Veteran Kannada actor Umesh, known for working in more than 350 films, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Reportedly, the 80-year-old actor had been fighting stage-four liver cancer. He started his career as a child actor and did many stage shows. In 1960, he made his debut with the Kannada film Makkala Rajya.
After his debut at the age of 15 in Makkala Rajya, he moved back to doing stage shows, and in 1977, made a comeback with the film Katha Sangama. The movie was an anthology, and the actor won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film.
He later starred in Nagara Hole, Guru Shishyaru, Anupama, Kaamana Billu, Apoorva Sangama, Shruthi Seridaaga, Shravana Banthu, Malaya Marutha, Golmaal Radhakrishna, Neenu Nakkare Haalu Sakkare, Venkata in Sankata, and others.
Karnataka Ministers Mourn Demise Of Umesh
The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, took to X to mourn the demise of the veteran actor. He tweeted, "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 (sic)."
The Deputy CM of the state, DK Shivakumar, tweeted, "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. Om Shanti (sic)."
We at The Free Press Journal pray that Umesh's soul rests in peace.
