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{{Short description|Indian dance choreographer (1948–2021)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = K. Sivashankar
| image =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1948|12|07}}
| birth_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Dominion of India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2021|11|28|1948|12|07}}
| death_place = [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]], India
| other_names =
| occupation = Choreographer, actor
| spouse = Suganya
| children = Vijay Sivasankar, Ajay Sivasankar
| parents = Kalyana Sundaram <br> Komala Amal
| honours = [[Kalaimamani]] 2020 <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kalaimamani-award-aishwarya-rajesh-sivakarthikeyan-gautham-menon-among-awardees-143805|title = Kalaimamani Award: Aishwarya Rajesh, Sivakarthikeyan, Gautham Menon among awardees|date = 19 February 2021}}</ref>
| yearsactive = 1975–2021
}}

'''K. Sivashankar''' (7 December 1948 – 28 November 2021) was an Indian [[Choreography (dance)|dance choreographer]] who worked in more than 10 languages but majorly with [[South Indian]] films, including [[Tamil film|Tamil]] and [[Telugu film]]s.

==Early life==
Shivashankar was born in Govindappa Naicken Street, Parrys, Chennai, on 7 December 1948, to Kalyana Sundaram and Komala Amal. His father was wholesale fruit vendor in [[Kothawal Chavadi]]. His backbone was fractured at a very young age in an accident for which and recovered around 8 years of age under the extensive care of his aunts. He was initially home schooled and later studied in Hindu Theological Higher Secondary School, [[Sowcarpet]]. He attributed his feminine mannerism to his growing up without much contact with the outside world and where women in family were taking care of him mostly. His father was highly skilled with immense knowledge in [[Carnatic music]] & [[Hindu astrology|Astrology]], but very strict with his children. While his father attended carnatic music festival, Sivasankar was asked to go for drama & dance festivals to represent him. This inspired him to learn dance. He learnt basics in dance from Natraj & Sakunthala, [[Mylapore]]. Later, he joined as assistant to dance master Saleem in 1974.<ref>{{cite news|date=30 January 2020|title=Exclusive - "ஒன்றரை வயசுல முதுகுத்தண்டு உடைஞ்சிருச்சு!" - Dance Master Sivasankar|work=[[Hindu Tamil Thisai]]|location=Chennai, India|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eaF9-poHQA|url-status=live|access-date=7 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128171526/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eaF9-poHQA|archive-date=28 November 2021|via=Youtube}}</ref>

==Career==
Having worked on over 800 feature films, Sivasankar has won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer]] for ''[[Poove Unakkaga (film)|Poove Unakkaga]]'' (1996), ''[[Vishwa Thulasi]]'' (2003), ''[[Varalaru]]'' (2006) and ''[[Uliyin Osai]]'' (2008). Sivasankar won the [[National Film Award for Best Choreography]] for his work in [[S. S. Rajamouli]]'s historical drama ''[[Magadheera]]'' (2008), with the jury noting he was rewarded "for breath taking energy and innovation" in the song "Dheera Dheera Dheera".<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2010/shiva-shankar-magadheera-award-150910.html|title = Shiva Shankar bags National Award for Magadheera|date = 15 September 2010|access-date = 5 January 2018|archive-date = 6 January 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063640/https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2010/shiva-shankar-magadheera-award-150910.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/57thNFA.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235404/http://dff.nic.in/2011/57thNFA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> His experience at the official ceremony was reported in the media after he was critical of the delay in allowing him into the venue.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.myfirstshow.com/shiva-shankar-master-bitter-experience/ |title=Shiva Shankar Master bitter experience |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233547/https://www.myfirstshow.com/shiva-shankar-master-bitter-experience/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, his super-fast choreography of super hit song ''Manmadha Raasa'' for [[Thiruda Thirudi]] film was widely talked about. In 2003, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from New International Christian University, Bangalore for his services to dance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kollytalk.com/stills/doctorate-dance-master-shiva-shankar-photos-125177.html |title=Doctorate for Dance master Shiva Shankar Photos | KOLLY TALK |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233623/https://www.kollytalk.com/stills/doctorate-dance-master-shiva-shankar-photos-125177.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Sivasankar has also appeared in acting roles, notably starring as [[Ajith Kumar]]'s dance instructor in [[K. S. Ravikumar]]'s ''[[Varalaru]]'' (2006). The choreographer was asked to design the dance sequences but also the action sequences and the overall body language of Ajith, to depict him in a feminine way.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/ksrs-amazing-ajith-act--siva-shankar-master-recollects-ajith-siva-shankar-11-02-13.html|title=KSR's amazing Ajith act- Siva Shankar master recollects, Ajith, Siva Shankar|access-date=5 January 2018|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728174505/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/ksrs-amazing-ajith-act--siva-shankar-master-recollects-ajith-siva-shankar-11-02-13.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He later portrayed the role of a Christian missionary in [[Bala (director)|Bala]]'s period drama ''[[Paradesi (2013 film)|Paradesi]]'' (2013), who works to convert the religion of naive tea workers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Power-Star-approached-for-Paradesi/articleshow/19002959.cms|title=Power Star approached for Paradesi?|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=5 January 2018|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520100104/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Power-Star-approached-for-Paradesi/articleshow/19002959.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Death==
Sivasankar died from [[COVID-19]] at a private hospital in [[Hyderabad]] on 28 November 2021, at the age of 72.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Choreographer Sivashankar passes away due to COVID 19|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/choreographer-sivashankar-passes-away-due-to-covid-19/articleshow/87966325.cms|access-date=28 November 2021|work=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=कोरोना से जंग के बाद कोरियोग्राफर Shiva Shankar का निधन, सोनू सूद ने लिखा इमोशनल पोस्ट|url=https://www.aajtak.in/entertainment/bollywood-news/story/choreographer-shiva-shankar-dies-fighting-covid-sonu-sood-shares-emotional-note-tmov-1364696-2021-11-29|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Aaj Tak|date=29 November 2021 |language=hi}}</ref>

==Notable filmography==
=== As choreographer ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Film !! Language !! Notes
|-
| 1975 || ''[[Paattum Bharathamum]]'' || rowspan="5" | Tamil || Debut as Assistant
|-
| 1977 || ''[[Kavikkuyil]]'' ||
|-
| 1980 || ''Kuruvikoodu'' || Debut as Dance Master
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1983 || ''[[Saattai Illatha Pambaram]]'' ||
|-
| ''[[Mann Vasanai]]'' ||
|-
| ''[[Khaidi (1983 film)|Khaidi]]'' || rowspan="8" | Telugu ||
|-
|1984
|''[[Bobbili Brahmanna]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1986
|''[[Kashmora (1986 film)|Kashmora]]''
|
|-
|''Ukku Manishi''
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1988
|''[[August 15 Raatri]]''
|
|-
|''Maa Inti Maharaju''
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1989
|''Aakhari Kshanam''
|
|-
|''Yamapasam''
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1990 || ''[[Manaivi Oru Manickam]]'' || Tamil ||
|-
|''[[Inspector Rudra]]''
| rowspan="6" |Telugu
|
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1992 || ''[[Chitram Bhalare Vichitram]]'' ||
|-
|''Seethapathi Chalo Tirupathi''
|
|-
| ''[[Chakravyuham]]'' ||
|-
| rowspan="3" |1993
|''Inspector Jhansi''
|
|-
|''Donga Alludu''
|
|-
| ''[[Marupadiyum]]'' || rowspan="2" | Tamil ||
|-
| 1994 || ''[[En Aasai Machan]]'' ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1995 || ''[[Ammoru]]'' || rowspan="2" | Telugu ||
|-
|''Pellala Rajyam''
|
|-
| ''[[Poove Unakkaga (film)|Poove Unakkaga]]'' || rowspan="9" | Tamil ||
|-
| 1997 || ''[[Suryavamsam (1997 film)|Suryavamsam]]'' ||
|-
| 1998 || ''[[Ninaithen Vandhai]]'' ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 1999 || ''[[Thullatha Manamum Thullum]]'' ||
|-
|''[[Suyamvaram]]'' ||
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Vetri Kodi Kattu]]'' ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Thiruda Thirudi]]'' ||
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Vishwa Thulasi]]'' ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2005 || ''[[Thirupaachi]]'' ||
|-
| ''[[Allari Pidugu]]'' || Telugu ||
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Varalaru]]'' || rowspan="2" | Tamil ||
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Uliyin Osai]]'' ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2009 || ''[[Arundhati (2009 film)|Arundhati]]'' || rowspan="3" | Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Magadheera]]'' ||
|-
| ''[[Mahatma (film)|Mahatma]]'' ||
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Baahubali: The Beginning]]'' || Telugu / Tamil ||
|-
| 2021 || ''[[Maaligai]]'' || Tamil ||Only dubbed version released
|}

===As actor===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language !! Notes
|-
| 1991 || ''[[Chitram Bhalare Vichitram]]'' || Dance master || Telugu || Special appearance in a song
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Poove Unakkaga (film)|Poove Unakkaga]]'' || Himself || Tamil || Guest appearance
|-
| 2000 || ''[[James Pandu]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2003
| ''[[Pop Corn (2003 film)|Popcorn]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
|''[[Alai (film)|Alai]]'' || Dance master || Tamil ||
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Gomathi Nayagam]]'' || Himself || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2006 || ''[[Mercury Pookkal]]'' || Wedding guest || Tamil || Uncredited
|-
| ''[[Varalaru]]'' || Shivashankar's master || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Manasu Palike Mouna Raagam]]'' || Priest || Telugu ||
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Onbadhu Roobai Nottu]]'' || Dhandapani || Tamil ||
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Nadigai]]'' || Himself || Tamil || Uncredited
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Ajantha (2009 film)|Ajantha]]'' || || Kannada || Special appearance
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Kutti Pisasu]]'' / ''[[Kutti Pisasu|Cara Majaka]]'' / ''[[Kutti Pisasu|Bombat Car]]'' || Dance master || Tamil / Telugu / Kannada ||
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Gurusamy]]'' || Himself || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2012 || ''[[Ajantha (2009 film)|Ajantha]]'' || || Malayalam / Tamil || Special appearance
|-
| ''[[Godfather (2012 film)|Godfather]]'' || || Kannada ||
|-
| ''[[Sudigadu]]'' || Himself || Telugu ||
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2013 || ''[[Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya]]'' || Sowmiya's father || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Paradesi (2013 film)|Paradesi]]'' || Parisutham || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Thillu Mullu (2013 film)|Thillu Mullu]]'' || Dance master || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Potugadu]]'' || Vaidehi's dance master || Telugu ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2014 || ''[[Enna Satham Indha Neram]]'' || Kidnapper || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Aranmanai]]'' || Devotional singer || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2015 || ''[[Adhibar]]'' || Tiger Kothandaraman || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Indru Netru Naalai]]'' || Jewelry store owner || Tamil ||
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Arthanari]]'' || Ramasamy || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2017 || ''[[Engitta Modhathey]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Shivalinga (2017 film)|Shivalinga]]'' || Annalakshmi's assistant || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Nene Raju Nene Mantri]]'' || || Telugu || Special appearance in the song "Radhamma Radhamma"
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2018 || ''[[Thaanaa Serndha Koottam]]'' || Ondiveeran || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Ghajinikanth]]'' || Mohan's father || Tamil ||
|-
| ''Nadodi Kanavu'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Sarkar (2018 film)|Sarkar]]'' || Election commissioner || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="5" | 2019 || ''[[Dhilluku Dhuddu 2]]'' || Viji's neighbour || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Akshara (film)|Akshara]]'' || Dance teacher || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[N.T.R: Kathanayakudu]]'' || Vempati Chinna Satyam || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Ninu Veedani Needanu Nene]]'' || Priest || Telugu ||
|-
| ''[[Raju Gari Gadhi 3]]'' || Colony president || Telugu ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2020 || ''[[Pachai Vilakku (2020 film)|Pachai Vilakku]]'' || || Tamil ||
|-
| ''[[Biskoth]]'' || Old man || Tamil ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2021 || ''[[Engada Iruthinga Ivvalavu Naala]]'' || Master || Tamil ||
|-
| ''Climax'' || Dance Master || Telugu ||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2022 || ''[[Idiot (2022 film)|Idiot]]'' || Vijayasimha Reddy || Tamil || Posthumous release
|-
| ''[[Hero (2022 Indian film)|Hero]]'' || Dance master || Telugu || Posthumous release
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2023 || ''[[Bagheera (2023 film)|Bagheera]]'' || Officer || Tamil || Posthumous release
|-
| ''[[Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan]]'' || Ganapathy || Tamil || Posthumous release
|-
| ''[[Nene Naa]]'' || || Telugu || Posthumous release
|-
| 2025 || ''Virgin Boys'' || || Telugu || Posthumous release
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Language !! Channel
|-
|2020||''[[Naga Bhairavi]]''||Shivudu||[[Telugu (language)|Telugu]]||[[Zee Telugu]]
|-
|2021||''[[Jothi (TV series)|Jothi]]''||Hakkim Bhai||[[Tamil (language)|Tamil]]||[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]
|-
|2021||''No.1 Kodalu''||Himself||[[Telugu (language)|Telugu]]||[[Zee Telugu]]
|-
|}

==Awards and honours==
=== National Film Awards ===
* [[57th National Film Awards|2009]]: "Dheera Dheera Dheera" in ''[[Magadheera]]'' (for [[National Film Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]])<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.indiaglitz.com/2-national-awards-for-magadheera-telugu-news-60103|title = 2 National Awards for 'Magadheera' - Telugu News|date = 15 September 2010|access-date = 12 February 2020|archive-date = 13 April 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210413161228/https://www.indiaglitz.com/2-national-awards-for-magadheera-telugu-news-60103|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Choreographer===
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award|1996]]: ''[[Poove Unakkaga (film)|Poove Unakkaga]]''
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award|2004]]: ''[[Vishwa Thulasi]]''
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award|2006]]: ''[[Varalaaru]]''
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award|2008]]: ''[[Uliyin Osai]]''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0794481|Sivasankar}}

{{National Film Award Best Choreography}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sivasankar, K.}}
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:Bharatanatyam dancers]]
[[Category:Tamil male actors]]
[[Category:Indian choreographers]]
[[Category:Indian film choreographers]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian dancers]]
[[Category:Kathakali dancers]]
[[Category:Best Choreography National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Male actors in Telugu television]]
[[Category:Male actors from Chennai]]
[[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in India]]

K. Sivasankar - Revision history

KingsCharts at 17:31, 8 May 2026