The Kannada film industry is in mourning after the news of director and producer Katte Ramachandra's passing away due to age-related illness in Bengaluru on Friday. He was 75. According to reports, the filmmaker's last rites are expected to be performed later today by family members. In a career spanning more than four decades, Ramachandra has directed and produced several films and television serials, while also making appearances in a number of ventures.
The news of Ramachandra's demise has come as a big shock to many in the Kannada film fraternity, who have been expressing their condolences on social media. Popular Kannada actor and former Bigg Boss Kannada season 7 contestant Harish Raj has paid his tribute and remembered the late filmmaker for introducing him to the industry. Taking to Instagram, the actor wrote, "Katte Ramachandra sir. The person who gave me my first opportunity ever and put me in front of camera in 1996-97 You Will always be remembered sir... May your soul Rest In Peace."
Born on February 15 1947, Ramachandra directed iconic Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan in Vaishakada Dinagalu in 1993. He has also produced popular Kannada serials like Alegalu and Mane Mane Kathe, while making appearances in films namely Prema Mathsara, Grahana, Nammamma Thayi Annamma and Ondu Premada Kathe to name a notable few. Ramachandra also served as a voice artist and dubbed for many artists in Kannada ventures like Chomanda Dudi, Ghatashraddha and Geejagana Godu. He went on a hiatus and stepped away from the limelight due to age-related factors.