Home / Arts and Entertainment / Beloved KGF Franchise Star Harish Rai Passes Away After Battle with Thyroid Cancer
Beloved KGF Franchise Star Harish Rai Passes Away After Battle with Thyroid Cancer
6 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Veteran Kannada actor Harish Rai dies at 55 after prolonged cancer battle
- Rai was known for roles in KGF franchise and Shivarajkumar's Om
- Karnataka Deputy CM pays tribute, calls Rai's death a "sorrowful event"
On November 6, 2025, the Kannada film industry mourned the loss of veteran actor Harish Rai, who passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged battle with thyroid cancer. Rai was widely recognized for his portrayal of Khasim, Rocky Bhai's chacha, in the popular KGF franchise, as well as his role as a don named Roy in the 1995 film Om, starring Shivarajkumar.
According to a Deccan Herald report, Rai's cancer had spread from his thyroid to his stomach, leading to his untimely demise. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, expressed his condolences in a social media post, describing Rai's passing as an "extremely sorrowful event" and praising the actor's wonderful performances in films like Om, Hello Yama, KGF, and KGF 2.
Throughout his career, Rai had appeared in several other popular Kannada films, including Samara, Bangalore Underworld, Jodihakki, Raj Bahadur, Sanju Weds Geetha, Swayamvara, and Nalla. However, it was his roles in the KGF franchise and Om that brought him widespread recognition and immense love from fans. Rai is survived by his wife and two sons, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved and talented actor in the Kannada film industry.
