South actor Harish Rai (55) dies of cancer complications
Harish Rai, a familiar face in South Indian cinema, died on Thursday at 55 after battling thyroid cancer that had spread to his stomach.
Despite ongoing treatment, his health declined due to complications like water retention.
He spent his final days at Bengaluru's Kidwai Hospital, with news of his passing confirmed by multiple outlets.
Career highlights and notable roles
Rai made a mark with standout roles like Don Rai in Om and Chacha in the KGF films.
Over decades, he acted in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu movies—think Samara, Bangalore Underworld, Jodihakki, and more—earning respect for his versatility.
Rai's financial struggles during treatment
Rai spoke openly about the huge cost of cancer treatment—each injection was over ₹3 lakh—and had reached out for help while hoping to return to acting if he recovered.
In his last days, he was surrounded by family and friends; he appreciated support from colleagues like KGF star Yash but didn't want to ask too often.