Raj B Shetty

Biography

*Raj B. Shetty* (born 5 July 1987) is an acclaimed Indian actor, director, screenwriter, and producer who works primarily in Kannada cinema. Known for his deeply rooted storytelling, multi-layered narratives, and character-driven focus, he is widely regarded as one of the most original and influential voices in contemporary Sandalwood. Born in Bhadravathi, Karnataka, into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family, he grew up in Mangalore. He completed his schooling at Bharathi English Medium School and earned a postgraduate degree in Social Work from Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore. Before entering the film industry, Shetty worked as a radio jockey at Big 92.7 FM, directed short films, wrote advertising scripts, and worked as an assistant director. He skyrocketed to fame with his 2017 directorial debut, Ondu Motteya Kathe, a critically acclaimed and commercially successful comedy where he also starred as the protagonist, Janardhana, a bald man struggling with societal beauty standards. The film's authentic, humorous, and relatable storytelling earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Director (Kannada). He solidified his reputation as a visionary filmmaker with his highly ambitious second directorial, the critically acclaimed 2021 gangster drama Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, exploring themes of power, destiny, and social hierarchy. He followed this with the sensitive romantic drama Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye (2023). Shetty also runs his own production house, Lighter Buddha Films. Beyond directing, he is highly sought after as a writer and actor. He has provided dialogues for blockbuster films like Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai and 777 Charlie. As an actor, he has delivered memorable performances in numerous films, including Ammachi Yemba Nenapu, Gubbi Mele Brahmastra, and Kantara, and expanded into Malayalam cinema with Rudhiram (2023). His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including SIIMA Awards and multiple Filmfare Awards South.