herald |date=22 March 2019|access-date= 5 April 2019|archive-date= 11 October 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201011181859/https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mohan-prakash-raj-file-papers-from-bangalore-central-724622.html|url-status= live}}</ref> Raj lost the election, securing around 28,906 Votes (2.41%) in the election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Election results: Prakash Raj calls defeat in Bangalore Central a "solid slap on my face" |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019/news/election-results-prakash-raj-calls-defeat-a-solid-slap/story/349602.html|access-date=13 January 2021 |website=www.businesstoday.in |date=23 May 2019|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603065653/https://www.businesstoday.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019/news/election-results-prakash-raj-calls-defeat-a-solid-slap/story/349602.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Controversies==
{{Criticism section|date=May 2025}}
Prakash has been involved in several controversies.

He was banned by Telugu film producers six times in the past. Prakash reacted to this by saying:
<blockquote>"If people who work with me say that I play hide and seek, why do they repeat me? Why am I in [[Mahesh Babu|Mahesh]]'s nine films out of his ten. Why don't you judge me with my work? How I go about it is not important. I don't go by the rules. I put my foot down, I don't take mediocrity. There are certain locations where I can come only at 12 in the morning. I don't go by the rules."<ref>{{cite web |title=An Interview With Prakash Raj&nbsp;– Interviews |url=http://www.cinegoer.net/telugu-cinema/interviews/interview-with-prakash-raj.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715002234/http://www.cinegoer.net/telugu-cinema/interviews/interview-with-prakash-raj.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2013 |publisher=CineGoer.com|access-date=3 April 2009}}</ref></blockquote> It was the first time that an actor was banned by the Telugu industry.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Tollywood-bans-Prakash-Raj/articleshow/3087361.cms |title=Tollywood bans Prakash Raj |date=31 May 2008 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001142708/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-05-31/hyderabad/27771601_1_prakash-raj-film-industry-ban |archive-date=1 October 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=live}}</ref> Telugu film industry insiders interpret the ban as a conspiracy by several big heroes and producers. Problems started during the shooting of the Telugu films [[Pawan Kalyan]]'s ''[[Jalsa]]'', [[NTR Jr]]'s ''[[Kantri]]'', and [[Allu Arjun]]'s ''[[Parugu]]''.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.net/news/multifaceted-actor-prakash-raj-banned-in-tollywood/ |title=Multifaceted actor Prakash Raj banned in Tollywood |publisher=Kollywood Today |date=2 June 2008 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017210504/http://www.kollywoodtoday.net/news/multifaceted-actor-prakash-raj-banned-in-tollywood/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/prakash-raj-banned-in-tollywood-news-tamil-kkft0idfbhg.html |title=Prakash Raj banned in Tollywood! |website=[[Sify]] |date=1 June 2008 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213125944/http://www.sify.com/movies/prakash-raj-banned-in-tollywood-news-tamil-kkft0idfbhg.html |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/38946.html |title=Ban on Prakash Raj&nbsp;– Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz.com |date=31 May 2008 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017152646/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/38946.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/sep-06-02/11-09-06-prakashraj.html |title=Tamil movies : Prakashraj banished from acting |website=Behindwoods.com |date=11 September 2006 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017194045/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/sep-06-02/11-09-06-prakashraj.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

There was controversy for his naked appearance in a sequence in his latest Telugu release ''[[Ongole Githa]]''. The film got an "A Certificate" from the Censor Board. Prakash reacted by saying: "I did not shed my clothes for creating sensation, I had no plans to star in that sequence. The script demanded it; as an actor, I have to abide by the script. Director [[Bommarillu Bhaskar|Bhaskar]] told me that it would be an 'important' sequence in the context of the film and I just carried out his instructions."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/videos/39550.html |title=Videos&nbsp;– Prakash Raj Defends nude scenes in 'Ongolu Gittha' |website=IndiaGlitz.com |date=27 March 2009 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017152643/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/videos/39550.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/news/2013/prakash-raj-defend-nudeact-scenes-ongole-gitta-103221.html |title=Prakash Raj defends his nude act scenes in Ongole Gitta&nbsp;– Oneindia Entertainment |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=5 February 2013 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011182038/https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2013/prakash-raj-defend-nudeact-scenes-ongole-gitta-103221.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Several Kannada organisations staged protests in front of theatres since they felt that some of the dialogue in a scene in the Hindi film ''[[Singham]]'', starring [[Ajay Devgan]] and Prakash were derogatory against the Kannadigas. The [[Karnataka]] Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had demanded the deletion of all "objectionable" dialogue from the movie. The screening was stopped in major centres of Karnataka. The controversial scene starts off with Prakash threatening Ajay that he would bring 1,000 people from the Karnataka border to thrash him. Ajay (who plays Bajirao Singham, a Maratha), retorts that one lion would suffice to shoo away a thousand dogs. The controversy assumes significance in the backdrop of the decades-old border dispute between Karnataka and [[Maharashtra]]. Kannada protesters also felt that Prakash, being a [[Kannada people|Kannadiga]] should have told the team that it is not right. Prakash reacted to it to the [[Kannada]] and the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] media by saying: "I am a Kannadiga myself and I love my mother tongue Kannada. I'm very proud of my community and would never deliberately do anything to hurt my people. How would I allow conversations that provide pain to people of Karnataka in any movie in which I am cast? There is nothing controversial about the dialogue. I am a Maratha in the movie, the controversy has started just because I am a Kannadiga and I used the word 'Karnataka border' in the film because the villain in the film stays in [[Goa]], the Karnataka border."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/1568545/report-singham-dialogue-offends-kannadigas |title=Singham dialogue offends Kannadigas&nbsp;– Entertainment&nbsp;– DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017214517/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/1568545/report-singham-dialogue-offends-kannadigas |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/remove-derogatory-remarks-from-all-prints-of-singham/article2288183.ece |title=Remove derogatory remarks from all prints of Singham |newspaper=The Hindu |date=24 July 2011 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011181901/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/remove-derogatory-remarks-from-all-prints-of-singham/article2288183.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://andhravilas.net/movienews/224041/2/PrakashRajsdialoguesinSinghambecomecontroversial.html |title=Prakash Raj's dialogues in Singham become controversial |publisher=Andhravilas |access-date=6 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018015750/http://andhravilas.net/movienews/224041/2/PrakashRajsdialoguesinSinghambecomecontroversial.html |archive-date=18 October 2013}}</ref> Finally the dialogue was removed, and the whole team of ''Singham'' including the director [[Rohit Shetty]], the production house "Reliance Big Entertainment", and Prakash apologized to all the Kannadigas; the issue was resolved.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Were-sorry-says-Singham-team-/articleshow/9341327.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131017210840/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-24/bangalore/29809306_1_reliance-big-entertainment-apology-singham |url-status=live |archive-date=17 October 2013 |title=We're sorry, says Singham team |date=24 July 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=6 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hooli |first=Shekhar |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2011/singham-team-apology-kannadigas-240711-aid0062.html |title=Singham team tenders apology to Kannadigas&nbsp;– Oneindia Entertainment |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=24 July 2011 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011181911/https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2011/singham-team-apology-kannadigas-240711-aid0062.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bLPln8PeIM |title=Tv9&nbsp;– Prakash Raj's dialogues in Singham become controversial |publisher=YouTube |date=25 July 2011 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130071046/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bLPln8PeIM |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EWoXfkwOJg |title=TV9&nbsp;– "Prakash Raj" Apologizes Kannadigas |publisher=YouTube |date=23 July 2011 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140130071007/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EWoXfkwOJg |url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Prakash Raj}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0695177|name=Prakash Raj}}

{{National Film Award Best Actor}}
{{National Film Award Best Supporting Actor}}
{{National Film Award Special Jury Award Feature Film}}
{{National Film Award Special Mention feature film}}{{Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor}}{{IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil}}{{Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu}}{{Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu}}{{Nandi Award for Best Character Actor}}
{{SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role}}{{SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Raj, Prakash}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Tulu male actors]]
[[Category:Mangaloreans]]
[[Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema]]
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[[Category:Film producers from Bengaluru]]
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