Veteran Kannada film actor S Shivaram dies of brain hemorrhage

Senior Kannada film actor, director and producer S Shivaram passed away in a hospital in Bengaluru Saturday as a result of a brain hemorrhage. He was 83.Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, his son S Lakshmish said, “My father Shivaram is no more with us. Doctors at Prashant Hospital had done their best to help him recover but unfortunately destiny had its plan. We have to accept it.” Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who mourned his demise, said the last rites will be performed on Sunday with full state honours.

Born on January 28, 1938 in a Tamil Brahmin family, Shivaram, popularly known as Shivaramanna, had been a versatile actor who played various roles ranging from hero to supporting character in over 60 movies, besides directing and producing films. He started his acting stint with ‘Beratha Jeeva’ in 1965 but made a mark with the movie ‘Dudde Doddappa’ and ‘Lagna Patrike’.Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai paid his condolences saying, “Shivaram’s contribution to Kannada film industry is immense. He has left his stamp as assistant director, director, producer and actor in his six decade long professional life in Kannada filmdom. He made a mark as an actor in films like Sharapanjara, Shubhamangala, Nagarahavu directed by Puttanna Kanagal. The death of Shivaram even before the Kannada film industry could recover from the death of Puneeth Rajkumar has caused huge loss for Kannada cinema.” Alone with his brother S Ramanathan, Shivaram began a production house named “Rashi brothers” and went on to produce movies such as Gejje Pooje and Upasane. He also directed the movie Hrudaya Sangama in which legendary actor Dr Rajkumar and Bharathi played main roles.