Loknath
**Loknath** (born B. K. Lokanatha Rao, August 14, 1927 – December 31, 2018) was a veteran Indian actor who worked predominantly in Kannada cinema and theatre. With a career spanning nearly six decades and appearances in over 650 films, he was one of Sandalwood's most respected and versatile character actors, universally recognized for his authentic dialogue delivery, subtle expressions, and effortless portrayals of maternal uncles, fathers, and quirky village figures. Born in Bengaluru, Loknath was deeply rooted in amateur theatre before stepping into cinema. He was an integral part of several prestigious Kannada stage troupes, including Master Hirannaiah's troupe, Samudaya, and Prabhat Kalavidaru. His compelling stage performances in classic plays such as *Bendre*, *Samsaradalli Sanidapa*, and *Kakanakote* earned him a reputation as an actor of remarkable range. He made his silver-screen debut with the National Award-winning classic *Samskara* (1970), directed by Pattabhirama Reddy. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Loknath became a constant fixture across both Kannada parallel cinema and commercial mainstream blockbusters. He featured prominently in milestone realistic films including Girish Karnad's *Kaadu* (1973), B. V. Karanth's *Chomana Dudi* (1975), and M. S. Sathyu's *Bara* (1982). In mainstream commercial cinema, he shared screen space with stalwarts such as Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, and Shankar Nag. His memorable roles came in landmark films like *Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu* (1974), *Naa Ninna Mareyalare* (1976), *Babruvahana* (1977), *Katha Sangama* (1976), *Minchina Ota* (1980), and *Geetha* (1981). Audiences affectionately dubbed him "Uncle Loknath" after his unforgettable turn in Puttanna Kanagal's romantic musical *Nagarahavu* (1972). Another of his most celebrated comedic moments was in the Vishnuvardhan-starrer *Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu*, where his character's desperate craving for pickle spawned the enduring Kannada pop-culture catchphrase, *"Uppinakayi... Uppinakayi!"* Beyond films, Loknath was also a familiar face on Kannada television, notably appearing in Shankar Nag's classic television adaptation *Malgudi Days*. In 1992, he was honored with the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his poignant performance in *Hosa Love Story*.
Known For
Credits
- 2009 · Prem Kahani as
- 2009 · Yodha as
- 2009 · Savaari as
- 2008 · Anthu Inthu Preethi Banthu as
- 2007 · Kaada Beladingalu as Sadashivaiah
- 2006 · Ravi Shastry as
- 2004 · Sardara as
- 2003 · Preethi Prema Pranaya as Badrinath
- 2003 · Lankesh Pathrike as
- 2001 · Jodi as
- 1998 · Jagath Kiladi as
- 1997 · Ammavra Ganda as
- 1997 · Ellaranthalla Nanna Ganda as
- 1997 · Kalyani as
- 1997 · Ee Hrudaya Ninagagi as
- 1997 · Mangala Suthra as
- 1996 · Circle Inspector as
- 1996 · Dhani as
- 1996 · Shiva Sainya as
- 1995 · Beladingala Baale as
- 1995 · Nighatha as
- 1995 · Thumbida Mane as
- 1994 · Chinna as
- 1992 · Belliyappa Bangarappa as
- 1990 · Chakravarthy as
- 1990 · Poli Kitty as
- 1990 · Mathsara as
- 1989 · Yuga Purusha as
- 1989 · Madhuri as
- 1989 · Sankranthi as
- 1988 · Dharmathma as
- 1988 · Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara as
- 1988 · Olavina Aasare as
- 1987 · Pushpaka Vimana as Hotel owner
- 1987 · Poorna Chandra as
- 1986 · Guri as
- 1986 · Hosa Neeru as
- 1986 · Sathya Jyothi as
- 1985 · Masanada Hoovu as
- 1985 · Giri Baale as
- 1984 · Maduve Maadu Thamashe Nodu as
- 1984 · Male Banthu Male as
- 1984 · Gajendra as
- 1984 · Prachanda Kulla as
- 1983 · Nodi Swamy Navirodu Heege as Jaya's Father
- 1982 · Pedda Gedda as
- 1982 · Baadada Hoo as Venkata Rao
- 1981 · Shikari as
- 1981 · Koodi Baalidare Swarga Sukha as
- 1980 · Driver Hanumanthu as
- 1980 · Bangarada Jinke as
- 1980 · Subbi Subbakka Suvvalali as
- 1980 · Minchina Ota as Prabhakar Rao
- 1979 · Kamala as
- 1978 · Singaporenalli Raja Kulla as Shivaraj
- 1978 · Balu Aparoopa Nam Jodi as
- 1978 · Muyyige Muyyi as Shankaraiah
- 1977 · Kittu Puttu as Shripad Rao
- 1977 · Banashankari as
- 1977 · Hemavathi as
- 1977 · Kakana Kote as
- 1976 · Phalitamsha as C.H. Loknath
- 1976 · Naa Ninna Mareyalare as Annapoorna's Brother
- 1976 · Katha Sangama as
- 1976 · College Ranga as Adavaiyya
- 1975 · Bhagya Jyothi as
- 1975 · Shubhamangala as Anand Rao, Prabhakara's uncle
- 1975 · Bili Hendthi as Sharada's father
- 1974 · Boothayyana Maga Ayyu as Villager
- 1974 · Bangarada Panjara as Beera's Biological father
- 1973 · Doorada Betta as Gowri s father
- 1973 · Devaru Kotta Thangi as
- 1972 · Naagarahaavu as C H Shyam Rao , College Principal
- 1972 · Bhale Huchcha as Inspector Srinivas
- 1972 · Bangaarada Manushya as Ramachandra
- 1972 · Hrudaya Sangama as
- 1971 · Sharapanjara as Psychologist
- 1970 · Aaru Mooru Ombhatthu as Church Father
- 1970 · Samskara as