Reputed Kannada actor and comedian Rockline Sudhakar passed away on Thursday due to cardiac arrest in Bengaluru while shooting for an upcoming film. The 65-year-old was rushed to a private hospital where he breathed his last, former President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) Sa Ra Govindu said in a statement. Another KFCC office-bearer said the veteran actor was filming in Bannerghatta, Bengaluru for Sugarless and had visited his makeup room when he collapsed on the floor all of a sudden. 

Rockline Sudhakar's Sugarless co-star Pruthvi Ambaar in a statement said they had breakfast together earlier in the day, while adding that the acclaimed comedy actor did not display much of an appetite and had excused himself so he could get some rest. Sudhakar had tested positive for the novel coronavirus a month ago and had undergone treatment at a hospital. He resumed shooting upon testing negative for the infection. 

Sudhakar made his entry in the Kannada entertainment industry as a driver to popular film producer Rockline Venkatesh and would drive him to the set of the TV serial, Ashavadigalu. He was then introduced to a number of notable people in the Kannada film industry during the late 1980s, including Sihi Kahi Chandru and actor Malashree. He subsequently landed a role in Malashree’s film Belli Modagalu and made his acting debut in 1992. 

The popular comedy star was later introduced to the world of production by Rockline Venkatesh after he started Rockline Productions. Making him the production controller, Sudhakar worked in the role for 36 films produced by Rockline Productions among which included Aayudha, Agni IPS, Himapaati and Rasika, after which he went on to be called Rockline Sudhakar. 

Rockline Sudhakar appeared in over 200 movies during his career, most of which were small, but significant roles until 2010. His notable performances were in films namely Dakota Picture, Pancharangi, Paramathma, Topiwala, Vaastu Prakara, Mukunda Murari, Prema Geema Jane Do, Devarantha Manushya, Bhootayyana Mommaga Ayyu, Ayyo Rama, Mr and Mrs Ramachari and Love In Mandya