Legendary Kannada actor, producer and director Dwarakish passed away at his Bengaluru residence on Tuesday. He was 81.
Yogish, Dwarakish’s son, told reporters that the veteran artist passed away in his sleep in the morning at his residence in Electronics City. Mortal remains of Dwarakish will be kept at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru from 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. for people to pay their last respects on Wednesday. The cremation will take place at Chamarajpet in Bengaluru
Dwarakish, who debuted as an actor with his maternal uncle Hunsur Krishnamurthy’s Veera Sankalpa in 1964, first made a mark as a comedian before going on to become a prolific producer under the banner Dwarakish Chitra in the Kannada film industry. Collaborating with Dr Rajkumar, and director Siddalingaiah, his first independent production, Mayor Muthanna was a hit, and went on to become a classic.
Dwarakish’s association with actor Vishnuvardhan is regarded as one of the most successful combinations in the Kannada film industry. He produced and acted alongside Vishnuvardhan in hits such as Kittu Puttu (1977), Singaporenalli Raja Kulla (1978), Guru Shishyaru (1981), Prachanda Kulla (1986) and Apthamitra (2004).
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As a director, Dwarakish launched Vinod Raj, the son of popular Kannada actress Leelavathi, in Dance Raja Dance. He delivered a hit as a director with Vishnuvardhan’s Rayaru Bandaru Mavana Manege. Dwarakish Chitra, which witnessed great highs and many lows, went on to produce more than 50 films.
Apthamitra was the last big hit from the Dwarakish Chitra banner. The film, a remake of the Malayalam classic, Manichitrathazhu, ran in theatres for more than a year.
As the news of his demise spread, tributes and condolences began pouring in from actors and state leaders. Talking about his Dwarakish, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth said, “The demise of my longtime dear friend Dwarakish is very painful to me.”
“I am saddened by the passing away of Dwarakish. His demise is a big loss to the Kannada film industry,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
JD (S) leader and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said, “Dwarakish was an asset to the Kannada film industry. Having worked with legends such as Dr Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh, Dwarakish’s contribution to the film industry was immense.”
Senior Kannada actors such as Jaggesh, and Doddanna spoke to reporters and paid tribute to Dwarakish while stars such as Shivarajkumar and Darshan paid condolences on social media.
