Bio:

Mysore Srikantayya Umesh, also known as M.S. Umesh or simply Umesh, is an Indian actor with a career in Kannada cinema that has lasted for six decades. His passion for acting began in childhood, and after performing in numerous stage shows, he was cast in the lead role for the film Makkala Rajya (1960). Since then, he has acted in more than 350 feature films and is highly regarded for his distinctive dialogue delivery, facial expressions, and comic timing.

Born on April 24, 1945 to A. L. Srikantayya and Nanjamma, Umesh developed an early interest in theater and stage performances during his basic schooling days in Mysore. At the young age of four, he became a part of K. Hirannaiah's theater troupe, and later joined the renowned Gubbi Veeranna's company, where he performed various roles as a child artist. It was during one of his stage performances that he caught the attention of assistant director Puttanna Kanagal, who recommended him for B. R. Panthulu's next film. Umesh made his debut in the film Makkala Rajya in 1960, directed by B. R. Panthulu for his Padmini films banner. The film also featured veteran Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan in a cameo role, and was the second film produced by M. V. Rajamma.

Following his debut film, Umesh found it difficult to secure suitable roles in films and returned to performing in stage shows and taking up backstage jobs. It was only when director Puttanna Kanagal cast him in the anthology film Katha Sangama (1977) that his career regained momentum. His portrayal of "Thimmarayi" in the Munithaayi episode earned him critical acclaim, including the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. From then on, Umesh appeared in several successful films, including Nagara Hole (1978), Guru Shishyaru (1981), Anupama (1981), Kaamana Billu (1983), Apoorva Sangama (1984), Shruthi Seridaaga (1987), Shravana Banthu (1984), Malaya Marutha (1986), Golmaal Radhakrishna (1990), Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare (1993), and Venkata in Sankata (2007), among others.

Umesh's comedic performance as "Sithapathi" in the 1990 film Golmaal Radhakrishna, starring Ananth Nag in the lead role, is widely considered one of the best comedy roles in Kannada cinema. His memorable dialogue "Apaartha Madkondbitro Eno" continues to be popular with audiences. Additionally, his portrayal of an old toothless widow grandmother in Ramesh Aravind's directorial Venkata in Sankata was also highly praised.