Bengaluru, Nov. 30 -- Veteran Kannada actor M.S. Umesh passed away at private hospital after prolonged illness, here this morning. He was 80. His career in the film industry spanned over five decades, where he acted in over 350 films. He is survived by his wife Sudha and daughter Umadevi.

Born on Apr. 24, 1945, in Mysuru, Umesh started his career at the age of four when he played a role in 'Lanchavatara' staged by Master Hirannaiah's drama company. Later, he joined Gubbi Veeranna's drama company.

Umesh got a major break in the film industry in 1960 when he played the lead role in the movie 'Makkala Rajya'. The actor got his next break in the film industry through 'Katha Sangama' in 1977. Since then, there has been no looking back for Um...