Veteran Kannada actor Bank Janardhan no more, former CM Basavaraj Bommai condoles demise

BENGALURU: Veteran Kannada actor Bank Janardhan, passed away on Monday due to age-related illness. After working in over 500 films during his acting career, Janardhan was well-known for his comedy and drama roles in various Kannada films and television series.

Bank Janardhan started his acting career with the 1985 film ‘Pitamaha’, directed by K S L Swamy. The film starred Rajesh, Udaykumar, V Ravichandran and Vijayalakshmi Singh in the lead roles.

After doing a minor role in his debut film, the actor went on to star in several comedy roles. He later gained fame for his impeccable comic timing and expressions in the movies.

He was later known for films like ‘News’ (2005), ‘Shhh! (1993) and ‘Tharle Nan Maga’ (1992). He became a household name with Kannada television serials such as ‘Mangalya’ and ‘Jokali’.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai mourned the loss of the actor. Taking to his X handle, the BJP MP paid tribute to the actor by calling his demise a loss for the Kannada film industry on Monday. He also expressed his condolences to Janardhan’s family in a tributary post for the actor.

ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗದ ಹಾಸ್ಯ ಕಲಾವಿದ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಜನಾರ್ದನ ಅವರು ನಿಧನ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಸುದ್ದಿ ತಿಳಿದು ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ದುಃಖವಾಗಿದೆ‌.

ಹಾಸ್ಯ ನಟರಾಗಿ ಸುಮಾರು 500 ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಟಿಸಿ ಮನೆಮಾತಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ಅವರ ಅಗಲಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗ ಒಬ್ಬ ಹಿರಿಯ ಕಲಾವಿದನನ್ನು ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡಂತಾಗಿದೆ.

ಅವರ ಅಗಲಿಕೆಯ ದುಃಖವನ್ನು ಅವರ… pic.twitter.com/4cmwhWhKQv

— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) April 14, 2025

“The news of the passing of Kannada film comedian Bank Janardhana was deeply saddening. He was a household name as a comedian, having acted in over 500 films. With his passing, the Kannada film industry has lost a veteran artist. I pray that God will grant his family and fans the strength to bear the grief of his passing, and grant eternal peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti”, wrote Basavaraj Bommai wrote in Kannada.(ANI)