Veteran Kannada actor MS Umesh passes away

Bengaluru: Veteran Kannada film actor Mysore Srikantayya Umesh, widely known as M.S. Umesh, passed away on Sunday after battling cancer. He was a prominent face in Kannada cinema, having appeared in more than 350 films over a career spanning several decades.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar condoled the actor’s death, calling it a major loss for the Kannada film industry.

Umesh was celebrated for his comic timing and memorable roles in films such as Nagarahole, Guru Shishyaru, Anupama, Kamanabillu, Apoorva Sangama, Shruti Seridaga, Haalu Jenu, and Golmaal Radhakrishna.

He began performing as a child artiste in stage productions before landing the lead role in the 1960 film Makkala Rajya. Over the decades, he went on to become one of the most recognisable supporting actors in Kannada cinema, working with several leading directors and stars.

Umesh was a versatile actor. He got the Karnataka State Film Award in 1975 for best supporting actor in 'Katha Sangama' and the Karnataka Nataka Akademy Award in 2013 for his contribution to theatres.

Condoling his demise, JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy said he was deeply saddened to hear the news.

"Umesh would make audiences float in a sea of laughter through his fresh humour," he said.

"Having delivered captivating performances in numerous films including 'Guru Shishyaru', 'Haalu Jenu', 'Apurva Sangama', his departure is a huge loss to the Kannada art world," Kumaraswamy said in a post on 'X'.