Bengaluru, April 14 -- Veteran Kannada comedy actor Bank Janardhan passed away in the wee hours of today (Apr. 14) at a private hospital in Bengaluru.

He had been battling prolonged illness and was admitted due to multi-organ complications. He breathed his last at around 2.30 am. He was 77 years old.

Bank Janardhan, who had acted in more than 500 films, was especially known for his comic timing and powerful character roles. He had a significant presence in films like Shhh!, Tarle Nan Maga, Ganesh Subrahmanya and Kaurava.

In television too, he earned a loyal fanbase through serials like Papa Pandu, Jokali and Robo Family. He also played a key role in the Poshaka Kalavidha Sangha and acted in many plays and productions associated with it...