Udupi: Ramesh Kalmanje (62), General Manager of the well-known home appliances showroom Harsha, passed away due to a heart attack on Sunday.

A resident of Kalmanje near Dendurukatte, Ramesh is survived by his wife and two sons.

He had worked in several departments and branches of the Harsha organisation during his career.

Ramesh had completed a Master’s degree in Kannada and had deep interest in art, literature, music and Yakshagana. He had converted his house into a personal library and had reportedly read and collected more than four lakh books.

He was also known for his knowledge and speaking skills in Yakshagana and had experience presenting topics related to the traditional art form at various programmes and public platforms.