Bengaluru: Kannada actor Harish Rai passed away at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology yesterday after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 55 and is survived by his wife and two children.

Rai had reportedly been suffering from thyroid cancer that later spread to his stomach.

A familiar face across Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, Harish Rai carved a niche for himself with his intense and emotionally charged performances.

He rose to prominence for his role as Don Rai in the cult classic ‘Om’ and later earned renewed acclaim for his portrayal of ‘Chacha’ in ‘KGF’ and ‘KGF: Chapter 2,’ where audiences lauded his natural screen presence and emotional depth.

Some of his notable works include ‘Samara,’ ‘Bangalore Underworld,’ ‘Jodihakki,’  ‘Sanju Weds Geetha’, ‘Swayamvara’ and ‘Nalla.’ Mortal remains will be brought to his hometown in Udupi for the final rites today, according to family sources.