Chennegowda, popularly known as Gaddappa, who made his mark in the film Tithi has suffered a stroke. He was being treated for heart related problems for the last five years and suffered the stroke on December 25.

He has lost the ability to speak after the incident but doctors treating him have said that he is responding to treatment and may recover fully. Chennegowda is 85 years old and after Tithi he acted in a few other films in similar roles. The film made him an instant celebrity.