V. Manohar

Sound · Mangalore, Karnataka, India

**V. Manohar** (born Vitla Manohar, February 8) is an Indian music director, lyricist, director, screenwriter, and actor who works predominantly in Kannada and Tulu cinema. One of Sandalwood's most versatile creative figures, he has composed scores for well over 100 films, penned lyrics for more than 1,000 songs, and remains a familiar comic screen presence. Hailing from Vitla in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, Manohar initially worked as a newspaper cartoonist and writer before stepping into cinema. He entered the industry under the mentorship of filmmaker Kashinath, writing his first song as a lyricist, "Hodeya Doora Oh Jothegaara", for *Anubhava* (1984). He subsequently trained under composer Hamsalekha. His breakthrough as an independent music composer came with Upendra's directorial debut *Tharle Nan Maga* (1992), starring Jaggesh. Manohar went on to deliver classic soundtracks and evergreen melodies across the 1990s and 2000s, including *Janumada Jodi* (1996), *Jodi Hakki* (1997), *O Mallige* (1997), *Suryavamsha* (1999), Upendra's *Swasthik* (1999), Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar's *Chigurida Kanasu* (2003), and Soori's breakout film *Duniya* (2007). His folk-infused chartbuster "Kolu Mande" (*Janumada Jodi*) stands as one of Kannada cinema's biggest musical hits of the 1990s. As a director, he helmed successful titles including the romantic drama *O Mallige* (1997) and Shiva Rajkumar's *Indradhanush* (2000). Manohar is a five-time recipient of the Karnataka State Film Award, winning Best Music Director for *Janumada Jodi*, *Jodi Hakki*, and *Chigurida Kanasu*, alongside Best Lyricist honors for *Gejje Naada* (1993) and *Anuraaga Sangama* (1995). In Tulu cinema, his scores for modern commercial hits such as *Chaali Polilu* (2014) won wide acclaim. As an actor, he is known for his dry wit and deadpan comedic timing. In cinema, he made appearances in cult films like Upendra's *Om* (1995), *Upendra* (1999), and Guruprasad's *Mata* (2006). On television, after composing and singing the iconic title track for Phani Ramachandra's serial *Danda Pindagalu*, he earned household recognition portraying "Bhatta", the unflappable house cook and resident harmonium player, on all three seasons of *Majaa Talkies*.