Kannada comedian Shankar dead, few pay last respects

Bangalore, Feb 28 (IANS) Kannada comedian B.K. Shankar died after a brief illness Saturday but sadly hardly any from the state's film industry paid their last respects to the actor who has worked in over 200 movies, industry sources said Sunday.

Shankar, 56, was suffering from severe jaundice and was declared dead by attending doctors in his residence. His final rites were performed in his hometown Gadag, 400 km from here, Saturday evening.

He is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters.

Shankar became popular with his trademark dialogue delivery in the Uttara Karnataka accent.

He started off with Kannada professional theatre where he was typecast to play comic roles. His first break in the film world came with "Sanchari" though it was "Aththege Thakka Soase" that was released first.

Shankar's performance in many films directed by Phani Ramachandra like "Ganeshana Maduve", "Ganeshana Galaate" and "Gowri Ganesha" were appreciated by audiences.

Unfortunately, hardly any members of the Kannada film fraternity or the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce paid their last respects to the actor who entertained film buffs during his three-decade-long film career.

Shankar had last worked in the film "Gandedhe" directed by Shiva Akula.