Joe Simon Funeral Tomorrow at Ravindra Kalakshetra: Film Fraternity to Pay Last Respects

Veteran Kannada filmmaker Joe Simon will be laid to rest on Friday, February 14, after passing away following a sudden heart attack during an industry meeting in Bengaluru. The 80-year-old director collapsed at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce on February 13 and was later declared dead at Mallige Hospital.

When and Where Is the Funeral?

Joe Simon's mortal remains are being kept for public homage at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru on February 14 between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Film personalities, technicians and admirers are gathering to pay their last respects before the funeral rites are performed later the same day.

What Happened?

Joe Simon was attending an executive meeting at the Film Chamber on Thursday when he suddenly complained of chest pain. He collapsed during the session and was immediately rushed to nearby Mallige Hospital. Despite medical efforts, doctors were unable to revive him.

Who Was Joe Simon?

Born in 1946 in Mandya district, Joe Simon entered the Kannada film industry in 1967 and built a career spanning nearly six decades. He directed his first film, Ondu Premada Kathe, in 1977 and went on to work in more than 100 Kannada films as a director, actor and lyric writer.

He was known for directing action dramas and family entertainers such as Simha Jodi, Sahasa Simha, Hong Kongnalli Agent Amar, Sneha Dhadalli, Ravi Varma and Time Bomb. He maintained close professional associations with actors Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh during their peak years.

Joe Simon remained active in film associations and regularly attended meetings even at the age of 80. His sudden death during an official industry session has sent shockwaves across Sandalwood. Colleagues remember him not only as a filmmaker but also as an active voice in the Kannada Chalanachitra Sangha.

Members of the Kannada film fraternity are visiting Ravindra Kalakshetra to offer condolences to the family. Tributes are pouring in from actors, directors and technicians acknowledging his decades-long contribution to commercial Kannada cinema.

Joe Simon is survived by four sons. His passing marks the end of a long and committed chapter in Sandalwood history, as the industry gathers to bid farewell to one of its senior-most filmmakers.