Ramu, a noted Kannada producer and husband of film actor Malashree, died on Monday due to COVID-19, a family source told IANS. He had given many hit films such as ‘Lockup Death’, ‘AK47’ and ‘Kalasipalya’.

He was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

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Kannada Film Academy Chairman and his close family friend Sunil Puranik 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.

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“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.

Also, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy tweeted that he is “deeply saddened to hear that famous Kannada producer Ramu died of coronavirus infection.”