His film career began with Sri Dharmasthala Mahathme (1962) and was known for his portrayal of supporting characters, notably the poet Dindima in Kaviratna Kalidasa (1983).

[1] Shani Mahadevappa was born on 19 March 1933 in Belakavadi, a village in the present-day Mandya district of India's Karnataka State (in erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore).

However, it was performances as Shani in Shanishwara Mahatme that received widespread recognition, also drawing crowds from nearby states.

[1][3] India's hitherto Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan were among those that watched the play.

His other appearances include films starring Dr. Rajkumar such as Hasiru Thorana (1970), Bangaarada Manushya (1972), Daari Tappida Maga (1975) and Shankar Guru (1978) among others.