Kannada comedy actor Sanketh Kashi dies of heart attack; his fans mourn his death

Kannada comedy actor Sanketh Kashi died of a heart attack at a private hospital in Mandalpalya, Bangalore on Saturday afternoon. His sudden death has shocked and saddened his fans across the globe.

Sanketh Kashi had been suffering from heart-related ailments for the last four years. He was admitted to the private hospital in the city three days ago, when he complained of respiratory problems. He breathed his last at 3.30 pm on Saturday, while he was undergoing treatment at the hospital, according to his family.

Kashi, who hailed from Shivamogga, was a B.Sc gradute and he started his career as a theatre artiste. He was closely associated with late actor Shankar Nag's Sanketh troupe. He made his debut in films with "Madhu Masa" in 1989 and he acted in more than 115 films. He played comic roles in most of these movies and he won the hearts of audiences with his uniuqe mannerisms and dilogue delivery.

Sanketh Kashi had also played the lead role in "Nanna Hendathi Chennagidale." Fans remember him for his dual role in "Ulta Pulta," which was inspired by Shakespeare's play "Comedy of Errors." "Kirathaka," "Manedevru," "Annayya," "Mangalya Thanthu Naanena," and "Aramane" are some of his other popular films. (Click here to see the complete list of movies that Kashi acted in).

Kashi was a 62-year-old bachelor and is survived by his mother Chinnamma, brother Renuka Vijay and sister Sudha. His cremation will take place at Veerashaiva cemetry in Banashankari, Bangalore on Sunday. Actress Umashri, Rangayana Raghu, RamaKrishna, director MD Shridhar, politician V Somanna and a host of others visited his residence and paid their tributes to the actor.

Soon after hearing the hearing the sad news about Sanketh Kashi's death, many fans took to Twitter to pay their tributes. Here are some of their comments:

Shashiprasad S M ‏@smshashiprasad

Actor Sanketh Kashi, 62 dies of heart attack. Acted in more than 120 films and known for his dual role in #UltaPalta

Manjunath ‏@lr_manjunath

RIP #Sankethkashi, ultapalta and nammura Mandara hoove one of the my favts.

Raveen gawda hulike ‏@praveen22039578

Karnataka comedy acter sanketh kashi die yesterday all people prayer miss you panchaithi parameshi

Huligesh kavalar ‏@HKavalar

The great kannada comedy actor Sanketh kashi is no more.feel very sad to say.i pray his soul rest in peace.............!!!

Mystic Heart ‏@MysticHeart25

One of my most watched movies : Ulta Palta. The star of it Sanket Kashi is no more:( RIP

vktkv ‏@Vktkv

Sad to the hear about the demise of veteran Kannada film/theatre actor Kashi (also known as Sanket Kashi)

Rohit Padaki ‏@rohitpadaki

Deeply regret the demise of a versatile actor Shri.Sanketh Kashi. Met him while I was shooting Divided a tv show.Rip

Sandeep Kumar ‏@sandeeppublic

the great kannada actor Sanketh Kashi is no more.. sandalwood missed one more legend actor .. lets his RIP

Bharatish Shanbhag ‏@ImRatish10

Sanket Kashi. One of d finest comedy actor of sandalwood is no more. #RIP Kashi. Ur best performance I remember is double role with Ramesh.

JAYANTH A ‏@jayanthgowda971

Kannada actor, great comedian sanketh kashi is no more RIP