Acting
Nov 27, 1966
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
P. Ravi Shankar
Acting
Biography
**Pudipeddi Ravi Shankar Sarma** (born 28 November 1966), widely known as **P. Ravi Shankar**, **Bommali Ravi Shankar**, or **Sai Ravi**, is a versatile Indian actor, dubbing artist, director, screenwriter, and playback singer. He works predominantly in Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil cinema. Celebrated for his thunderous voice, intense screen presence, and electric dialogue delivery, he is one of the most prolific dubbing artists in Indian cinema history and a celebrated antagonist in Sandalwood. Born into an illustrious family of artists, Ravi Shankar is the son of veteran actor and dubbing artist P. J. Sarma and the younger brother of acclaimed actor and dubbing legend Sai Kumar. Following his family's legacy, he began dubbing in the late 1970s and grew into an industry titan. He has lent his voice to over 2,600 films, including more than 1,000 films each in Telugu and Tamil, as well as over 150 films each in Kannada and Malayalam. He voiced iconic antagonists and leading stars across languages, famously dubbing for Sonu Sood in the blockbuster *Arundhati* (2009), which coined his popular moniker "Bommali Ravi Shankar." His extraordinary vocal contributions earned him seven Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Awards for Best Male Dubbing Artist and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award. Beyond voice artistry, Ravi Shankar wrote dialogues for more than 75 Telugu films and 150 Tamil films. He made his feature film directorial debut in Kannada cinema with the Malashri starrer *Durgi* (2002). Later, he directed the Kannada romantic action drama *College Kumar* (2017) and its subsequent Tamil and Telugu remakes. He has also showcased his musical talents as a playback singer for films such as Ram Gopal Varma's *Rakta Charitra* and *Bejawada*. While he appeared in sporadic on screen roles from the late 1980s, his acting career experienced an explosive, career defining renaissance with Sudeep's action blockbuster *Kempe Gowda* (2011). His performance as the ruthless crime boss Armuga won critical acclaim, widespread fan adoration, and the **Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada**. The monumental success of the role instantly catapulted him into becoming the most sought after villain and character actor in the Kannada film industry. Over the ensuing decades, Ravi Shankar delivered memorable antagonistic and powerhouse character roles in a series of major blockbusters, including *Manikya* (2014), *Bahaddur* (2014), *Adyaksha* (2014), *Ranna* (2015), *Aatagara* (2015), *Kotigobba 2* (2016), *Hebbuli* (2017), *Bharaate* (2019), *Roberrt* (2021), *Kranti* (2023), and *Bhairathi Ranagal* (2024). He has also featured in major Telugu films, such as *Dhamarukam* (2012) and *Krack* (2021). With a rare mastery of voice modulation, screen charisma, and multifaceted filmmaking skills, he remains a towering figure across South Indian cinema.
Feature Films (87)
A reformed gangster now taxi driver unwittingly draws the vengeance of a crime syndicate after aiding the police in busting a smuggling operation. Fueled by a burning desire for justice and to protect his adopted sister, he embarks on a relentless quest to hunt down the mobsters responsible.
Bhola Shankar
Chiranjeevi is a bachelor seeking his perfect match. His family rejects a lot of alliances and search for a bride continues, until Aadhya enters the scene. However, Aadhya’s mother resists her daughter’s marriage to Chiru because it goes against what she believes as marriage to be – male dominance over females.
Aadavaallu Meeku Johaarlu
Kranti Rayanna, a business tycoon in Europe is invited by his favorite teacher to attend the Centenary celebrations of the school. Kranti begins a revolution and takes the fight on with Salatri Group trying to takeover 12,000 government schools and privatize them.
Kranti
Inspector Chellappa is on the verge of busting the drug mafia in the city and waits for the right moment. Meanwhile, a corporate man gets entangled with the world of drugs and later becomes a suspect in a murder case. Simultaneously, the D-gang from Dandupalyam returns with a vengeance.
Thaggedhe Le
A young girl rises to stardom, facing sexual harassment and struggling to remain grounded as she does so.
Abhinetri
Two brothers from village move to city to pursue their dreams, but situations land them in trouble as they inadvertently tangle with dangerous local kingpin, while desperately seeking the money to pay for their father’s life-saving surgery.
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
Television & Series (2)
Prominent celebrities in various fields, primarily from Karnataka, are invited to tell the story of their lives. Over steaming cups of coffee, Ramesh Aravind takes the audience on an inside journey with the celebrities through all walks of their lives.
Weekend With Ramesh
Damayanthi runs a restaurant with the philosophy of serving food with love. But her competitor, Nalan, tries to sabotage her business by trying to woo her. Will she fall for his trap?
