Veteran Kannada actor Kashinath passed away at the Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday morning. He was 67 and had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma eight months ago, Dr Ravi Thippeswami from the Medical Oncology team at the hospital said.
He was undergoing treatment for the past two days at the hospital as his condition had deteriorated. He passed away at 7:45am.
Kashinath hails from Kundapura in Udupi district and is survived by his son Abhimanyu and daughter Amruthavarshini.
The 1980s is popularly called 'Kashinath's yuga' in Sandalwood, as all his films were successful in this period. He has acted in over 40 movies. His last film was Chowka which released in 2017.
Kashinath began his career in films as a director and the first movie he directed was Aparoopada Athithigalu. He also directed a suspense thriller in 1978 and was credited with creating a new wave in Kannada cinema.
He made his acting debut with Anubhava in 1984.
Some of his well-known films are Anubhava, Anantana Avantara Avale Nanna Hendthi and Hendathi Andhray Haygirabeku.
His film Ajagajaanthara (1991) was remade in Hindi as Judaai (1997) starring Anil Kapoor, Sridevi and Urmila Matondkar. His film Avale Nanna Hendthi (1988) was remade in Hindi as Jawani Zindabad (1997) starring Aamir Khan.
Kashinath was also reportedly the god father to many Kannada actors and directors such as actor Upendra and directors V Manohar and Sunil Kumar Desai.
Condolences have been pouring in for the senior actor from the industry.
"I still can't believe he is dead. He introduced me to films. He is my godfather. He taught me acting. He is like a father to me. I was still very young that time. He was very patient and taught me extremely well. Is so heartbreaking," an emotional actor Abinaya said.
One of the most innovative, talented actor, #Kashinath, passed away today. May his soul #RestInPeace. pic.twitter.com/w4wv3LQ1OM
— Puneeth Rajkumar (@PuneethOfficial) January 18, 2018
RIP Kashinath sir
— Harshika Poonacha (@actressharshika) January 18, 2018
U have made us laugh in all your movies and proved that no actor can replace… https://t.co/iR2TLW6rYg
This was the final selfie with https://t.co/DT3aUJ3NSk Kashinath pic.twitter.com/542rfuyLCO
— Ramesh Aravind (@Ramesh_aravind) January 18, 2018
I am so saddened to know about the demise of Kashinath sir.He was a kind & a learned man. RIP pic.twitter.com/617IT55dO7
— Ganesh (@Official_Ganesh) January 18, 2018
RIP Kashinath Sir. He brought a change in the way cinemas were made. Brought a whole lot of talent like uppi sir to the industry. Shocked by the news.
— Karthik Gowda (@Karthik1423) January 18, 2018
Shocked and extremely saddened to hear about the passing on of Kashinath Sir.Praying that his soul finds peace.Strength, love and prayers for his family
— Priyanka Upendra (@priyankauppi) January 18, 2018