MS Umesh
End of an era! Legendary Kannada comedian MS Umesh dies at 80
Bengaluru/IBNS: Veteran Kannada actor Mysore Srikantayya Umesh, popularly known as MS Umesh, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80, after a battle with cancer, media reports said.
Umesh, who made his film debut as a child actor in Makkala Rajya in 1960, breathed his last at Kidwai Hospital in Bengaluru, plunging the Kannada film fraternity in grief.
Known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable performances, he had acted in over 350 Kannada films during his illustrious career, earning a place as one of the most beloved comedians in Sandalwood.
Fans, colleagues, and industry insiders have expressed deep grief over the loss, remembering him as a talented actor whose work spanned decades and generations.
Career and Contributions
After his debut, he had a long break, before making a strong comeback with the film Katha Sangama (1977) — that movie and his performance (as “Thimmarayi” in the “Munithaayi” episode) brought him acclaim.
Over decades, Umesh appeared in over 350 Kannada films.
He became well‑known for his comic roles, unique dialogue delivery, facial expressions and impeccable comedic timing — earning him a reputation as a celebrated comedian in Kannada cinema.
Notable films in his filmography include: Golmaal Radhakrishna (1990), Nagara Hole (1978), Guru Shishyaru (1981), Apoorva Sangama (1984), Shruthi Seridaaga (1987), among many others.
His role as “Sithapathi” in Golmaal Radhakrishna is particularly remembered as one of the best comic roles in Kannada cinema.
Mourning his demise, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote on X, "The news of the demise of Umesh, the renowned comedian of the Kannada film industry, has brought sorrow. Through his natural acting, he entertained audiences for several decades, and to this senior soul who served Kannada cinema, heartfelt farewell. I pray that the departed soul attains eternal peace."
ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಹೆಸರಾಂತ ಹಾಸ್ಯನಟ ಉಮೇಶ್ ಅವರ ನಿಧನದ ಸುದ್ದಿ ನೋವು ತಂದಿದೆ. ತಮ್ಮ ಸಹಜ ಅಭಿನಯದ ಮೂಲಕ ಹಲವು ದಶಕಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರನ್ನು ನಗಿಸುತ್ತಾ, ಕನ್ನಡಾಂಬೆಯ ಸೇವೆಗೈದ ಹಿರಿಯ ಜೀವಕ್ಕೆ ಭಾವಪೂರ್ಣ ವಿದಾಯಗಳು.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 30, 2025
ಮೃತರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಚಿರಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. pic.twitter.com/QTrWOLpxJJ
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote on X, "The news of the passing of M.S. Umesh, a veteran comedian of the Kannada film industry, has brought immense sorrow.
"Umesh, who acted in over 350 films, made the greatest contribution to the Kannada film industry. Nagar Hole, Guru Shishyaru, Anupama, Kamanabillu, Apurva Sangama, Shruti Seeridaga, Haalu Sakkare, and Goolmaala Radhakrishna are among his prominent films. I pray that his soul finds peace and that God grants strength to his family to bear this grief."
ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಹಿರಿಯ ಹಾಸ್ಯ ನಟರಾದ ಎಂ.ಎಸ್ ಉಮೇಶ್ ಅವರ ನಿಧನದ ಸುದ್ದಿ ನೋವು ತಂದಿದೆ.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 30, 2025
350ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಸಿನಿಮಾಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಟಿಸಿರುವ ಉಮೇಶ್ ಅವರು ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ಅತಿದೊಡ್ಡ ಕೊಡುಗೆ ನೀಡಿದ್ದರು. ನಾಗರ ಹೊಳೆ, ಗುರು ಶಿಷ್ಯರು, ಅನುಪಮಾ, ಕಾಮನಬಿಲ್ಲು, ಅಪೂರ್ವ ಸಂಗಮ, ಶ್ರುತಿ ಸೇರಿದಾಗ, ಹಾಲು ಸಕ್ಕರೆ, ಗೋಲ್ಮಾಲ್ ರಾಧಾಕೃಷ್ಣ… pic.twitter.com/6Z2XtBaKXj
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