Veteran Kannada actor MS Umesh passed away at the age of 80 after battling liver cancer, leaving the Kannada film industry and his fans in deep mourning. The actor, who was admitted to the hospital last month after slipping and falling at home, was known for his memorable performances in films like Sankata as Venkat and Golmaal Radhakrishna.

according to TV9 KannadaThe actor’s last rites were performed on November 30, 2025, at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru, where Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar paid tribute to him. As news of his death spread, tributes began pouring in on social media from colleagues, public figures and fans.

National Award-winning actor and director Anirudh Jatkar shared an emotional message on Instagram along with a picture of Umesh, which he wrote in Kannada, which translates as, “Comedian of Kannada film industry MS Umesh sir is no more.”

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also paid emotional tribute to X. His post read, “I am deeply saddened to hear the demise of renowned comedian Shri MS Umesh. Umesh, who used to make the audience laugh in the ocean through his fresh humor, is an actor who enriched the Kannada film industry.”

He further added, “After giving captivating performances in many films including ‘Guru Sishyaru’, ‘Halu Jenu’, ‘Apoorva Sangma’, his passing is a huge loss to the Kannada art world. May Sriyutha rest in eternal peace, and may God give his family and fans the strength to bear this loss. Om Shanti (sic).”

Karnataka MLA MB Patil also expressed his condolences, writing, “The sad news of the demise of MS Umesh, the renowned comedy artist of Kannada cinema, is heart-wrenching. His artistic career, which began on the stage, extended to cinema and television, where he made his unique mark and won the hearts of the audiences. His role as ‘Sitapati’ in the film Gulli Mali Radhakrishna is unforgettable. May MS Umesh’s soul rest in eternal peace, and I pray to God that he May his family and fans bear this loss #MSUMesh.”

During his illustrious career, MS Umesh acted in many critically acclaimed films and became one of the most beloved comedians of Kannada cinema. His work in films like Thappu Thalangal, Kiladi Jodi, Makkala Rajya, Katha Sangam, Anta, Guru Shishyaru and many others is known for his impeccable comic timing and natural charm on screen.