Veteran martial artist, army veteran, and renowned stunt choreographer Shri Hassan Raghu, also known as KH Raghu, has been conferred the Padma Shri 2025 in the field of Art for his pioneering contributions to martial arts education and stunt direction in Indian cinema.
A native of Ramanagara, Karnataka, Raghu began his journey as a gymnast and combat trainer in the Indian Army, where he served with distinction during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. After retiring from the Army, he brought his skills to the silver screen, becoming one of Karnataka’s most respected stunt choreographers.
Over the years, he has worked on over 150 films, blending traditional Indian martial arts like Kalaripayattu with cinematic action. His work in the Kannada film Accident (1986) earned him the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Stunt Direction.
In 1986, Raghu founded the Karnataka Stunt Arts Academy, where he began training underprivileged youth in martial arts, gymnastics, and self-defense—providing free accommodation, education, and food to over 60 students annually. In 2006, he set up a full-fledged gurukul in Ramanagara, preserving and teaching Indian combat traditions in a structured environment.
He has also served as a guest instructor at the National School of Drama (NSD) and has choreographed action sequences for national theatre festivals. His training programs have empowered many rural youths to build careers in film, theatre, and physical education.
Upon receiving the award, Shri Raghu said,
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. My mission has always been to pass on our martial heritage and give young people a path to self-reliance and discipline.”
