Renowned Kannada actor Harish Rai, celebrated for his roles in films like Om and the KGF series, has died after a struggle with cancer. Harish Rai was a prominent figure in South Indian cinema, contributing to Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films over the years.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the news on his X account, offering his condolences. Shivakumar noted the industry’s loss of a remarkable talent.
“The death of Harish Rai, a celebrated villain in Kannada cinema, is profoundly sad. The film industry is diminished by the passing of Harish Rai, who bravely battled cancer. His performances in films such as Om, Hello Yama, and both KGF films were exceptional and captivated audiences,” he wrote in Kannada.
“I hope his soul finds peace and that God gives strength to his grieving family and friends to endure this sorrow. Om Shanti,” he added.
ಕನ್ನಡದ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಖ್ಯಾತ ಖಳನಟರಾದ ಹರೀಶ್ ರಾಯ್ ಅವರು ನಿಧನರಾಗಿರುವುದು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದುಃಖಕರ ಸಂಗತಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ನಿಂದ ಬಳಲುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹರೀಶ್ ರಾಯ್ ಅವರ ನಿಧನದಿಂದ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗ ಬಡವಾಗಿದೆ.
ಓಂ, ಹಲೋಯಮ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಕೆಜಿಎಫ್ ಮತ್ತು ಕೆಜಿಎಫ್ 2 ಸಿನಿಮಾಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಹರೀಶ್ ರಾಯ್ ಅವರು ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿ ನಟಿಸಿ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಗಮನಸೆಳೆದಿದ್ದರು. ಹರೀಶ್… pic.twitter.com/Q86Ot36Nub
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 6, 2025
Rai also starred in popular Kannada films like Samara, Bangalore Underworld, Jodihakki, Raj Bahadur, Sanju Weds Geetha, Swayamvara, and Nalla.
