Shivaram, the veteran actor, director and producer who predominantly worked in Kannada cinema, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Saturday. He was 83.
The actor collapsed at his residence on Tuesday night, while performing pooja at the Ayyappan shrine. He was rushed to Prashanth Hospital, Bengaluru, where he had been undergoing treatment all week. However, his condition deteriorated and he breathed his last on Saturday.
Addressing the media, Shivaram’s son S Lakshmish confirmed that the actor had passed away. He thanked the doctors, media, and Kannada film fraternity for being supportive. “The doctors at the Prashanth Hospital did their best to help him recover but unfortunately, destiny had its plan. We have to accept it,” he added.
Speaking to Silverscreen India earlier, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President DR Jairaj, who had visited the actor at the hospital on Friday, mentioned that Shivaram had suffered a head injury and his condition was not encouraging due to age-related factors. The actor was on ventilator support in the ICU, he had added.
He had further noted that Shivaram was a versatile actor, a good producer, a man of principle, and a very down-to-earth person. “He recently attended the Puneeth Namana event,” Jairaj added.
Earlier, during a media briefing on Saturday morning, Dr Mohan, who was treating the actor at Prashanth Hospital, mentioned that Shivram’s health was deteriorating. He noted that they were unable to do an MRI as his blood pressure was unstable. The doctor also explained that the actor’s heart had compressed and water had filled in the lungs. Since multiple organs were involved, the chances of improvement were very less, he added.
Born in Choodasandra village in the erstwhile Madras Presidency in 1938, Shivaram moved to Bengaluru after completing his primary education. Later, he developed a liking for cinema and began assisting various directors.
Shivaram made his acting debut in 1965 with Beretha Jeeva. He portrayed both comic and supporting roles. In a career spanning over six decades, he is best known for his performances in director Puttanna Kanagal’s films such as Sharapanjara, Naagarahaavu and Shubhamangala.
He also played comic roles in films like Chalisuva Modagalu, Shravana Banthu, Haalu Jenu and Hombisilu, among several others. He essayed the lead role in Driver Hanumanthu (1980), a film he also co-produced.
Shivaram, along with his elder brother S Ramanathan, produced several films under their Rashi Brother banner. Some of these include the Kannada films Gejje Pooje, Upasane, Nanobba Kalla, and the Tamil film Dharma Durai (1991). They also produced the 1985 Hindi film Geraftaar, which featured actors Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth.
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Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj S Bommai shared his condolences on the actor’s passing. “The death of Shivaram, a veteran of Kannada cinema, is a sad thing. It is an insurmountable loss for Kannada cinema. May God grant peace to his soul,” he tweeted in Kannada.
Former Indian cricket coach Anil Kumble also condoled the demise of the actor. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shivaram Anna. He was an icon, an institution and leaves behind a rich legacy. Huge loss to the Kannada film industry. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and well wishers.”