Veteran Kannada actor Harish Rai, known for powerful performances in such films as ‘Om’ and the blockbuster series ‘KGF’, has breathed his last after a long fight with cancer.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the news on his X account and offered heartfelt condolences. Shivakumar called Rai’s demise a huge loss to cinema.
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.x.com/Q86Ot36Nub
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 6, 2025
“The film industry has become poorer with the death of Harish Rai. He gave remarkable performances in films like ‘Om’, ‘Hello Yama’, and the ‘KGF’ series,” he tweeted in Kannada. He further prayed for the strength of the late actor’s family and loved ones to bear the pain caused by his demise. “Om Shanti,” he concluded.
Harish Rai, who had an extensive career, worked in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu films. He acted in films like ‘Samara’, ‘Bangalore Underworld’, ‘Jodihakki’, ‘Raj Bahadur’, ‘Sanju Weds Geetha’, ‘Swayamvara’, ‘Nalla’.
Even though he did several movies where he gave memorable performances, his iconic roles came in ‘Om’ and the ‘KGF’ franchise. These films catapulted him to the heights of fame and made him a household name.
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Apart from on-screen success, Rai had to fight a personal battle with cancer. He spoke about the huge costs of treatment. One injection alone would cost Rs 3.55 lakh; a cycle required three injections over 63 days, costing Rs 10.5 lakh per cycle. Some patients, he said, needed up to 20 injections, which brings the overall cost to around Rs 70 lakh.
He also expressed gratitude for his ‘KGF’ co-star Yash, who had encouraged him a few years ago. In an emotionally charged interaction with social media influencer Gopi Gowdru, he revealed his desire to get back to acting once he was healthy again.
“Yash has always helped me before. I haven’t told him about my health this time, but I know if he finds out, he will stand by me. He is just one call away, even with his busy schedule,” Rai had said. He even advised his family to reach out to Yash in case of emergencies.