Chi. Udayashankar

Chitnahalli Udayashankar (18 February 1934 – 2 July 1993; born in Chitnahalli) was an Indian lyricist and dialogue writer in the Kannada film industry for over three decades, who penned more than 3000 songs for films and devotional songs. His dialogues, screenplay and lyrics were instrumental in the success of many movies of Rajkumar. Udayashankar received four Karnataka State Film Award for Best Dialogue and two Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay. He was the son of lyricist Chi. Sadashivaiah. His son Chi. Guru Dutt is an actor and director in Kannada and Tamil feature films.

Career
In 1963, Chi Udayshankar wrote dialogues for the first time. This was for the film Santa Tukaram starring Rajkumar. He co-wrote dialogues and lyrics for many Kannada movies. He worked with his father in his early career. He directed the movie Manku Dinne in 1968. He wrote a great deal of dialogues and lyrics for manyRajkumar movies. He worked with Rajkumar from 1963 to 1993 in 92 movies. He also acted in movies like Haalu Jenu, Nee Nanna Gellalare, Halli Rambhe Belli Bombe and Anand.

Style
Chi Udayashakar used to write his lyrics in simple and easily understood words. He was given the title 'Sahithya Rathna' (gem of literature) for his work.

Awards
Karnataka State Film Awards
 * 1970–71 – Karnataka State Film Award for Best Dialogue – Kula Gourava
 * 1972–73 – Karnataka State Film Award for Best Dialogue – Naagarahaavu
 * 1975–76 – Karnataka State Film Award for Best Dialogue – Premada Kanike
 * 1985–86 – Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay – Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma (Shared with Singeetam Srinivasa Rao)
 * 1986–87 – Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay – Anand (Shared with Singeetam Srinivasa Rao)
 * 1992–93 – Karnataka State Film Award for Best Dialogue – Jeevana Chaitra