The Kannada film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Harish Rai, who died after a protracted battle with thyroid cancer. Rai, who gained widespread recognition for his impactful roles in films like ‘Om’ and particularly as Khasim in Yash’s blockbuster ‘KGF’ franchise, was 55 years old. He had been undergoing treatment for his illness for over a year. His passing occurred in Bengaluru, leaving a significant void in South Indian cinema, where he had a career spanning several decades across Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films.
Harish Rai was known for his versatile performances, often portraying formidable characters that left a lasting impression on audiences. His presence in ‘KGF’ and ‘KGF 2’ cemented his status as a recognizable face in popular cinema. The actor bravely faced his health challenges, even admitting to growing a beard in ‘KGF’ to conceal the swelling caused by his illness at the time. His candidness about the financial burden of his treatment, including the substantial cost of life-saving injections, highlighted his resilience.
Despite facing immense personal hardship, Rai maintained a dignified perspective. He acknowledged past support from his ‘KGF’ co-star Yash but expressed his reluctance to repeatedly seek assistance, recognizing the actor’s busy schedule. Rai’s extensive filmography includes notable films such as ‘Samara’, ‘Bangalore Underworld’, ‘Jodihakki’, ‘Raj Bahadur’, and ‘Sanju Weds Geetha’. His contributions to cinema will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.