News Kannada

Coronavirus update: Kannada producer Ramu dies of COVID-19

He made his debut in 1993 with the Kannada film Golibar and had backed over 40 projects. He was also a popular distributor. 

Photo: Courtesy Wikipedia

Renowned Kannada producer Ramu, who was hospitalized after testing positive for the coronavirus four days ago, has died. He is survived by his wife — the action star Malashri, a son and daughter. 

Ramu made his debut as a producer with the Kannada film Golibar (1993) and had backed over 40 projects. He was also a popular distributor. 

Known as ‘Koti’ Ramu in the industry, some of his popular projects include Lockup Death, AK47, Kalasipalya, Circle Inspector, Simahada Mari, Hollywood and Auto Shankar. 

He produced quite a few films starring Malashri. 

Ramu’s latest release was the Kannada romantic drama 99 (2019), a remake of the Tamil film 96 (2018). He was gearing up for the release of Arjun Gowda last year but the project was postponed due to the pandemic. 

News of Ramu’s death has sent shockwaves across the Kannada film industry. Several celebrities took to Twitter to pay their respects. 

Actor Puneeth Rajkumar tweeted, “One of the most passionate Movie Producers of KFI, Ramu Sir is no more. RIP (sic). 

Actor Ganesh was at a loss for words. 

Actor-producer Rakshit Shetty wrote, “My deepest condolence on the passing away of Ramu sir. Sending love & strength to his family and dear ones to cope with the loss (sic).”