Noted Kannada film producer Ramu, who was married to Kannada female superstar Malashree, succumbed to complications stemming from COVID-19 on Monday evening.
The news was revealed by the Kannada Film Academy Chairman and close family friend, Sunil Puranik, who condoled his death.
“He was one of the rarest breed of producers, who not only established their own identity but also ensured that their films run on their name. His films ran on his name rather than on the name of a hero, director or music director. His name attracted the audience to the theatres. As he dared to spend lavishly, 52-year-old Ramu had earned the sobriquet of ‘Koti Ramu’ (to denote that he spends lavishly on his movie making),” he said.