Guttigeri Manappa (died 16 July 1996), known mononymously as Maanu, was an Indian actor, television director and author. He was most noted for his work in Kannada cinema. For his performance in Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane (1977), he received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada at the 25th Filmfare Awards South.
Biography
Maanu hailed from Kuppalli, a village in Shimoga district of Karnataka. He obtained his bachelor of arts degree from Sahyadri College in Shimoga. During this time, he also performed in amateur theatre. He obtained a master's degree from University of Mysore, and began working as a reader at a private educational institution. Maanu married the daughter of a family friend, Asha, in 1975, and the couple had two children. He was a part of Benaka theatre troupe and performed in plays such as Sattavara Neralu.
Maanu's career in films began when he appeared in Ondu Premada Kathe (1977), written by B. R. Lakshmana Rao. He would also become a frequent collaborator of director Baraguru Ramachandrappa, and appeared in his films, Surya (1987) and Karadipura (1996) among others. The latter was his last film. In addition to acting, Maanu authored books such as Lingana Kudi and Geleyara Geleya Ambareesh, a biographical account of actor Ambareesh. He also directed a television adaptation of Kuvempu's Malenadina Chitragalu, a 13-part series, which was telecast of DD Chandana.
Maanu died due to injuries sustained from a car crash on the night of 16 July 1996 near Arsikere, en route to Shimoga, to address a gathering of the Nava Nirmana Vedike banner, of Karnataka's former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde.
Filmography
Ondu Premada Kathe (1977)...Kamalesh Nayar
Lakshmi Nivasa (1977) Manassinanthe Mangalya (1977) Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane (1977)...Kalingegowda Havina Hejje (1978) Sandharbha (1978) Parasangada Gendethimma (1978) Sadananda (1979) Kaadu Kudure (1979)...Huligonda Atthege Thakka Sose (1979) Asadhya Aliya (1979)...Shekhar Arivu (1979) Doddamane Estate (1980) Anurakte (1980) Manku Thimma (1980) Kappu Kola (1980) Rajeshwari (1981) Sangeetha (1981) Havina Hede (1981) Bhagyada Belaku (1981) Balu Bangara (1981) Avali Javali (1981) Prema Mathsara (1982) Karmika Kallanalla (1982) Gandharvagiri (1983) Chandi Chamundi (1983) Ramapurada Ravana (1984) Police Papanna (1984) Khaidi (1984) Kaliyuga (1984) Benki Birugali (1984) Thayi Thande (1985) Rasthe Raja (1986) Henne Ninagenu Bandhana (1986) Bete (1986) Beralge Koral (1987) Surya (1987) Shiva Bhaktha Markandeya (1987) Mr. Raja (1987) Suprabhatha (1988)...Sundareshwar Sahasa Veera (1988) Kote (1988) Bhoomi Thayane (1988) Sri Mylara Linga (1989) Singari Bangari (1989) Hrudaya Geethe (1989) Sididedda Gandu (1990) Ranabheri (1990) Prathap (1990) Veerappan (1991) SP Bhargavi (1991) Undu Hoda Kondu Hoda (1992)...Dundappa Entede Bhanta (1992) Chithralekha (1992) Kempaiah IPS (1993) Bhagavan Sri Saibaba (1993) Baa Nalle Madhuchandrake (1993)...Preethi's father Samrat (1994)...Chief Minister Palegara (1996) Karadipura (1996)