The passing away of a legend

It has been quite turbulent times for the Kannada cine industry for the few weeks. Just as people were coming out of the shock the sudden death of C. Ashwath and Dr. Vishuvardhan, Legendary actor KS Ashwath has passed away. It can be described as eclipsed phase of Sandalwood.

Veteran Actor KS Ashwath was born in Karaganahalli Village, Arakalagudu Taluk, Hassan district on 25 May 1925 as Karagadahalli Subbarao Ashwath. He started his career as Health Inspector but soon he left the job against his family's wishes to pursue a career as an actor. He started his acting as a theatre artiste and made his debut as a hero in Striratna. To his credit he has acted in as many as 371 movies in different language which includes one English movie Seven Wonders of the World .

Ashwath's role of Chamaiyya Meshtru in Nagarahaavu will remain forever in the hearts of Kannadigas. Kitturu Chennama, Bhaktha Prahalada, Kasuri Nivasa, Naa Ninna Bidalaare, Gaali Gopura, Naagarahaavu, Nanda Deepa, Gejje Pooje, Sharapanjara, Jeenugudu, Nyayave Devaru, Bele Modagalu are some of his noted films. He has acted with legendary actor Dr.Rajkumar as many as hundred movies. He starred with the popular actors of his time like Dr.Vishnuvardhan, Ambarish, Ananth Nag, Shankar Nag. His last movie was Darshan starer Bhoopathi.

Besides being an actor, he was also a freedom fighter. He spent his last days at Sarswatipuram Nivas in Mysore. His last wish was to visit Kashi and his daughter and son had recently taken him around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Ganga Ghats in a wheelchair.

KS Ashwath's association with Sandalwood for 54 years has been remarkable. He was awarded Honorary Doctorate from Tumkur University. Interestingly he was the first supporting actor to receive Doctorate. Sandalwood will remember beloved KS Ashwath for his Simpleton, Punctuality and Discipline.

KS Ashwath passed away on January 18 2010 on Monday at Basappa Memorial Hospital Mysore due to multiple organ failure. With his death, an era in Sandalwood comes to an end. A vendor of souls might take him away from us, but not his memories.