Karate expert and actor Shihan Hussaini passes away after battle with cancer

Renowned karate expert, archery coach, and actor, Shihan Hussaini passed away in Chennai on March 25 after a courageous battle with leukemia, a form of blood cancer. His family confirmed the news on Facebook, inviting fans and students to pay their respects at his residence in Besant Nagar before the final rites in Madurai.
Hussaini was celebrated for his achievements in martial arts and cinema. He made his acting debut in K. Balachander's 'Punnagai Mannan' in 1986 and went on to appear in notable films like Rajinikanth's 'Velaikaran' and Vijay's 'Badri', where he played a karate coach. His recent roles included 'Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal' and 'Chennai City Gangsters'. Beyond acting, he was a respected judge and presenter on reality shows.
As a karate and archery expert, Hussaini trained over 400 archers and pioneered modern archery in Tamil Nadu. He introduced the recurve bow in 1979 and the compound bow in 1980, significantly impacting the sport's development in the region.
Hussaini openly documented his cancer journey on social media, which led to the Tamil Nadu government providing financial aid of Rs 5 lakh for his treatment. He announced his decision to donate his body for medical research. He had also wished for his heart to be entrusted to his karate and archery students.

His family requested that students and archers pay tribute by performing katas and shooting arrows. Despite his untimely passing, Shihan Hussaini's contributions to martial arts and cinema will remain a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication. Shihan Hussaini is survived by his wife and daughter.

Hussaini was instrumental in training Pawan Kalyan in karate. During his battle with cancer, Shihan Hussaini made an emotional appeal to Pawan Kalyan. He requested that Pawan purchase his martial arts center to preserve its legacy and continue spreading martial arts and archery.