K.S. Aswath remembered by filmmakers

Mysore, Jan 18 (IANS) Veteran Kannada actor K.S. Aswath, who acted in more than 350 films in a career spanning five decades, was a man of principles and revered in the industry for his simplicity, recollected filmmakers at his funeral Monday.

The actor, who died Monday at age 85, was cremated in the evening at Harischandra Ghat, beneath the Chamundi Hills in Mysore. The last rites were performed by his second son Shankar Aswath, also a cine actor.

The state government has ordered state honours for the actor while the district administration has declared a public holiday for schools and colleges in the district. The actor is survived by his wife Sharadamma and four children.

Scores of film personalities from Bengaluru and other parts of the state thronged to Mysore to pay their last respects to the actor.

Leader of opposition Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Minister Murugesh Nirani, who represented the state government, actress and president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce Jayamala, president of the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce K.C.N. Chandrashekhar visited the family members of Aswath.

Also present were actors Puneet Rajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar, Sreenagara Kitty, Jayanthi, Rajesh, Darshan, Shivaram, Ramesh Bhat, Dwarakish, Lokanath, Sreenivasa Murthy, Chethan Ramarao, Rathnakar, Sundara Raj and many others.

Aswath was known for his honesty and sincerity, a Kannada film artist said.

Aswath had announced his retirement a few years ago and despite pressures from many people in the industry, he remained firm in his decision.

Later he had to change his decision when he was compelled to do so by the Kannada movie icon Raj Kumar himself. Raj Kumar wanted Aswath to play an important role in "Shabdhavedi" (Raj's 205th film) which saw both the legendary actors return to the silver screen after a gap of nearly five years.

Aswath had acted in many films with another legendary actor Vishnuvardhan in films like "Karna", "Karunamayi", "Muththina Haara" and many others.

Aswath is known for his outstanding performances in many memorable Kannada films. He had started his career as a hero in Kannada films through "Stree Rathna" in 1956. Then he acted in films like "Pancharathna", "Jenu Goodu", "Anna Thangi", "Namma Makkalu", "Nanda Deepa", "Anuraadha" and "Miss Leelavathi".

It was his performance in "Jenu Goodu" directed by Y.R. Swamy that gave him huge popularity after which he acted in many films in important character roles. He also performed villain roles in a few films like "Jedara Bale", but somehow fans did not like him in negative roles.

Aswath would delve deep into the characters he played. He started acting in many dramas before he ventured to act in films. His memorable role was of Ranganna in the popular play "Ashada Bhoothi".

K.S. Aswath had acted in more than 350 Kannada films in his five-decade career. He had acted in many memorable roles in films like "Nagarahaavu" directed by Puttanna Kanagal, "Sipaayi Ramu" directed by Y.R. Swamy, "Ondhe Balliya Hoogalu" directed by M.S. Nayak, "Nanda Deepa" directed by M.R. Vittal, "Karna" directed by Bhargava, "Kasthuri Nivasa" directed by Bhagawan.