Sandalwood actor Harish Rai passed away at 55 after a prolonged battle with thyroid cancer. Known for adding depth to negative and supporting roles, he became a familiar face in Kannada cinema over three decades. Audiences across India best remember him as Khasim Chacha in KGF, where his gravel-voiced presence left a lasting impact.
Rai had reportedly been undergoing treatment for years and kept his illness private until a video from his hospital bed surfaced in October. The cancer had spread to his stomach, with each injection costing around Rs. 3.55 lakh. After the video drew public attention, actors like Dhruva Sarja stepped in to support him, and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar referred to him as “our own De Niro,” reflecting his standing in the industry.
His family in Bengaluru is now preparing for the final rites, and his body will be taken to his native village. Tributes have been pouring in from fans and colleagues, with many revisiting KGF and circulating his memorable line, “Idhu gold field, idhu blood field,” in honour of his contribution to Kannada cinema. We at 123telugu express our deepest condolences on the passing of Harish Rai.
