Kannada actor Raju Talikote passes away after suffering heart attack
Rajesaba Maktumasab Yankanchi, (1962 or 1963 – 13 October 2025), also known as Raju Talikote, was an Indian actor and comedian. He was one of the participants in season 7 of the reality television series Bigg Boss Kannada. Talikote died from a heart attack on 13 October 2025, at the age of 62.
Renowned Kannada theatre artist, comedian, and film actor Raju Talikote (real name: Rajesaba Maktumasab Yankanchi) passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 62, following a heart attack in Manipal, Udupi district, Karnataka. He was in the city for a film shoot when he fell ill, according to reports from PTI and other sources.
Sunday Evening (October 12, 2025): Talikote completed shooting for an upcoming Kannada film project, which also starred actor Shine Shetty. Late Sunday Night (around 11:59 PM to 1:30 AM): While resting in his room, he experienced severe breathing difficulties and suffered a cardiac arrest. He was immediately rushed to Kasturba Hospital (part of Manipal Academy of Higher Education) in Manipal. Emergency Treatment: Doctors performed an angioplasty to address the blockage, noting that Talikote had a history of heart issues, including a prior stent insertion. Monday Evening (October 13): Despite intensive care efforts, he succumbed to complications from the heart attack later that day.
A Storied Career in Theatre and Cinema
Hailing from Chikkasindagi village in Sindagi taluk, Vijayapura district, Talikote began his artistic journey at the tender age of seven with his father’s theatre group, Sri Khangateshwar Natya Sangha, in Talikote. He went on to revive and lead his own troupe, Sri Khasateshwar Natya Sangha, in 1998, earning accolades such as “Hasya Ratnakara” (Jewel of Comedy) and “Hasya Samrat” (Emperor of Comedy).
Talikote was celebrated for his signature portrayal of drunken characters, delivering uproarious performances in iconic plays like Kaliyugada Kuduka (performed over 40,000 times), Kudukara Samajraye, Asali Kuduka, Hasiru Bale, and Sainika Sahodari. He also served as the director of Rangayana Dharwad, nurturing the next generation of theatre artists.
Transitioning to the silver screen, he appeared in over 35 Kannada films, including notable works such as:
- Manasare (2009) – His breakthrough film role.
- Pancharangi (2010)
- Mathonda Madhuvena (2011)
- Maina (2013)
- Jungle Jackie (2013)
- Topiwala (2013)
- Bharjari (2017)
His comic timing and versatility made him a household name in Sandalwood (Kannada cinema). Additionally, he gained wider recognition as a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada Season 7 in 2020, where his humor endeared him to audiences. In 2017, Columbia University honored him with a doctorate for his contributions to theatre and performing arts.
According to family sources, Talikote’s last rites will be performed in his hometown of Talikoti, Vijayapura district, allowing the North Karnataka community to bid farewell to one of its most cherished sons.
