New Delhi: In a shocking moment at a Bengaluru film meeting, veteran Kannada director Joe Simon suddenly collapsed after sharing ideas for celebrations. The 80-year-old filmmaker, known for hits like Sahasa Simha, suffered a heart attack and could not be saved despite quick hospital help.
Tributes from stars and leaders highlight his decades-long legacy in the Kannada film industry. His sudden exit leaves fans mourning a true industry pioneer.
Joe Simon’s sudden collapse at meeting
Joe Simon died on Friday after a heart attack during a Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) meeting in Bengaluru. He was 80 years old, PTI reported, citing industry sources. Simon was actively taking part, offering suggestions and proposing a celebratory program, when he stepped out and sat on an attendant’s chair before collapsing suddenly.
A person at the meeting told The Times of India, “Shortly after stepping out of the meeting hall, he went and sat on the attendant’s chair, and he suddenly collapsed; it was a severe cardiac arrest.” He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead around 4:30 pm.
Career highlights
Simon directed popular Kannada films like Sahasa Simha, Snehada Kadalalli, Simha Jodi, and Mr Vasu. He also acted in over 100 films and worked as a lyricist and dialogue writer. Hailing from Mandya, he served as Vice President of the Kannada Film Directors Association.
His films starred legends such as Vishnuvardhan and Rajinikanth, establishing him as a respected figure in the industry for decades.
Tributes from Leaders
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar called it an “irreparable loss” to Kannada cinema. In a post on X in Kannada, he wrote: “It is saddening that renowned Kannada film director Joe Simon has passed away due to a heart attack. Joe Simon, who hailed from Mandya and had been active in the Kannada film industry for decades, worked in more than 100 films as an actor, director, and lyricist. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Kannada film industry. I pray that God grants eternal peace to his soul and gives strength to his family to bear this pain. Om Shanti.”
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka expressed grief, recalling Simon’s key roles and successful films like Sahasa Simha with Vishnuvardhan.