Indian director, actor, lyricist, screenwriter and story writer Joe Simon breathed his last on February 13, 2026. As shared by PTI, the star was at a meeting of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce in Bengaluru when he suddenly collapsed. Despite officials immediately taking him to hospital, he was confirmed dead at around 4:30 pm on Friday evening.
Kannada director Joe Simon passes away
Joe Simon, who has around 30 projects as a director and has contributed a lot to the Kannada film industry, is no more. After news of his demise emerged, it was revealed that according to Kannada Prabha, the star suffered a heart attack while discussing with fellow attendees at the meeting. The actor was also giving suggestions before facing declining health. He was 80 years old.
A participant in the meeting shared with The Times of India, “Shortly after leaving the meeting hall, he went to sit on the attendant’s chair and suddenly collapsed; it was a severe cardiac arrest.” The filmmaker had proposed planning a celebratory event just before the fatal fall.
During his time in the Kannada film industry, he is said to have contributed to over 100 projects. These included Sahasa Simha, Snehada Kadalalli, Simha Jodi and Mr. Vasu. He has worked with some of the most prominent names in the field and has also served as the Vice President of the Kannada Film Directors Association (KANFIDA).
The awarded artiste was from Mandya city in Karnataka, his last work was the 2019 film Payana. There will be a vigil at Rabindra Kalakshetra on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. The last rites will be performed in the evening.
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