Veteran Kannada actor MS Umesh (80) dies after battling cancer
What's the story
Veteran Kannada actor Mysore Srikantayya Umesh, popularly known as MS Umesh, died in Bengaluru on Sunday. He was 80. The actor had been undergoing treatment for advanced-stage liver cancer after suffering a head injury from a fall at his home in October. His condition reportedly worsened over the last few days, leading to his demise.
Career progression
Umesh's journey from theater to cinema
Born on April 24, 1945, in Mysuru, Umesh started acting at the age of four with Master K. Hirannaiah's troupe. He later joined the Gubbi Veeranna theater company before making his film debut in 1960 with Makkala Rajya. After a brief hiatus that took him back to theater, he returned to films with Katha Sangama in 1977 and never looked back.
Lasting impact
Umesh's legacy in Kannada cinema
Over the years, Umesh appeared in over 350 films, winning the hearts of Kannada audiences with his performances in Nagara Hole, Anupama, Kaamana Billu and Venkata in Sankata. He worked alongside almost every major actor of his time including Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, and Ambareesh. In 1975, he won the Karnataka State Award for Best Supporting Actor for Katha Sangama.
Last moments
Umesh's final days were filled with humor and camaraderie
Despite his illness, Umesh maintained his trademark humor until the end. A video of him singing and joking with fellow actor Girija Lokesh from his hospital bed recently went viral, showcasing his indomitable spirit. His mortal remains will be kept at his JP Nagar residence in Bengaluru till noon before being shifted to Ravindra Kalakshetra for public homage. May he rest in peace.