Shivaram was born in a middle class Hindu family in Choodasandra Village in Madras Presidency, a place bordering the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states.
[4][5] After having his primary education completed, he moved to Bangalore city along with his elder brother Srikanteshwara, who was running, esteemed Vani typewriting & Commerce Institute.
Influenced by the theater screenings of Gubbi Veeranna, Shivaram developed a strong liking towards the film-making and acting.
After his stint as the assistant director from 1958 through 1965, he got his acting break in supporting role in Seetharama Shastry's Beretha Jeeva starring Kalyan Kumar.
Post 2000 year, he switched to character roles performing in major blockbusters such as Apthamitra , Huchcha and parallel cinemas such as Bara and Thaayi Saheba.