D. Shankar Singh was an Indian film director,[1] producer, screenwriter, exhibitor and a freedom fighter during the British rule in India.
[2] Some of the popular films under his production and direction include Bhakta Ramadas (1948), Nagakannika (1949), Dallali (1953), Madiddunno Maraaya (1954), Gandharva Kanya (1955), Bhale Kiladi (1970) and Bangarada Kalla (1973).
Following the successful run of the touring talkies units, the duo formed a new production house and named it "Mahatma Pictures" in 1946.
In 1947, the production house released their first venture Krishnaleela, starring Kemparaj Urs in the lead role, the film also featured Varadaraj, younger brother of actor Rajkumar and Sharadamma, both making their debuts.
In 1952, he partnered with Vittalacharya in both direction and production for the film Sri Srinivasa Kalyana, featuring Vimalananda Das and Prathima Devi in stellar roles.
It was also a pioneer in introducing graphical effects in Kannada cinema by adapting many trick shots in many mythological and folklore films.
Apart from the leading actor of Kannada cinema, Dr. Rajkumar, Mahatma Pictures has the distinction of introducing many successful artists to the film industry such as P. Kalinga Rao, Rajan–Nagendra, T. N. Balakrishna, Hunsur Krishnamurthy and Arjun Sarja among others.