The year 2023 unfolded as a profoundly impactful period for the Kannada film industry, marked by the loss of numerous seasoned and middle-aged luminaries.
In this homage, we commemorate those who bid farewell to us, from the venerable Lakshman, a stalwart actor known for his villainous roles in numerous star-studded films, who passed away on January 23, to the iconic Leelavathi, a gem from the golden era of Kannada cinema.
Let us take a moment to remember all those who were integral to the Kannada film industry and left us in 2023.
The list includes Lakshman, a veteran actor with a portfolio of over 300 films, who breathed his last on January 23. Another eminent personality was Jamuna, a veteran actor in South Indian cinema, known for her contributions to Kannada films, who passed away at the age of 86.
On January 27, the esteemed Manadip Rai, renowned for his comedic roles in over 500 films, left us at the age of 73. K Vishwanath, a recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke award for his musical films, succumbed to age-related complications.
The list continues with the departure of Vani Jayaram, a popular singer, who passed away under mysterious circumstances at the age of 78, after a career spanning over 50 years. On February 20, the iconic director SK Bhagwan, part of the Dorai Bhagwan duo, known for directing a majority of Dr. Rajkumar’s films, left us at the age of 90.
In a tragic turn of events, director Kiran Govi departed at a young age, followed by the renowned South Indian actor Sharath Babu, who left us at the age of 71 with an impressive filmography of 200 films.
The industry also mourned the loss of Nithin Gopi, a young actor in films and TV, at the age of 39. CV Shivashanker, a veteran director and writer of Kannada films, bid farewell at the age of 90.
The demise of KCN Mohan, a significant figure in KCN Movies, due to a sudden heart attack at the age of 65, left a void in the industry. August 6 marked the passing of Spandana Vijaya Raghavendra at the age of 40.
Bhaskar, a veteran assistant director turned director of Dr. Vishnuvardhana films, passed away at 65. Dr. Leelavathi, a veteran actor, bid adieu at 90 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of over 300 films and a notable presence in the golden era of Kannada cinema. Dr. Leelavathi was also recognized for her significant contributions to social service.
The industry also mourned the loss of Petrol Bunk Thyagaraju, a producer and financier, and on December 26, Jolly Bastian, an action director with a repertoire of over 900 films, breathed his last at 57.
This year also saw the departure of actors Sampath J Raj, Tapori Sathya, and the acclaimed South Indian film villain, Gazan Khan. May their souls rest in peace.
