Kannada actor and theatre icon Raju Talikote, who was 60 years old, died following a severe heart attack while filming in Udupi, Karnataka. His real name was Rajesab Maktumsab Yankanchi and served as the Director of Dharwad Rangayana, celebrated for his remarkable performances in both stage and film. His son Bharat revealed that Talikote had previously experienced a heart attack but was unable to recover from this latest incident.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, sharing his condolences, remarked, “It is profoundly saddening that the esteemed theatre actor, comedian, and Director of Dharwad Rangayana, Raju Talikote, has passed away due to a heart attack. Having appeared in numerous Kannada films and gained significant popularity, his loss is a tremendous blow to the Kannada film industry.” “I pray that God grants peace to Raju Talikote’s soul and provides his family with the strength to endure this sorrow,” he added.
Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai commented, “The news of the passing of beloved Kannada theatre artist Raju Talikote has brought great sadness. As a comedic performer, he won the affection of the audience through his plays and made a notable impact in the film sector.” “His premature departure while serving as the Director of Dharwad Rangayana is an irreplaceable loss to the arts. I pray that God gives his family and fans the fortitude to cope with the pain of his loss,” he stated.
Raju Talikote was born in 1965. Growing up in Talikote, he became known as Raju Talikote, the name under which he later achieved fame in theatre and cinema. Raju Talikote’s parents were also involved in theatre, operating a drama troupe named “Shriguru Khasgateshwara Natya Sangha”.
Raju Talikote authored numerous plays intended for cassette recordings. He gained fame through the play Kaliyugada Kuduka, which had over 15,000 performances. In the 1990s, an audio cassette of the play was produced, leading to his widespread recognition.
His popularity also soared with productions like Kudukara Samrajya and Hattigudi Lakkavva. Raju Talikote’s debut film was Hendathi Andare Hendathi. He went on to appear in numerous films, including Manasare, Pancharangi, Rajadhani, Lifeu Ishtene, Alemari, Myna, Topiwala, and Punjabi House, among others. He also took part as a contestant in the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada Season 7.
