Kannada Actor Harish Rai Passes Away at 54 After Long Battle with Cancer

Veteran Kannada cinema actor Harish Rai passed away on Thursday at the age of 55. He had been battling thyroid cancer for a long time, which gradually spread to his abdomen. He breathed his last at Kidwai Hospital in Bengaluru. The news of his death has sent shockwaves throughout the South Indian film industry and among his fans.

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Actor who made his mark with 'KGF' and 'Om' ( Harish Rai passed away )

Harish Rai played many memorable characters in his career, but he gained the most popularity for his roles as Don Rai in 'Om' (1995) and Chacha in ' KGF'. He created a unique identity in the hearts of audiences with his powerful acting, sharp dialogue delivery, and authenticity. Starting his career in Kannada cinema, Harish Rai later branched out into Tamil and Telugu films.

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Long battle with cancer

Harish Rai had been battling cancer for the past several months. His condition had become so severe that his body was extremely weak and his abdomen was swollen due to fluid accumulation. He underwent prolonged treatment, but the disease ultimately defeated him. According to a Times of India report, doctors suggested several expensive treatments. In an interview, Harish Rai stated that one injection cost ₹3.55 lakh, and three injections were required every 63 days—a cycle costing ₹10.5 lakh. Many patients required 17 to 20 injections, bringing the total cost of treatment to over ₹70 lakh. He stated that he was unable to meet these expenses, but did not lose hope.

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Got emotional support from Yash

Superstar Yash, who worked with him in 'KGF', was very close to him. In a video, Harish Rai had said, "Yash has helped me before, but I can't ask him every time. He's very busy, but I know if he finds out about my condition, he'll definitely help. I've told my family to contact Yash if anything happens,
because he'll never turn his back." This statement was a testament to the deep respect and friendship between him and Yash. Yash's fans on social media were also moved by the news and paid tribute to the actor.

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FAQs

Q1. Who was Harish Rai?

Harish Rai was a well-known Kannada film actor, who worked in superhit films like 'KGF' and 'Om'.

Q2. When did Harish Rai pass away?

He died on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Q3.How old was he?

He was 55 years old.

Q4. What was the cause of death of Harish Rai?

He had been suffering from thyroid cancer for a long time, which later spread to the stomach.

Q5. Where was Harish Rai undergoing treatment?

He was undergoing treatment at Kidwai Hospital, Bengaluru (Karnataka).

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