M P Shankar passes away

Popular Kannada actor M P Shankar, who had carved a niche for himself as a villain in films, passed away in Mysore near here on Thursday evening after prolonged illness.

Shankar, who had acted in as many as 108 films since his debut in 1962, leaves behind his wife Manjula, son Tilak and daughter Shobha. During his 45-year-old career in films, Shankar had not only essayed roles of a villain opposite late matinee idol Rajkumar, but also produced around 15 films.

Shankar, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, had been discharged from a hospital only three days ago. As the news of his death spread like wildfire, hundreds of his fans, friends, relatives and well-wishers swarmed his house in Mysore on Thursday evening.

His last rites were performed amid state honours at the burial ground in Vidyaranyapuram in Mysore on Friday. Deputy Commissioner of Mysore Manivannan represented the Government on the occasion.
The mortal remains of Shankar were taken in an open vehicle from his residence to the burial ground with more than 60 cars and a hundred two wheelers participating in the actor’s last journey.