**Upendra Rao** (born 18 September 1968), known mononymously as Upendra, is an Indian film actor, director, producer, screenwriter, lyricist, and playback singer who works primarily in Kannada cinema. He is currently one of the highest-paid directors and actors in the Kannada film industry.
Born in Kundapura, Udupi district, Karnataka, he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from APS College of Commerce in Bangalore. During his college years, he actively participated in plays and formed theatrical troupes with his friends.
He started his film career as a writer and assistant director under actor and filmmaker Kashinath. Upendra made his directorial debut with the 1992 comedy *Tharle Nan Maga*, which introduced comedian Jaggesh and achieved a cult following. He subsequently directed the horror suspense thriller *Shhh!* (1993) before creating the landmark 1995 gangster drama *Om*. Starring Shiva Rajkumar, *Om* utilized real-life gangsters in cameo roles and became a massive commercial blockbuster and cult classic for its innovative storytelling.
In 1998, Upendra transitioned into lead acting with the psychological romantic drama *A*, which he also directed. The film broke box office records, ran for 175 days in Karnataka, and was dubbed into Telugu, earning him widespread recognition across South India. He followed this with the 1999 self-titled psychological thriller *Upendra*, where he played the unnamed protagonist. Between 1998 and 2005, he starred in a string of successful 100-day hit films, including *Preethse* (2000), *Kutumba* (2002), *Raktha Kanneeru* (2003), and *Gowramma* (2005). In 2010, he returned to the director's chair for the critically and commercially successful film *Super*.
Throughout his career, Upendra has received numerous accolades, including multiple Filmfare Awards South and Udaya Film Awards. He won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Director for his work on *Super*. In addition to his cinematic work, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Angkor University in 2015. In 2018, he launched his own political party, the Uttama Prajaakeeya Party, focusing on worker-centric concepts.