One of the fondly remembered actors of Kannada cinema, known for his firebrand nature in his youth, Harish Rai was cremated at his hometown Beedinagudde Crematorium in Ambalapadi, Udupi district, Karnataka on Friday.
The actor, popularly known in recent years as “Chaacha” from the blockbuster Kannada film KGF, passed away on Thursday, 6th November 2025, after battling cancer. His body was brought to his residence in Anjanapura, Bengaluru, for the final rites.
A prominent figure in Kannada cinema for over three decades, Harish Rai appeared in more than a hundred films across various languages. He was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and passed away at the age of 55, leaving behind his wife and two sons.
Rai gained early fame for his powerful portrayal of a don in the 1995 blockbuster Om. He went on to act in several successful films, including Bengaluru Underworld, Raj Bahaddur, Sanju Weds Geetha, Swayamvara, Bhoogata, Nanna Kanasina Hoove, Nalla, Jodi Hakki, Thayavva, Chakravarthy, Kaashi, and more recently, KGF and KGF Chapter 2, which earned him renewed recognition.
Top Indian cinema star Yash arrived soon after hearing the news of Rai’s demise and consoled the bereaved family members.
Born Harish Pujari, he came from a respected and traditional family in the temple town of Udupi. His grandfather was known for protecting cows, and Harish himself helped guard them during his childhood.
Despite facing a difficult period in his life due to involvement in a murder case, Harish Rai made a strong comeback and continued to receive steady film offers thereafter. His last release was Simharoopini, earlier this year.