Srihari (15 August 1964 – 9 October 2013) was an Indian actor who was active mainly in Telugu cinema. He appeared in some Tamil, Kannada and Hindi films as well. He won seven Nandi Awards and one Filmfare Award.

Early life

Srihari was born in 1964 in Elamarru near Gudivada in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. His parents moved to Hyderabad and settled in Balanagar, when he was still a child. He started his career as a stunt fighter. He was also an athlete in gymnastics. He was offered jobs such as sub-inspector of police and railway officer, but he rejected those offers because he was interested in pursuing an acting career. Srihari completed his degree in 1986. He was introduced into movies by Dasari Narayana Rao with a role in the movie Brahma Nayudu (1987).

Personal life

Srihari married South Indian actress Shanti, popularly known as Disco Shanti, in 1996. The couple has two sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Akshara, died when she was just four months old. The family started the Akshara Foundation in her memory, which aims to supply fluoride – free drinking water for three villages he adopted in the Ranga Reddy district. He donated over 50% of his earnings for the cause of this foundation. He also adopted four villages in Medchal. Their son, Meghamash, made his debut with Rajdhooth (2019).

Death

While shooting for the movie R... Rajkumar, he complained of giddiness and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital. On 9 October 2013, he died in Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, aged 49, after suffering a liver ailment. He was buried next to his daughter.

Awards and nominations

Filmography

Telugu films

Films in other languages