Kannada cinema has lost one of its most enduring and beloved faces of humour, MS Umesh, on November 30. The actor, a popular comedian cherished across generations, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 80. He had been taken to Kidwai Hospital after he collapsed at home, where doctors diagnosed that he was suffering from fourth stage of liver cancer. Umesh didn't respond to the treatments and his health declined.
Born Mysuru Shrikantayya Umesh on April 24, 1945, his path as a performer began almost as soon as he learned to walk. By the age of four, he was already on stage with Kiran Hirannayya’s troupe, later joining the famous Gubbi Veeranna company. He entered cinema early as well, making his film debut as a child in Makkala Rajya (1960), directed by BR Pantulu. This marked the start of a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades and included over 350 films. He holds a special place in the hearts of audiences who grew up laughing with him.
From the 1970s on, Umesh became a part of Kannada households. His performances in Guru Shishyaru, Haalu Jenu, Nagarahole, Apoorva Sangama, Golmaal Radhakrishna, and Shruti Seridaaga testifies to his natural comic timing, free of artificiality. His iconic line, 'Apartha maadkobedi,' became part of everyday conversation, and his role as Seethapati in Goalmaal Radhakrishna remains a reference point even today. In 1975, he won the Karnataka State Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Katha Sangama, marking a significant moment in his long career.
Though the age caught up, he retained his smile. Just weeks ago, a video of Umesh reassuring fans about his recovery went viral, showcasing the calm optimism he always had onscreen. His last film appearance was in Daredevil Mustafa (2023), showing that acting was not just a job for him but a way of life.
Outside of the spotlight, Umesh faced deep personal loss. His son Chandrashekhar died at the age of 20 in a tragic railway accident while playing he was playing cricket. It was a pain he rarely spoke of, keeping it private. His wife of nearly 57 years, Sudha, shared through tears that they had a marriage without a single fight, based on love and companionship. “He kept telling me he would get better,” she said. “My son is gone… and now he has left too.”
Until illness interrupted, Umesh remained active and enthusiastic, even getting ready for a new television series. His absence feels personal now, as if a familiar member of every Kannada household has left us. His humour was never loud or over the top; it was gentle, charming, and rooted in everyday experiences. He warmed scenes simply by being in them.
Condolences have poured in from the film fraternity and political leaders of all stripes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called his passing painful and recognised his decades of dedicated work. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remembered his outstanding roles in some of Kannada cinema’s most loved films. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy praised him as an artist who enriched the industry with gentle humor. Minister MB Patil highlighted his journey across theater, cinema, and television, while BY Vijayendra and Dr CN Ashwath Narayan mentioned that the industry had lost a respected senior voice.