Kannada Cinema Legend Umesh Passes at 80, Leaves Behind a Rich Legacy
November 30, 2025
Family, friends, and fans offered condolences online as they mourned his loss and celebrated his enduring legacy.
Reporters note that the information is based on publicly available sources and may be updated as more verified details emerge.
Recent hospitalizations included a fall in October, with doctors noting stage-four liver cancer that had spread, limiting surgical options.
Doctors reported the cancer had spread to multiple organs, intensifying his health challenges and affecting treatment plans.
A legendary figure in Kannada cinema, Umesh built a career spanning more than six decades with a rich body of work of over 400 films and a reputation for sharp comic timing and versatile character roles.
The 80-year-old Mysore Srikantayya Umesh passed away in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness, reportedly liver cancer, with family by his side.
He began acting in childhood theatre, trained with Master K Hirannaiah’s group, joined Gubbi Veeranna’s troupe, and secured a major break with Makkala Rajya in 1960, followed by Katha Sangama in 1977 that revitalized his film career.
News of his death spurred tributes from fans and industry colleagues across social media and other platforms.
Aniruddha Jatkar publicly paid tribute on Instagram, praising Umesh as a Kannada film industry comedian.
Even amid health challenges, Umesh stayed positive, recording messages for fans and continuing to contribute to cinema with humor and memorable performances.
Daijiworld reported that Umesh’s health worsened after a fall at home, which preceded hospital visits and the discovery of an underlying illness, though his legacy remained the focal point of public response.
Observers emphasize his lasting influence on future generations of actors and cinema lovers, underscoring his enduring legacy.
Tributes highlight Umesh’s impact on the Kannada film industry and his devoted fan following.
Videos from his final days showed him joking and singing while bedridden, with visitors recalling his sustained humor.
A October fall led to medical evaluations that confirmed a late-stage cancer diagnosis, with public messages expressing gratitude toward doctors and supporters.
Condolences came from political and industry figures, including H. D. Kumaraswamy and MLA MB Patil, who recalled his laughter, performances, and impact on cinema and television.
Tributes from the Kannada arts community continued as ministers and colleagues praised his talent and offered support to his family.
Final viewing and funeral arrangements were planned at his JP Nagar residence in Bengaluru, with family by his side during this period.
His last screen appearance was in Kamal Sridevi, released this year, marking a ceremonial close to a celebrated career.
Umesh received multiple awards and was regarded as a pillar of classic Sandalwood, mentoring younger actors along the way.
Fans remembered him as the finest, hardworking, and humble actor, citing his iconic roles on social media.
His theatre background informed his acting, contributing to his reliability and success in Kannada cinema.
Among his accolades were the Karnataka State Award for Best Supporting Actor (for Katha Sangama) and Natak Akademi Award, underscoring his dramatic talents.
His notable performance as Thimmaraya in Katha Sangama earned him lasting recognition in the Karnataka State Film Awards.
He was celebrated for comic timing and versatility, with memorable roles in Guru Shishyaru and Golmaal Radhakrishna that blended humor with emotional depth.
Summary based on 10 sources
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Sources

Economic Times • Nov 30, 2025
Actor Umesh's cause of death revealed: Veteran Kannada star dies at 80. Here's what really happened
The Times Of India • Nov 30, 2025
Actor Umesh passes away at 80; Kannada cinema loses a beloved comic legend
Hindustan Times • Nov 30, 2025
Veteran Kannada actor Umesh dies | Entertainment News
The Financial Express • Nov 30, 2025
Veteran Kannada actor MS Umesh passes away at 80 after long battle with cancer; tributes pour in