One of Kannada cinema's most cherished stars has passed away. On November 30, Umesh, the seasoned actor who made audiences laugh and feel warm, died in a Bengaluru hospital at the age of 80, as reported by Asianet.
He had been quietly fighting stage-four liver cancer, and his family was with him in his last moments. According to reports, plans have been made for a farewell viewing at his JP Nagar home, allowing admirers and family members to pay their respects.
Over the course of his more than 50-year career in films, Umesh left behind a remarkable legacy. He made his screen debut in 1960 with BR Panthulu's Makkala Rajya, and he soon gained recognition for his flawless delivery of dialogue, contagious sense of humour, and ability to light up any screen.
He made appearances in over 350 films during his career, winning the affection of viewers of all ages.
His talent was officially recognised in 1975, when he won the Karnataka State Award for Best Supporting Actor for Katha Sangama.
This year, Umesh’s health took a sudden and heartbreaking turn. In October, he slipped and fell at home, initially thought to be a minor injury. But scans revealed advanced liver cancer, and planned surgery had to be cancelled.
Doctors noted that while he appeared strong, the disease had already spread to other organs.
However, Umesh's spirit remained unwavering throughout those difficult times.
Even though he was bedridden, the actor was seen singing, laughing, and making people smile in a video that recently went viral.
Actress Girija Lokesh, who paid him a visit just three days before he passed away, remembered how, in spite of the suffering, he kept cracking jokes and remained the same kind, funny person that his fans had loved for decades.
In addition to playing a significant part in Kuladalli Keelayudo, Umesh's last film role was with Kamal Sridevi this year. His joy, generosity, and kindness were more memorable than his roles or accolades.
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