The Kannada film industry is currently in deep mourning as it has lost one of the most respected veterans Joe Simon. The filmmaker actor and writer passed away at the age of 80 and the cause of his death was a heart attack. Known for his decades-long contribution to cinema Simon’s death has left colleagues political leaders and fans in deep shock. His passing marks the end of an era for the industry he helped shape with his creative vision and dedication. Collapsed during the KFCC meeting Veteran Kannada film director and actor Joe Simon took his last breath on Friday after a heart attack. As per reports he was attending a meeting at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce in Bengaluru when the tragic incident occurred. The filmmaker was actively participating in the discussion offering suggestions and even proposing that a celebratory programme should be organised. However moments later he collapsed. A person present at the meeting told the publication “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.” According to reports he was immediately rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead at around 4.30 pm. Tributes pour in As soon as this news came it sent shockwaves through the industry. Condolences began pouring in from both the political sphere and the film fraternity soon after the news broke. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar described Simon’s demise as an “irreparable loss” to the Kannada film industry. Expressing his grief he said “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 nearly 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” Shivakumar wrote on X in Kannada. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka also recalled Simon’s contribution as an actor director and dialogue writer highlighting his successful films including Vishnuvardhan’s Sahasa Simha.