MYSORE: As the news of KS Ashwath’s death spread, his numerous fans, fellow artistes and political leaders poured into his house, ‘Kalashri’, to pay their last respects.
Ashwath’s moral remains were kept at the Javare Gowda park in Saraswathipuram, where the elderly actor took his morning walk. Mayor Purushotham had directed the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) to clean up the park and the adjoining streets.
The district administration declared holiday to schools and colleges in Mysore. Deputy Commissioner P Manivannan held an emergency meeting and made arrangements to ensure that the actor’s fans could pay their last respects without any trouble. The last rites were performed with full state honours at Harishchnadra Ghat. The police had made arrangements to avoid any untoward incident.
KS Ashwath was born in Karaganahalli village of Holenarsipur taluk, Hassan district on March 25, 1925.
He started his career as Food Inspector in Mysore City Municipality.
He had an interest in acting.
He got opportunities in Akashavani and theatre and drew the attention of Director Subramanayam for his outstanding performance in a play held as part of a benefit show at Sharada Vilas college.
Ashwath played the lead role in ‘Sthreeratna’ in 1954 alongside Sandya, mother of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitha. He became popular in character roles. The veteran actor last acted in ‘Sirivantha’, directed by S Narayan.
Ashwath’s 371 film roles, included 83 films with Dr Rajkumar and 38 movies with Vishnuvardhan.
He was much appreciated for his role as a teacher in ‘Nagarahavu’ starring Vishnuvardahn.
Ashwath was the first character actor to get an Honorary Doctorate from the Tumkur University. He won many Best Supporting Actor Awards. Ashwath has also been conferred with the prestigious Dr Rajkumar award and the Rajyotsava Award.