Acclaimed writer, filmmaker, journalist and activist N.S. Shanker, best known for directing the hugely successful Kannada film Ulta Pulta (1997), passed away following a severe cardiac arrest at his residence on Sunday, June 28, 2026. He had recently lost his wife and had been coping with grief while battling health complications.
Born in Soraba taluk of Shivamogga district, N.S. Shanker spent his childhood in Pandavapura, Mandya district. He completed his high school education in Mysuru before pursuing higher studies in Bengaluru.
Shanker began his career in journalism with Mungaru and Prajavani before earning widespread recognition for his powerful writings in Lankesh Patrike. He was also an active participant in Karnataka’s progressive and rebel literary movement.
His biggest success came with Ulta Pulta, a comedy inspired by William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. The film starred Ramesh Aravind in a memorable double role and became a runaway hit, earning Shanker both critical acclaim and commercial success. He later directed Wrong Number and another feature film during his career.
Apart from filmmaking, N.S. Shanker authored more than 20 literary and cinema-related works. He had recently launched Yeega, a three-part short film series.
In recognition of his contributions to Kannada literature and cinema, he received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2024.
His book Chitrakathe Haganderenu, published by the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy, earned him a cash prize of ₹10,000 along with a 25-gram silver medal.
The Kannada film industry and literary community have lost a distinguished creative voice whose work will continue to inspire future generations.
May his soul rest in peace.
