Kannada actor Mangaluru Dinesh, ‘Shetty’ of KGF, dies at 63

The theatre artist-turned-actor, who also worked on nearly 200 films as an art director, passed away after prolonged illness. His last rites will be held in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Bengaluru: Kannada actor Mangaluru Dinesh, remembered for his role as gold smuggler Shetty in the KGF franchise, died at a hospital in Kundapura on Monday morning. He was 63.

Starting out in theatre, Dinesh entered cinema as an assistant director before moving into art direction, working on nearly 200 films, according to filmmaker and close associate P Seshadri.

“He was witty and jovial. His death is unfortunate,” said Seshadri, recalling Dinesh’s contributions to his films Atithi, Bettada Jeeva and Beru.

As an actor, Dinesh featured in Ulidavaru Khandante, Kirik Party, Rickey, Atithi, and Aa Dinagalu, among several others.

In recent years, he had settled in Kodachadri, where he ran a small farm, and had been ailing.

He is survived by his wife and two children. His mortal remains will be brought to Bengaluru, with last rites scheduled in Laggere on Tuesday evening.