K Shivaram,  who made his mark in Kannada cinema after bureaucracy, breathed his last in Bengaluru on Thursday at the age of 70. He was suffering from several health problems and was admitted to a private hospital for a long time. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

K Shivaram had created history by passing the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination in Kannada language in 1986. He was the first person to achieve this feat in Kannada language. K Shivram was born in an ordinary Dalit family. His father S. Kempaiah was a theater cot and mother’s name was Chikkaboramma.

In 1993, he entered the film industry with the film “Ba Nalle Madhuchandrake” directed by Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar. This film was based on Chandrashekhar’s novel. However, the film received sleeper-hit status. The film included popular songs composed by Hamsalekha. Later Shivram had to face some struggles to become a successful actor. He last acted in the 2017 film “Tiger”.

After the cinema world, K Shivram also tried his hand in politics. He devoted seven years to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served on the state executive committee of the party. Before joining the BJP, he was associated with the Indian National Congress and Janata Dal (Secular). Before entering the political arena, Shivaram served as Bangalore Regional Commissioner till his retirement in 2013.

According to family sources, the last rites of the late actor will be performed on March 1.