Renowned Kannada writer-director SS David, best remembered for helming Jai Hind (1998) and Supari (2001), passed away on Sunday at the age of 55. The filmmaker reportedly collapsed while returning home from a medical shop and was rushed to a private hospital in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, where he breathed his last.
David was a prominent name in Kannada cinema, known not only for his directorial ventures but also for his impactful screenwriting. He wrote scripts for several popular films, including Police Story (1996), Agni IPS (1997), Dhairya (1997), Simhada Mari (1997), Hai Bangalore (1997), Independence Day (2000), Mandya (2006), Thirupathi (2006), and Police Story 2 (2007). His dialogues in cult hits like Police Story and Agni IPS, both starring Saikumar, continue to be remembered by audiences.
Admired for his unique storytelling style, heartfelt narratives, and sharp dialogues, David carved a special place in the industry. Colleagues recall him as humble, hardworking, and deeply passionate, someone who inspired and motivated people around him with sincerity.
Actor Sai Kumar took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute, writing, “Deeply saddened. You will always be alive through your dialogues, David. My condolences with the loved ones…#RIP #SSDavid.” The Kannada film industry is mourning the untimely loss of a filmmaker whose work and words left a lasting mark on cinema.