‘Toby’ holds all ingredients for blockbuster, says Raj Deepak Shetty

Team Udayavani, Aug 16, 2023, 1:55 PM IST

Raj Deepak Shetty, born on October 18, 1978, in the picturesque city of Mangaluru, is making waves in the world of cinema. Renowned for his captivating looks and stylish portrayal of antagonists in Kannada cinema, he has become a prominent figure in the industry. With his intense performances and unique characterizations, Shetty has etched his name as a versatile actor to watch out for.

However, it was his nuanced performance as Ananda, the antagonist in the movie “Toby,” that truly set him apart. Describing the character as subtly cruel yet intense, Shetty expressed his enthusiasm for this unique role.

He mentioned that “Toby” holds all the ingredients for a blockbuster and has received overwhelming support from the audience, building high expectations for its release.

Early Life and Beginnings:

Hailing from Mangaluru, Raj Deepak Shetty was born to Late Mr. Prem Shetty and Late Mrs. Sarala Shetty. He completed his education at Milagres Pre University and St. Aloysius College. Even during his school and college days, Shetty’s passion for acting shone brightly as he participated in various plays. Alongside his love for the stage, he also emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle, focusing on balanced eating and staying fit.

The Journey in Cinema:

Raj Deepak Shetty embarked on his acting journey through Kannada serials, displaying his talent in shows like “Kadambari,” “Preethi Illada Mele,” “Nigooda,” “Bande Baruthava Kaala,” “Muthina Thene,” “Luv Lavike,” and “Niharika.”

His breakthrough came when director Chethan Kumar recognized his potential and cast him as an antagonist opposite Dhruva Sarja in the hit film “Bharjari” (2017). Prior to this, Shetty’s commitment to his craft led him to work on other projects like “Tiger” and “Shrikanta,” directed by Nanda Kishore and Manju Swaraj, respectively.

The Antagonist with a Difference:

Shetty’s portrayal of Devendra Viswanath in the Telugu film “Ismart Shankar” (2019) marked his entry into the Telugu film industry. This role showcased his versatility and garnered attention from both critics and audiences. His lead role as Pratap Reddy in the web series “Gods of Dharmapuri” further solidified his position as a skilled actor.

A Glance at the Filmography:

Shetty’s filmography boasts an impressive array of roles across languages:

In Kannada cinema, he left an indelible mark with performances in films like “Tiger,” “Shrikanta,” “Bharjari,” “Gowdru Hotel,” “Asathoma Sadgamaya,” “Panchatantra,” “Rugged,” “Bharrate,” “Pogaru,” and “Bazaar.”

In Telugu cinema, his roles in “Ismart Shankar,” “Gods of Dharmapuri,” “Virataparvam,” and the remake of “Naarappa” (Asuran) showcased his prowess in different shades of antagonism.

Not limited to just Kannada and Telugu, Shetty also ventured into Tamil cinema with “Battery,” where he played the role of ACP Victor.

Looking Forward:

With an ever-growing fan base, Raj Deepak Shetty’s journey is far from over. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth to each character he portrays have earned him a special place in the hearts of cinephiles. As he continues to explore diverse roles and genres, audiences eagerly await his future projects, anticipating yet more remarkable performances that transcend the boundaries of language and culture.