Overview
- Rai died Thursday at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru, where he was receiving treatment.
- Reports say the stage 4 thyroid cancer had metastasized to his stomach and other organs despite chemotherapy and palliative care.
- He had spoken about the steep treatment costs, citing Rs 3.55 lakh per injection, three per 63‑day cycle at roughly Rs 10.5 lakh, with total expenses potentially near Rs 70 lakh.
- A video shared by influencer Gopi Gowdru captured Rai appealing for financial help during his illness.
- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar posted condolences on X as fans and colleagues recalled his roles in Om and the KGF films.