R Nagendra Rao a.k.a. Rattihalli Nagendra Rao (Rao) was an Indian film writer, actor and director. At the age of eight, Rao started his career by acting in Kannada plays. He married twice and had four children. Rao contribuited in various hit Kannada films including Professor Huchuraya, Veera Kesari and Ranadheera Kanteerava. Rao was honored with the Padma Shri in 1976.