Veteran Kannada actor Shivaram who was known for his comic and supporting roles, passed away on Saturday afternoon in a private hospital in Bangalore. The actor will be cremated on Sunday afternoon at the Banashankari Electric Crematorium.

Shivaram who was 84 had an accident early this week. Though he was not injured during the accident, he collapsed the next day at his residence. He was immediately rushed to hospital, but due to age related problems he could not be operated and was in coma. Finally, he was announced dead on Saturday.

Shivaram who was fondly known as Shivaramanna in the film circles, had a stint of more than five decades in the film industry. He made his debut as an actor and assistant director in Ku Ra Seetharama Shastry’s ‘Beratha Jeeva’. He then went on to act in films like ‘Sharapanjara’, ‘Nagarahaavu’, ‘Hombisilu’, ‘Edakallu Guddada Mele’, ‘Shubhamangala’, ‘Chalisuva Modagalu’, ‘Guru Shishyaru’, ‘Apthamitra’, ‘Yajamana’ and others.

He along with his brother and acclaimed director S Ramanathan, who is popular for films like ‘Bombay to Goa’, ‘Geraftaar’ and others ventured into production and produced films like ‘Gejje Pooje’, ‘Upasane’, ‘Nanobba Kalla’, ‘Dharma Durai’ and others. Shivaram along with his brother also directed a film called ‘Hrudaya Sangama’ starring Dr Rajkumar and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan. He also played the role of hero in ‘Driver Hanumanthu’ where Vishnuvardhan and Ambarish acted in guest roles.

Shivaram won the Dr Rajkumar Award for his lifetime contribution to Kannada cinema by the Karnataka State Government. He also won the Rajyotsava Award apart from the Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in Girish Kasaravalli’s ‘Thaayi Saheba’ starring Jayamala.

Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai, actors Shivarajkumar, Srinath, Leelavathi and others condoled the death of Shivaram.