Actors who are popular singers in Sandalwood

Actors these days are a versatile lot -- they act, they dance, some of them direct and now, loads of them get into recording studios to do their bit in the playback singing department as well. Here's a list of actors and actresses who have, like the legendary actor the last Rajkumar and the late Vishnuvardhan, sung for Kannada films... SHIVARAJKUMAR: Shivarajakumar, who is the eldest son of Rajkumar, has followed in his father's footsteps. He has not only taken up acting as a profession, but is also singing for Kannada movies. Some of the songs to his credit include Mani Mani from Janumada Jodi, Kamanna Makkalu from Lava Kusha, and Hero Hero Hatrick Hero from Rowdy Alia -- all of which he has also starred in.

PUNEETH RAJKUMAR: Puneeth, the youngest son of Rajkumar, is a popular choice as an actor and a playback cinema in Sandalwood. He started singing as a child artiste with the song Kaanadante Maayavadanu from Cheluvina Modagalu, and when he made his debut as an actor in the film Appu, he was also launched as a singer with Taliban Alla Alla, the lyrics of which were written by Upendra, himself a popular actor. He even lent his voice to the song Hotappa Hot Sakkath for his brother Shivarajkumar's film Lava Kusha. He has been a playback singer for other films that he hasn't starred in as well. These films include Machchalli Kochodalli and Simplallagi Helteen Kele from Maurya, Mylapura Mylari from Mylari and the upcoming Raja Di Raja from Zoom.

UPENDRA: Upendra has been singing his own songs since the early days of his acting career. He has also written lyrics for several songs -- both for his own films and movies in which he acted. His popular songs include Uppigintha Ruchi Bere Illa from Upendra, Bidabeda Bidabeda from H2O, Apple Apple from Lava Kusha, Chithranna Chithranna from Budhdhivantha, Ella O.K, Maduve Yaake from Aishwarya and Parodi Parodi from Parodi. He has also been nominated for his work on the song Aikka Patte from Super.

SUDEEP: This actor, who is also a director, is also known for his singing ability. He started singing for his films in Vaalee, with the songs O Sona O Sona and Vasantha Maasadalli. His other popular songs include Jinta Ta from Veera Madakari, Sontada Vishya from Chandu, Dove Dove Duniya Kano from Ranga SSLC, and Ondu Olle Katheya Heluve from No 73, Shanthi Nivasa. In fact, Shivarajkumar was a co-singer for the last song.

GANESH: Golden Star Ganesh, as he is popularly known, has so far lent his voice to one song. This was for the song, Halaadh Halaadh Heartalli from the film Maleyalli Jotheyalli, in which he also starred. The film, which released in 2009, turned out to be very popular. It won the Best Film and the Best Actor gongs at the 57th South Filmfare Awards.

VIJAY RAGHAVENDRA: Music seems to run in the Rajkumar family. Vijay Raghavendra -- who is a cousin of Shivarajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar -- is also well-known in Sandalwood for his singing ability. He has sung his own songs in films like Ganesha Maththe Bandha (Gopike) and Nam Yejamaanaru (Ee Hrudaya).

SRIIMURALI: The actor, who is Vijay Raghavendra's brother, is also popular as a singer. His last song, Hudugi Kannu from Rathavara, was very popular among Sandalwood audiences. The lyrics for the song, incidentally, were penned by Yogaraj Bhat, who is a well-known Kannada film director.

YASH: It seems like the Rocking Star truly is rocking. Yash is known for his acting and dance ability. And lately, he has also established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the singing department. For Yash's 2014 film, Mr and Mrs Ramachari, he sung the song Annthamma. He then sang Annange Love Aagide for his 2015 film Masterpiece.

CHIKKANNA: He's made his mark as a comedian in Sandalwood films like Kirataka, Raja Huli and Adyaksha. However, he has also made a mark as a singer. He sang a song for the Facebook serial Hello, which he did purely out of admiration for its director Aviram Kanteerava. He also sang a comic song for the film Girigitle.