Mohan Juneja, known for roles in KGF: Chapter 2 and Chellata, passes away

Popular actor Mohan Juneja, known for his roles in films like KGF: Chapter 2 and Chellata, passed away in the early hours of Friday (May 7). The 54-year-old succumbed to a prolonged liver-related illness and is said to have breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru. 

Many would remember Mohan Juneja for his role as the informer Nagaraju in the KGF films or as Madhumaga in Chellata. His impressive comic timing and on-screen rapport with Golden Star Ganesh, who was making his debut as a lead with Chellata, went on to charm the audiences and make him a household name. He has also acted in popular Kannada serials such as Vatara and has shared screen space with many superstars of the industry such as Ambareesh, Darshan, Upendra, Puneeth Rajkumar, and others.

Ganesh took to social media a short while ago to mourn the passing of the veteran character actor. He would share a picture of Mohan Juneja and write "Om Shanthi" in his tweet.

Hombale Films, the maker of the KGF movies, too paid a small yet special tribute to Mohan Juneja and condoled with his family, friends, and well-wishers. "He was one of the best-known faces in Kannada films and our KGF family," read the tweet.

Fans from all across the country too have spared heartwarming words for the actor. Quite evidently, Mohan Juneja's most memorable role came about only days before his passing as many fondly recalled his performance in the KGF films.

About his foray into the world of cinema, Mohan Juneja shared in a previous interview that he was rather poor at studies while growing up which eventually nudged him towards acting. He would then assist acclaimed filmmaker G.V. Iyer on multiple films and then turn writer for TV serials, while gradually making his presence felt as an actor through small but memorable performances. His first prominent role came about in the 1995 film Aata Hudugata which stars Raghavendra Rajkumar and Prema in lead roles.