Veteran Kannada Actor Umesh Passes Away at 80

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Nov 30, 2025: Senior Kannada actor Umesh, a familiar face in theatre and cinema for over six decades, passed away on Sunday at around 8:35 am. He was 80.

The actor had reportedly slipped and fallen at his residence a few days ago, sustaining injuries to his leg and hip. He was admitted to a hospital where doctors performed surgery on his leg. During treatment, he was also diagnosed with liver cancer. Umesh died while undergoing care.

Born on April 22, 1945, to A.L. Seikanthiah and Nanjamma, Umesh began acting as a child, encouraged by his parents. He was mentored by Gubbi Veerana and later performed as a child artiste with MC Mahadeva Swamy’s Kannada Theatre Company. Known for his musical talent, he was adept at both the piano and harmonium.

Umesh gained prominence as a comedian in Kannada theatre and films, earning appreciation for his distinctive dialogue delivery and expressive performances.

In 1994, he won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Thamarai in the three-part film Kathasangama Munitqai. He was also honoured with the Natak Akademi Award in 1994 and the Mahanagara Palike Award in 1997.