Veteran Kannada Cine actor K.S. Ashwath, who played the legendary Chamayya Meshtru in the hit movie Nagarahaavu passed away at 1.45 am on Monday. He was 85. According to his son and cine actor Shankar Ashwath, his father’s health was deteriorating with every passing day since the beginning of this year. After returning back from a pilgrimage to Kashi along with his family members on January 10, Ashwath was admitted to B M Hospital in Mysore on January 11. The veteran actor started his career by playing several roles in Radio dramas in Akashwani, Mysore. His passion for acting made Ashwath resign from the State Government service. He took his first steps in Cinema in 1954 and since then acted in 371 films. K.S. Ashwath who brought in many additional facets to the supporting actor’s fraternity is called ‘Maryadha Purusha’ of Kannada cinema. He acted in Navajeevana, Miss Lilavati and Mangala Muhurtha which won Presidents Award during the tenure of Dr.Radhakrishna. He received critical acclaim for his acting in Vishnuvardhan starrer Muthina Haara, which won the National Award for best film in regional language during 1990. On November 1st 1982, he received the Kannada Rajyotsava Award and in 1985 he was honoured with the prestigious Dr. Rajkumar Award for Kannada films. On 24th March 2008, he received the honorary Doctorate from Tumkur University. The thespian actor is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.