One of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema, Prakash Raj turns 54 today. The actor has made a mark with his performances not only in the South but also in Bollywood. He has a massive fan following and is considered to be a fine actor thanks to some of his greatest performances which include films like Iruvar, Singham and more. The actor turned politician is now all set to contest for the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections and will contest the Lok Sabha polls from Bengaluru Central as an Independent. As we celebrate his birthday today, we take a look at his amazing performances so far. Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Actor Prakash Raj Files Nomination as Independent Candidate From Bangalore Central Seat.

Iruvar:

The 1997 Mani Ratnam directorial may have been a box office disaster back in its time but there's no denying that actor Prakash Raj was phenomenal in the film. Essaying the role of a poet and activist, his role was based on the life of DMK leader M.Karunanidhi. The actor managed to shine in this role and that even won him his National award for Supporting Actor.

Kanchivaram:

Directed by Priyadarshan, Prakash Raj's performance in Kanchivaram is still considered to be one of his best till date. He essayed the role of silk weaver in the film. It revolved around the struggles and the hand-to-mouth existence that the weavers go through. This is yet another film that fetched the actor a National Award. 9 (Nine) Malayalam Film Trailer: Fear of the Unknown Looms Large in This Prithviraj Sukumaran, Prakash Raj and Mamta Mohandas Thriller – Watch Video.

Okkadu:

In Bollywood, we have majorly seen Prakash Raj play the villainous roles but his most iconic negative character till today remains to be in the Telugu film Okkadu. It was after Okkadu, that Prakash Raj was flooded with offers for the antagonist roles. The film starred him along with Mahesh Babu.

Mozhi:

Actor Prakash Raj has time and again proven that he can pull off any character be it a serious one or a light-hearted one. In the 2007 film Mozhi, directed by Radha Mohan, Prakash Raj played the character of Vijay Kumar. It is his character that brings the comic relief in the film. Starring actress Jyothika and Prithviraj in the lad, Mozhi has some of the most hilarious scenes featuring Prakash Raj.

Singham:

Is it even possible to forget Jaikant Shikre from Singham? Prakash Raj played the antagonist Jaykant Shikre, a conniving politician in the first installment of Singham. Among the many popular dialogues in the film, there's also one where Prakash Raj's character says, "Kuch bhi karne ka..lekin Jaykant Shikre ke ego ko hurt nahi karne ka." The way he delivers it, you know he's the best man to play that character.

Even as the actor is now gearing up for his political stint, we hope to see him more in not just South but also Bollywood films. The actor was recently seen in the first part of the NTR biopic which released in January 2019. He was seen essaying the role of producer B Nagi Reddy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 26, 2019 10:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).