Biography

Karibasavaiah was a celebrated actor and theatre personality in the Kannada film industry, known for bringing warmth, depth and humour to every role he inhabited. Hailing from Kodigehalli village near Nelamangala, he grew up learning traditional Kuruba-Gowda folk arts such as Kamsale, Dollu Kunitha and Harikathe - roots that deeply influenced his natural style of performance. Before stepping into cinema, he worked as a lab assistant at a college in Bangalore, and later joined theatre, where his talent began to shine.

His screen debut came with the film Undu Hoda Kondu Hoda, under the direction of Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, who gave him his first major break. Over his career, he acted in more than 120 films and became a beloved character actor, winning acclaim especially for his roles in films such as Kotreshi Kanasu, Janumada Jodi, Galate Aliyandru, Mungarina Minchu and Yaarige Salute Sambala.

Off-screen, despite his success, Karibasavaiah faced personal tragedy: after his daughter took her life in 2009, he suffered emotionally. In early 2012, while returning from a film shoot, he met with a road accident. He was hospitalized, but succumbed to his injuries a few days later. His loss left a void in Kannada theatre and cinema, but his memorable performances and the warmth he carried on screen continue to resonate with audiences.
- IMDb mini biography by: Shrinivas G. Kulkarni