Shihan Hussaini (28 December 1958 – 25 March 2025) was an Indian karate expert, actor, and public figure known for his contributions to Tamil cinema and his eccentric acts of devotion towards politician Jayalalithaa. He initially gained fame as a karate instructor, establishing a martial arts school to train young fighters. Hussaini made his acting debut with K. Balachander’s romantic drama Punnagai Mannan (1986), where he portrayed a dancer who mistreats the heroine, played by Revathi. Following his impactful debut, he was cast as an antagonist in major films like Rajinikanth’s Velaikaran (1987) and the unreleased Moongil Kottai, alongside Vijayakanth. His career extended to projects such as the Hollywood production Bloodstone (1988), Unnai Solli Kutramillai (1990) with Karthik, and Vedan (1993) featuring Sarathkumar. Though he worked on films like Naadodigal and Santharpangal, these did not see a release.

Apart from acting, Hussaini was often in the media spotlight for his dramatic world record attempts and symbolic gestures of loyalty towards Jayalalithaa. He played the lead role in My India, alongside actresses Swathi and Vani Viswanath, though this film did not gain wide attention. His final appearance on-screen was in Badri (2001), where he portrayed Vijay’s fitness coach, contributing to the memorable “Travelling Soldier” song sequence. In 2014, Hussaini announced his work on a film titled Mudivu, denying rumors of his involvement in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Yennai Arindhaal (2015). His multifaceted career spanned martial arts, cinema, and public life, making him a unique figure in Tamil Nadu’s cultural landscape.