Artiste Ratnakar passes away

The final rites will be held at Harishchandra Ghat at the foothills of Chamundi.  Ratnakar had acted in more than 300 Kannada films with ‘Vichitra Prapancha’ being his first one.

Starting his career during 1960s, Ratnakar carved a niche for himself with his squeaky trembling trademark voice. Referred among most talented comedians in Kannada film industry who acted with top actors of his yore such as Rajkumar, Pandharibayi, Narasimharaju, Balakrishna, Vishnuvardhan among others.

Acting was an anathema of sorts within Ratnakar’s family of priests. His original name was Kollooru Manjunatha Bhatta. Bhakta Kanakadasa, Satya Harishchandra, Swarna Gowri, Navajeeva, Karulina Kare, Ananda Bhairavi and Guru Shishyaru are some of his films. He had even tried his hand at direction with Bhagya Devate, Shani Prabhaava and Bandhavya.

Despite a career spanning across 60 years, Ratnakar lived a life of penury, struggling to make ends meet. He leaves three sons and daughters in law. His wife Mookambike passed away 18 years ago.