Kannada cinema has lost one of its most recognizable talents, as actor Harish Rai breathed his last in Bengaluru after battling thyroid cancer. The 55-year-old actor, best known for his role as “Chacha” in KGF and “Don Rai” in Om, had been undergoing treatment for an advanced stage of the disease.

A Career Spanning Three Decades

Harish Rai began his journey from humble beginnings as a gold shop owner before making his way into films in the 1990s. His breakthrough came with the cult classic Om (1995), directed by Upendra, which established him as a strong screen presence in Kannada cinema. Over the years, he became a familiar face to audiences, known for his intense performances and commanding on-screen personality.

He appeared in more than 90 films across Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu languages. Some of his notable works include Operation Antha (1995), Jodi Hakki (1997), Nalla (2004), Dandupalya (2012), Sanju Weds Geetha (2011), Bangalore Underworld (2017), and the KGF series (2018, 2022), where his portrayal of Khasim Chacha earned him immense love from fans.

Health Struggles and Final Days

Reports reveal that Harish Rai had been battling Stage IV thyroid cancer, which had spread to his stomach. Despite his deteriorating condition, the actor had expressed a deep desire to return to the screen once his health improved. In a recent video shared by influencer Gopi Gowdru, Rai appealed for financial assistance to cover his expensive treatment, which reportedly cost nearly ₹10 lakh per cycle.

Rai’s condition worsened in the final months, but his willpower and love for cinema remained unshaken. During the filming of KGF: Chapter 2, he had even kept a beard to conceal swelling caused by his illness, continuing to work despite the pain.

Tributes and Legacy

Following the news of his demise, tributes poured in from fans and the film fraternity. Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar paid heartfelt condolences, calling Rai a “renowned villain actor of Kannada cinema” and expressing that his death had left a “void in the industry.”

Harish Rai’s passing marks the end of an era for Kannada cinema. He will be remembered for his versatile performances, his humble beginnings, and his indomitable spirit that continued to inspire fellow actors and fans alike.

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