Trigger warning: This article contains references to a person’s death.
Veteran Kannada actor Mysore Srikantayya Umesh, widely known as MS Umesh, passed away on Sunday, November 30, at the age of 80 after a long battle with liver cancer. The respected actor was unwell for some time and was recently admitted to Kidwai Hospital, where he breathed his last. His demise has sparked a wave of mourning in the Kannada film industry and actors, political leaders and fans are paying tribute to him.
A legacy that spans six decades
Umesh’s career spanned over 60 years, during which he acted in over 400 films. Known for his inimitable comic timing, emotional acting and memorable character roles, he has been one of the most versatile actors of Sandalwood. His journey in cinema began as a child artiste in BR Panthulu’s Makkala State in 1960, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that shaped Kannada entertainment.
Throughout his career, he shared screen space with many stalwarts including Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh and Ananth Nag. His roles in films like Guru Shishyaru, Golmaal Radhakrishna, Katha Sangam, Nagar Hole, Kamna Billu, Apoorva Sangam and Shruti Seridaga remain favorites among the audience.
Backward Class Welfare and Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Thangadagi expressed deep grief over the actor’s death. In a condolence message he said, “Umesh is one of the most talented actors in the film industry. It is unfortunate that a wonderful artist with such soulful acting passed away due to cancer. In his demise, the Kannada film industry has lost an outstanding artist. May his fans and family have the strength to bear the loss.”
Know here what happened before his death
According to a report in Daijiworld, Umesh’s health worsened after he slipped and fell at home, leaving him with injuries that required immediate medical attention. After being taken to the hospital, doctors discovered his more serious underlying condition. However, his decades-long contribution remained the focus of tributes following the news of his demise.
Born on April 24, 1945, to AL Srikantayya and Nanjamma, Umesh started performing through theater and stage shows at an early age. His passion for acting has earned him several honours, including the Karnataka Natak Akademi Award in 1994 and the City Corporation Award in 1997. His autobiography, Bannada Hour received praise and won the Visvesvaraya Pratishthan Award.
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