Kannada Actor And Ex-IAS Officer K. Shivaram Passes Away

K. Shivaram Passed Away: Renowned bureaucrat-turned-actor and politician K. Shivaram, aged 71, breathed his last on Thursday following a period of illness. Shivaram had been ailing for several days and was receiving medical care at HCG Hospital in Bangalore.

He was admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator; his condition was reported as critical on Wednesday. His demise has deeply saddened both his admirers and the Kannada film community.

K. Shivaram, a notable personality in both the film industry and civil service, holds the distinction of being the first Kannadiga to clear the IAS examination in Kannada. Throughout his tenure in the IAS, he served in various districts, including Vijayapura, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Koppala, and Davangere.

Shivaram: A Journey Of Success In Bureaucracy And Acting

Shivaram, born on April 6, 1953, in Urugahalli village, Ramanagar district, to drama master Kempaiah and his wife Chikkaboramma, enjoyed success in both bureaucracy and acting, showcasing his versatility and talent in various fields.

After graduating from Government High School in Malleswaram and completing a course in typing and shorthand, Shivaram began his career in the state government in 1972. A year later, he joined the police department's intelligence wing as a police reporter.

While working, he pursued BA and MA degrees through evening and distance learning. In 1985, he passed the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) exam and became the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Shivaram made history in 1986 as the first person to clear the UPSC exam in Kannada, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.

His acting career took off with the 1993 hit "Baa Nalle Madhuchandrake," directed by Nagathihalli Chandrashekar. However, subsequent film ventures saw less success, leading him to refocus on his bureaucratic career. Shivaram retired in 2013 as the Bengaluru regional commissioner.

Post-retirement, he entered politics, initially joining the Congress party. Later, he switched to the JD(S), contesting the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Bijapur but was unsuccessful. Eventually, Shivaram joined the BJP and served on its state executive committee.

He is survived by his wife Vani Shivaram and a daughter, who is married to Kannada actor Pradeep.