Kannada Theatre Artist Yashwant Sardeshpande Dies At 62 Due To Heart Attack

The Kannada theatre and film world is in mourning after the sudden death of beloved actor and director Yashwant Sardeshpande. Known for his brilliant stage performances and heartfelt storytelling, Sardeshpande passed away on Monday, September 29, at the age of 62. He suffered a massive heart attack in Bengaluru around 10 a.m. and was rushed to Fortis Hospital, but doctors could not save him.

Sardeshpande was in Dharwad on Sunday evening, where he performed a play. He travelled to Bengaluru early Monday morning. Shortly after arriving, he complained of chest pain and collapsed. Doctors at Fortis Hospital attempted emergency treatment, but he was declared dead around 10 a.m. Details regarding his funeral are yet to be announced by the family.

Union

Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed his grief on social media, writing, “It is with great sadness that we learn about the passing away of our Hubballi native Yashwant Sardeshpande, a renowned Kannada theatre actor, a very popular playwright who acted and directed in many plays across the state. His play All the Best was an unprecedented success. He also acted in television and films.”

Sardeshpande was widely respected for his dynamic contributions to Kannada theatre. His comedy drama All the Best, which he both wrote and performed in, became a landmark hit, running for hundreds of shows. Among his other acclaimed works were Rashichakra, Olave Jeevana Shakshatkara, Neenaanaadre Naaneenena, Sahi Ri Sahi, Ondata Bhatraddu, Andhayuga, Sahebaru Baruttare, Miss Point, Dil Mange More, and Hingadre Dot Comedy. He directed more than 60 plays, many of which ran for over 500 performances.

He also acted in films such as Marma, Amrithadhare, and Rama Shama Bhama, where he contributed dialogues in the North Karnataka dialect. His solo performance in Rashi Chakra was especially appreciated, and his work on television and radio further cemented his status as a versatile performer.

Fondly known as “Nageya Sardar” by theatre lovers in Shivamogga, Sardeshpande was born in Ukkali village in Basavana Bagevadi taluk of Bijapur district. He earned a diploma in theatre arts from the Ninaasam Theatre Institute in Heggodu and later pursued a certificate course in cinema and drama writing at New York University in 1996.

He is also credited with staging all of D.R. Bendre’s plays through Rangavarthula and Bendre Rangavali, bringing the poet’s works to life on stage.

Over his decades-long career, Sardeshpande was honoured with several awards, including the prestigious Rajyotsava Award in 2010. He also received the Aryabhatta Award (2003), Mayur Award (2005), Sunfeast-Udaya Award for Best Dialogues for Rama Shama Bhama (2006), Abhinaya Bharati Award (2008), Rangadhruva Award (2008), and the Globalman International Award (2008).

He is survived by his wife, Malathi, herself a respected theatre and film artist.