Ace Kannada actor Chandrashekhar passes away in Canada

Bengaluru, Jan 27: Noted Kannada actor Chandrashekhar passed away in the wee hours of Saturday in Canada. 63-year-old artist is survived by his mother, wife and a daughter. Sources said, he had suffered a massive cardiac arrest.

Chandrashekhar had made his on-screen debut as a child artist, and got into fame as a lead actor in Edakallu Guddadamele, directed by Putanna Kanagal. The success of the film was such that 'Edakallu Guddadamele' became his first name, and he became famous as Edakallu Guddadamele Chandrashekhar.

After his marriage, Chandrashekhar moved to Canada and started working with the Indian High Commission as a visa officer.

Chandrashekhar made his debut as a director with Poorvapara, which became the first Kannada movie to be screened in Toronto Film Festival. He was last seen in the Kannada movie 'Chakravarthy' starring Challenging Star Darshan.

Chandrashekhar after an initial prolific career shifted to Canada after his marriage to dancer Sheela in 1984 and had remained away from Kannada film industry before his return in 2004 when he directed and acted in ‘Poorvapara’ with leading actress Geeta. He later shuttled between Bengaluru and Canada, doing a few supporting roles.

His daughter Tanya said he was in Bengaluru and had gone back to Canada just 10 days ago. “Yesterday night I spoke to him when he was shifted to a hospital. He only said he had a slight pain, but I got a call at around 3:30 am saying he passed away,” she told media persons. The family is yet to decide whether the body will be brought to Bengaluru or the last rites conducted in Canada.