Kannada Actor Harish Rai Passes Away at 55 After Cancer Battle

Remembering a Versatile Talent from Om to KGF

Veteran Kannada actor Harish Rai, known for his powerful performances, particularly his memorable roles in the cult classic Om and the global hit KGF series alongside actor Yash, has sadly passed away. He was 55. The actor lost his long battle with cancer and is survived by his wife and two sons.

Deputy Chief Minister Mourns the Loss of the ‘Renowned Villain’

The news of his passing was confirmed by high-profile political figures, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter).

In a heartfelt post written in Kannada, Shivakumar acknowledged the deep loss to the industry:

“The passing away of Harish Rai, the renowned villain actor of Kannada cinema, is an extremely sorrowful event. The film industry has become poorer with the death of Harish Roy, who was suffering from cancer.”

He further highlighted Rai’s standout filmography, adding: “In films including Om, Hello Yama, as well as KGF and KGF 2, Harish Roy had acted wonderfully and attracted everyone’s attention. I pray that his soul attains peace and that God grants strength to his family and loved ones to bear this loss. Om Shanti.”

A Career Defined by Powerful Screen Presence

Over the course of his decades-long career, Harish Rai established himself as a versatile performer, commanding the screen with his ability to portray intense and layered characters.

His extensive filmography includes numerous hit films such as Samara, Bangalore Underworld, Jodihakki, Raj Bahadur, Sanju Weds Geetha, Swayamvara, and Nalla.

However, it was his roles in the Shivarajkumar-starrer Om and Prashanth Neel’s KGF franchise that brought him widespread, cementing his place in the hearts of audiences across South India. Rai worked across Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films, earning both critical acclaim and widespread audience admiration. His passing truly marks the end of an era for South Indian cinema.