Harish Rai, the renowned Kannada actor, passed away on Thursday at the age of 55 after a year-long battle with stage 4 thyroid cancer. He breathed his last at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and palliative care, the cancer had spread to his stomach and other organs, leading to his demise.

Rai was celebrated for his roles in films like ‘Om’ and the blockbuster ‘KGF’ series, where he portrayed memorable characters. His health struggles were well-documented, and he had openly discussed the financial burden of his treatment. He revealed that a single injection cost Rs 3.55 lakh, with three injections required per treatment cycle, amounting to approximately Rs 10.5 lakh. He mentioned that patients in similar situations could face treatment costs nearing Rs 70 lakh.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, expressed his condolences on social media, calling Rai's passing a “sorrowful event” and noting that the film industry has lost a significant talent. He highlighted Rai's contributions to cinema, recalling his performances in films like ‘Hello Yama’ and ‘Samara’.

Rai's journey in the film industry began in the 1990s, and he quickly became known for his intense portrayals of villains. He appeared in over 90 films across Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, earning a reputation for his powerful performances. His passing is a significant loss to the Kannada film industry, where he was admired for his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Harish Rai is survived by his wife and two sons, leaving behind a legacy of impactful performances that will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.