Kannada actor-producer Dileep Raj passed away in the early hours of Wednesday after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 47. Family members said he was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.Dileep rose to fame with the 2007 film “Milana”, alongside Puneeth Rajkumar, and went on to feature in films such as “U-Turn” and “Boyfriend”. He later turned producer, backing television serials under his banner DR Creations.He was widely recognised for his lead role in the popular Zee Kannada serial “Hitler Kalyana”, becoming a familiar face in households across Karnataka. Over the years, he acted in more than 24 films and several serials, including “Janani”, “Ardha Satya”, “Rangoli”, “Kumkuma Bhagya”, “Mangalya”, “Malebillu”, “Preetigaagi” and “Rathasapthami”.Rooted in theatre, Dileep began his journey with groups like Nataranga and Drishti before moving to television and films. He also worked as a dubbing artist, including for “Aa Dinagalu”.