Mumbai : Veteran Kannada actor Harish Rai, best known for playing “Chacha” in KGF: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, passed away on Thursday after a long battle with cancer. He was undergoing treatment at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru.
According to reports, Rai had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which later spread to his stomach. In recent months, his health had deteriorated sharply due to severe water retention and swelling.
Earlier, the actor had shared a heartfelt video revealing his struggle with the high cost of cancer treatment. Each injection required for his therapy reportedly cost ₹3.55 lakh, with one cycle (63 days) amounting to nearly ₹10.5 lakh. The total expense was estimated to cross ₹70 lakh over time.
There had been reports suggesting that KGF star Yash helped him financially. However, Harish Rai had clarified that while Yash was always supportive, he had not personally approached him for assistance, expressing confidence that Yash would step in if the need arose.
Over the years, Harish Rai had appeared in several acclaimed Kannada films including Om, Samara, Bangalore Underworld, Jodihakki, Raj Bahadur, Sanju Weds Geetha, Swayamvara, and Nalla, among others.
Fans and colleagues from the film industry have expressed deep grief over his demise, remembering him as a dedicated performer and a humble human being.
May his soul rest in peace.
