Jaggesh
**Jaggesh** (born Eshwar Gowda, March 17, 1963) is an Indian actor, director, producer, and politician who works predominantly in Kannada cinema. Fondly dubbed *"Navarasa Nayaka"* (Hero of Nine Emotions) by fans and the industry, he is regarded as one of Sandalwood's finest comedic actors, known for his rapid-fire dialogue delivery, expressive face, and street-smart comic timing. Hailing from Mayasandra in Tumkur district, Jaggesh entered films in the early 1980s, making his debut with a minor appearance in *Ibbani Karagithu* (1983). After nearly a decade of playing small character parts and negative roles, he broke out as a lead with *Bhanda Nanna Ganda* (1992) and Upendra's directorial debut *Tharle Nan Maga* (1992). The back-to-back success of these films made him a household name and cemented his image as a bankable comedy lead. Through the 1990s and 2000s, Jaggesh delivered numerous commercial hits, notably *Super Nan Maga* (1992), *Server Somanna* (1993), *Bevu Bella* (1993), *Beda Krishna Ranginata* (1994), and *Gundana Maduve* (1993). In the mid-2000s, he transitioned into cult satirical and dark comedy spaces with landmark titles like Guruprasad’s *Mata* (2006) and the critically celebrated *Eddelu Manjunatha* (2009), the latter earning him wide acclaim for playing an unmotivated, deadpan slacker. Other notable later works include *Neer Dose* (2016), *Premier Padmini* (2019), and *Ranganayaka* (2024). Beyond acting, Jaggesh has directed features like *Guru* (2012) and *Melkote Manja* (2017), served as a celebrity judge on the hit reality show *Comedy Khiladigalu*, and built an active career in public service, having served as an MLA, MLC, and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).
Known For
Credits
- 2024 · Ranganayaka as
- 2023 · Raghavendra Stores as
- 2022 · Thothapuri: Chapter 1 as Eeregowda
- 2019 · Kalidasa Kannada Meshtru as
- 2019 · Premier Padmini as Vinayak
- 2018 · 8MM Bullet as Murthy
- 2017 · Mugulu Nage as
- 2016 · Neer Dose as Jaggesh Kumar
- 2015 · Vaastu Prakaara as
- 2014 · Software Ganda as Manu
- 2014 · Weekend With Ramesh as Himself
- 2014 · Agraja as
- 2013 · CID Eesha as
- 2011 · Bodyguard as
- 2011 · Dudde Doddappa as
- 2010 · Aithalakkadi as
- 2009 · Eddelu Manjunatha as Manja
- 2008 · Kodagana Koli Nungitha as
- 2008 · Nee Tata Naa Birla as
- 2007 · Manmatha as
- 2006 · Tenali Rama as
- 2006 · Mata as Upkathe Govindu/Venkatesh
- 2004 · Ramakrishna as
- 2003 · Kasu Iddone Basu as
- 2003 · Yardo Duddu Yellammana Jathre as
- 2002 · Make Up as
- 2001 · Jodi as
- 1999 · Patela as
- 1999 · Kubera as
- 1998 · Maathina Malla as
- 1998 · Yaare Neenu Cheluve as
- 1998 · Jagath Kiladi as
- 1997 · Bhanda Alla Bahaddur as
- 1997 · Aliya Alla Magala Ganda as
- 1996 · Pattanakke Banda Putta as
- 1995 · Bal Nan Maga as
- 1994 · Bhairava as
- 1994 · Indrana Gedda Narendra as
- 1994 · Beda Krishna Ranginata as
- 1994 · Prema Simhasana as Rudra / Vikram / Kali
- 1993 · Bevu Bella as
- 1993 · Urvashi Kalyana as
- 1993 · Shivanna as
- 1993 · Gundana Maduve as
- 1993 · Bombaat Huduga as
- 1993 · Server Somanna as
- 1993 · Gadibidi Ganda as Sathya
- 1992 · Sindhoora Thilaka as
- 1992 · Alli Ramachari Illi Brahmachari as
- 1992 · Solillada Saradara as
- 1992 · Tarle Nan Maga as
- 1992 · Super Nanna Maga as
- 1992 · Hatamari Hennu Kiladi Gandu as Jaggesh
- 1991 · Rowdy & MLA as
- 1991 · C.B.I Shiva as
- 1991 · Gandanige Thakka Hendthi as
- 1990 · Thrinethra as
- 1990 · Kempu Gulabi as
- 1990 · Ranabheri as
- 1990 · Rani Maharani as
- 1989 · Narasimha as
- 1989 · Manmatha Raja as
- 1989 · Yuddha Kaanda as
- 1988 · Krishna Nee Kunidaga as
- 1988 · Ranaranga as Jaggu
- 1988 · Sangliyana as
- 1988 · Ranadheera as
- 1987 · Sangrama as
- 1986 · Hosa Neeru as