Bengaluru, May 13 (AHN) As news spread of Kannada film and television actor-producer Dileep Raj passing away in the early hours of Wednesday following a heart attack, condolences poured in.

According to sources close to the family, he was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Kumaraswamy Layout after suffering a cardiac arrest, but did not respond to treatment and breathed his last at the hospital.

His mortal remains have been kept at the hospital premises for family members, friends and members of the Kannada film industry to pay their last respects. Several politicians, actors and personalities from the Kannada film fraternity expressed grief over his untimely demise, describing it as a major loss to the industry.

BJP State President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, expressed grief over the demise of Dileep Raj, stating that he was deeply shocked to hear the news of his passing.

In a condolence message issued in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said Dileep Raj had won the hearts of people through his performances in films such as 'Milana' and 'U Turn.'

He prayed that God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to his family members and fans to bear the immense grief.

Actor Ganesh recalled his long association with Dileep Raj and expressed shock and grief over his untimely demise. Speaking about their journey together, Ganesh said he was deeply saddened by the news and found it difficult to come to terms with the loss.

“I do not know what to say. It is extremely painful. Dileep Raj was a wonderful person and an excellent actor. We were all part of a small group. We came together after completing college and used to perform plays in theatre. Among our group, Dileep was the first to gain popularity,” Ganesh said.

He further remembered Dileep Raj as a talented dancer and a hardworking individual.

“He was an outstanding dancer, and watching him perform always made us happy. There was a serial called ‘Preethigagi’ in which Kitty and Dileep acted together. We would often visit the shooting sets. I have known Dileep since the early days of our careers. He was extremely hardworking,” he said.

Expressing shock over Dileep Raj’s death at a relatively young age, Ganesh said, “He was still very young. We are all shocked that this happened at the age of 48. When I heard the news in the morning, I could not believe whether it was true or false.”

Ganesh also prayed for strength for Dileep Raj’s family and close associates to bear the loss.

“I pray that God gives strength to his entire family and loved ones to overcome this grief. May Dileep Raj’s soul rest in peace,” he added.

Actor Rishab Shetty shared a post on his social media remembering Dileep Raj.

“He was not just a good actor, director and producer, but above all, a good human being. Though the occasions we met were only a handful, the impression of his personality that stayed in my heart can never fade away. May your soul rest in peace,” he wrote.

Dileep Raj had carved a niche for himself in both television and cinema and was widely recognised as a versatile performer. Though he gained immense popularity through Kannada television serials, he also made a mark in films with several notable performances.

He made his silver screen debut in 2005 with the film 'Boyfriend' in which he played the character Shiva. Over the years, he appeared in more than 25 films, including 'Milana,' where he earned appreciation for portraying the brother of late Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar.

Some of his other notable films include 'Parichaya,' 'Nanni Paaru,' 'Border,' and 'Panchamrutha.' Apart from acting, Dileep Raj was also known as a skilled dubbing artist.

Industry members and fans remembered him as a talented actor whose contributions to Kannada television and cinema left a lasting impact. Dileep Raj had acted in 28 films, including 'Sugriva,' 'Geleya,' and 'U Turn.'

He was currently producing the popular television serial 'Krishna Rukku.' The 47-year-old actor was last seen in the film 'Love Mocktail 3.' He had also acted in television serials such as 'Maneyondu Mooru Bagilu,' 'Rathasapthami,' and 'Preethigagi.'

Dilip Raj is survived by his wife and two daughters. Along with his wife Vidya, he had launched a production house and produced several popular television serials. Family sources said Dilip Raj was looking forward to celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary this year. He often appreciated his wife’s role in the production company and openly expressed his love and admiration for her.