BENGALURU: Sandalwood stars, politicians including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, senior artists and thousands of fans paid tribute to film producer and actor Dwarakish at Ravindra Kalakshetra on Wednesday. The last rites were held with full state honours at TR Mill in Chamarajpet.
Reminiscing about the late actor, CM Siddaramaiah said, “The demise of Dwarakish is painful for all Kannadigas. His contribution to the Kannada film industry as an actor, director, and producer is huge. He worked with legendary actors like Dr Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, and Ambareesh.”
Senior actor, producer and director V Ravichandran, after paying last respects to the legendary producer said, “Dwarakish taught us the importance of dreaming big. He was extremely important to the Kannada film industry. As his first movie was released through our banner Eshwari Productions, we were always able to remain in touch.”
Senior actor Shivarajkumar recollected, “I have known Dwarakish uncle since my childhood and he was very close to my family. His first movie with my father Rajkumar was Mayor Muthanna. Even I have acted for his production house. He was more like a family than a friend.”
Actors including Ramesh Aravind, Raghavendra Rajkumar, Kiccha Sudeepa, Yash, Dhurva Sarja, Sriimurali, producer Rockline Venkatesh, actor and Rajya Sabha MP Jaggesh, actress and Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, MLC Umashree paid their respects to Dwarakish.
The cremation was held at TR Mill in Chamarajpet. Dwarakish’s elder son Santhosh lit the pyre.