In the world of Kannada television and cinema, Jeeva Prasanna has emerged as one of the most talented and sought-after cinematographers. In 2024, Jeeva was honored with the prestigious Best Cinematographer Award at the Colors Kannada “Anubanda Awards” for his exceptional work in Ninagaagi. This recognition was the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and a passion for visual storytelling that began at an early age.
Humble Beginnings in an Agriculturist Family
Jeeva was born into an agriculturist family. His father, Panchalinge Gowda, and mother, Padma, provided him with a foundation of hard work and humility. Jeeva is the second of three siblings, with an elder sister and a younger brother, who also works in the television industry as a cameraman.
Jeeva’s love for the camera developed early, and by the age of 13, he was already working as an assistant cameraman. Despite his young age, he balanced his professional commitments with his education, attending evening college to complete his studies. With the help of his lecturer Mahadevaiya, Jeeva graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, a milestone he holds with great gratitude.
Early Career and Mentorship
Jeeva’s early career was shaped by his work as an assistant cameraman under industry stalwarts like Gowrishankar. His first major project was Krishna Leela, a multilingual series that aired on Asianet Kaveri in 2001, shot in Kannada, English, Hindi, and Sanskrit. His ability to shoot both digitally and on film gave him an edge in an industry that was rapidly evolving.
While working on these early projects, Jeeva completed his education, and his dedication to both his craft and his studies earned him immense respect from colleagues and mentors alike.
Breakthrough Projects as an Independent Cameraman
Jeeva’s talent and work ethic soon led to independent opportunities. He became the lead cameraman for the Appa serial, directed by the legendary Nagabharana. From there, his career blossomed, and he worked on several high-profile projects, including:
- Nelamugilu
- Hecchharra (Star Suvarna)
- Parmila
- Baduku Mayaya Aata (250 episodes)
- Parvathi Parameshwara (Sihi Kahi Productions, 1800 episodes)
- Sriman Srimathi (John Harsha Production, directed by Prithviraj Kulkarni)
- Niguda Rathri (Zee Kannada, directed by Master Anand)
- Kanmani (Udaya TV)
- Maharani (Suvarna)
- Athmabandana (Zee Kannada)
- Sarasu (Star Suvarna)
- Marali Mansagide
- Bettada Hoo (Star Suvarna)
- The Final Judgement (shot in Odia and Kannada)
- Lacchi (Star Suvarna)
- Ninagaagi (Colors Kannada)
Each of these projects showcases Jeeva’s versatility, from high-drama productions to horror series like Hecchharra, for which he won the Suvarna Best Cameraman Award, to family dramas like Niguda Rathri, which earned him a Zee Kutumba Award.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Jeeva attributes his success to the guidance and support of many individuals in the industry. He is deeply grateful to Nagabharana, Gowrishankar, and Shekar Chandru, among others, who played pivotal roles in his growth. He also acknowledges the moral and professional support he received from Sihikahi sir, Sihikahi Geetha madam, and his manager, Aravind Shashi, as well as numerous others, including Anand Theertha, Milana Prakash, and Gururaj Kulkarni.
Jeeva’s journey is a testament to the importance of mentorship and collaboration, as he learned from and worked with some of the industry’s finest, including the late Sundarnath Suvarna, known for his work on Dharma.
Awards and Recognition
Jeeva’s excellence behind the camera has earned him multiple accolades. Notably, he won:
- Best Cameraman Award for Hecchharra (Suvarna)
- Zee Kutumba Award for Niguda Rathri (Zee Kannada)
- Colors Kannada “Anubanda Awards” Best Cinematographer for Ninagaagi (2024)
These honors reflect his commitment to delivering high-quality visuals, regardless of the genre or format.
Looking Ahead: A Cinematographer Ready for the Big Screen
With a career spanning over two decades, Jeeva Prasanna is now looking forward to taking on new challenges, particularly in cinema. Having mastered the art of storytelling on television, he is eager to collaborate with both new and established directors in the film industry. His ability to adapt to various shooting formats and his fluency in working across multiple languages make him a valuable asset in any project.
Cinema Sanchaara extends its best wishes to Jeeva Prasanna, hoping that his journey continues to soar to even greater heights in the world of cinema.
