Mandya: Veteran actor Gaddappa, who rose to fame for his memorable performance in the internationally acclaimed Kannada film Thithi, passed away on Wednesday in Node Koppalu village of Mandya taluk. He was 89. Gaddappa, whose real name was Channegowda, had been suffering from multiple age-related ailments, including asthma and heart disease.
Battling illness in his final days
According to family members, Gaddappa had been unwell for the past several months. About a month ago, he suffered a fall that resulted in a hip injury, after which he underwent surgery. However, his condition worsened due to ineffective treatment and declining health. His daughter Shobha confirmed that he passed away at his residence in Node Koppalu village. The last rites will be performed there in the evening.
The man who became ‘Gaddappa’
Born as Channegowda, Gaddappa gained immense popularity after portraying the titular character in Raam Reddy’s award-winning film Thithi (2015). The film, which captured life in a rural Karnataka village with a blend of realism and humour, received global acclaim, winning honours at several international film festivals, including the Locarno International Film Festival and the National Film Awards in India.
Gaddappa’s effortless and natural acting in Thithi made him a household name across Karnataka and among world cinema enthusiasts. He was widely appreciated for his raw portrayal of a free-spirited old man who defies societal norms.
Career beyond Thithi
Following the success of Thithi, Gaddappa went on to act in several Kannada films, including Tharle Village, En Nin Problemmu, Johnny Mera Naam and Halli Panchayathi. In total, he appeared in around eight films, most of which depicted rural life and its simplicity — themes that closely mirrored his own background.
Despite his fame, Gaddappa continued to live modestly in his native village of Node Koppalu. His down-to-earth lifestyle and humility won him admiration from both fans and fellow artistes.
A loss to Kannada cinema
The Kannada film fraternity has expressed deep sorrow over Gaddappa’s demise. Filmmakers and co-stars have remembered him as a natural talent whose authentic performances brought rural characters to life on screen.
Director Raam Reddy, who introduced Gaddappa to cinema, once described him as “a man of wisdom and simplicity whose personality made Thithi what it is.”
Gaddappa’s passing marks the end of an era for Kannada cinema, especially for the new wave of filmmakers who relied on non-professional actors to tell real stories rooted in Karnataka’s heartland.
Final farewell
The final rites of Gaddappa will be performed in Node Koppalu village, Mandya, later this evening. His fans and well-wishers are expected to gather to pay their last respects to the actor who, despite his short stint in cinema, left an indelible mark with his authenticity and charm.