Bengaluru, 25 December (H.S.) : Looking back from the final month of 2025, the year stands out as one of profound loss for the Kannada film industry. It was a year that took away stalwarts who had dedicated decades to art and culture—senior actors, legendary comedians, dependable character artistes, theatre veterans, television personalities, technicians, and promising young talents. One after another, these pillars of creativity departed, leaving the entire film fraternity immersed in grief.
Not only actors and actresses, but directors, dialogue writers, theatre practitioners and technical experts were also lost. As a result, 2025 will be remembered in the history of Kannada cinema as a “year of silent mourning.”
Demise of ‘Abhinaya Saraswathi’ B. Saroja Devi
A towering figure of Indian multilingual cinema and fondly known as “Abhinaya Saraswathi,” veteran actress B. Saroja Devi passed away on July 14 due to age-related ailments.
Born on 07 January, 1938, she entered the film industry at the age of just 17 and created history by winning a National Award early in her career with Mahakavi Kalidasa. Having shared the screen with legendary actors across Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema, her passing marked an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.
When the Pillar of Comedy Fell
Renowned comedian M.S. Umesh, who succumbed to cancer on 30 November, was synonymous with the golden era of Kannada film comedy. With performances in over 350 films including Guru Shishyaru, Halu Jenu and Apoorva Sangama, Umesh was equally admired for his contributions to theatre.
Another major loss came on 15 January with the demise of Sarigama Viji, a versatile artiste who excelled in comedy and theatre. He acted in more than 269 films, worked as an assistant director in 80 films, and left his mark in over 2,400 television serials!
Loss of Strong Character Actors
Veteran character actor Bank Janardhan, who passed away on 14 April due to age-related illness, was regarded as one of the most dependable supporting actors in Kannada cinema. With over 500 films to his credit, his unique style made him a familiar and beloved presence among audiences.
Actor Harish Rai, remembered by the younger generation for his role as ‘Chacha’ in KGF, passed away on 06 November after battling cancer. Similarly, Dinesh Mangaluru, who died on 25 August due to brain haemorrhage, made invaluable contributions not only as an actor but also as an art director in Sandalwood.
A Heavy Blow to Theatre and Cinema
Popular theatre and film comedian Raju Talikote passed away on 13 October following a cardiac arrest. He became a household name through the iconic play Kaliyugada Kuduka and was also a participant in Big Boss Kannada.
The theatre fraternity suffered another major loss on 29 September with the demise of veteran stage artiste Yashwanth Sardeshpande, a rare talent who achieved excellence across theatre, television and cinema.
Untimely Demise of Young Talents
The sudden death of Comedy Khiladigalu fame Rakesh Poojary due to a heart attack on 12 May sent shockwaves across the industry.
Young actor Santosh Balraj, considered a promising talent of Kannada cinema, passed away at the age of just 38 on 05 August after suffering from jaundice.
Actor Channegowda, popularly known as ‘Gaddappa’ from the acclaimed film Thithi, who passed away on 22 November, and television actor Sridhar Nayak, who died on 26 May due to illness, also became part of the year’s long list of painful losses.
In Retrospect
Overall, 2025 will be remembered by the Kannada film industry not for milestones and achievements, but for grief and irreparable loss. The passing of legends and young talents alike served as a poignant reminder of both the immortality of art and the fragile, fleeting nature of human life.
Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa
