12 June,2026 06:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Doddana. Pic via X
Veteran Kannada actor Doddanna recently reacted to the news of his death circulating on social media. The actor issued a clarification after a false social media post, which claimed he was dead, went viral. His reaction to the fake post caused concern among fans and members of the film industry.
The rumour started doing the rounds on Friday, June 12, after an AI-generated poster falsely reporting the actor's death was circulated on social media. The post spread across platforms, leading many to believe that the 76-year-old star had passed away.
As confusion continued to grow online, Doddanna personally addressed the rumours, while reassuring everyone that he was doing well. Speaking to a Kannada media outlet, the actor dismissed the claims and confirmed that he was safe and in good health.
Interestingly, the veteran actor revealed that he was at home watching television when news of his alleged death started doing the rounds online. He clarified that there was no truth to the death reports and urged people not to believe the misinformation.
The viral fake news has sparked strong reactions from fans and members of the Kannada film fraternity. Many have criticised those behind the fake post, calling out the spread of such misleading information as irresponsible and insensitive.
Meanwhile, the incident has also once again raised concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence and the growing challenge of verifying information shared on social media platforms.
Sugurappa Doddanna is one of the most respected figures in Kannada cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades. The actor has been a part of over 800 films and is known for his strong supporting roles and comic timing. He has played different kinds of roles, from villains to police officers to light-hearted characters with ease.
Some of his well-known films include Sangliyana, C.B.I. Shankar, Suryavamsha, Raktha Kanneeru, and Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna. Despite decades of work, he continues to be active in films even today and remains a familiar face for audiences across generations.
His recent filmography includes films like Karataka Damanaka (2024), Santhosha Sangeetha (2024), and X and Y (2025). His most recent appearance was in the 2026 drama Raktha Kashmira.
