Eminent Kannada poet H S Venkatesha Murthy no more

Bengaluru | Acclaimed Kannada poet and playwright H S Venkatesha Murthy, widely known as 'HSV', died at a private hospital here on Friday, sources said.

Murthy was 80. He had been suffering from age-related ailments. He is survived by four sons, they said.

He was a prolific writer, who contributed significantly to Kannada literature as an essayist, playwright, novelist, children's literature author, translator, critic, poet, and film song-story-dialogue writer.

Murthy dedicated more than three decades to teaching at St. Joseph's Commerce College in Bengaluru.

Murthy's poetry is well-known in Karnataka and frequently sung in popular sugama sangeeta or Bhavageethe (musical genre in which poetry in the Kannada language is set to music) stages.

He has also penned lyrics for films such as ‘Chinnari Mutha', ‘America America' and ‘Kirik Party' among others. His major plays include Uriya Uyyale, Agnivarna and Manthare.

Murthy is a recipient of many awards and accolades and was the president of the 85th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Kalaburagi.

He held a Doctorate of Literature for his research on 'Kannadadalli Kathana Kavanagalu'.

Mourning Murthy's demise, the Karnataka government issued a notification ordering that his last rites be performed with full police honours.

Expressing deep sorrow, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, Venkatesha Murthy, a distinguished writer with a vast readership, has left the literary world "impoverished" by his departure.

In a post on 'X', the CM highlighted Murthy diverse literary contributions spanning poetry, drama, children's literature, translation, essays, and novels.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar condoled the poet's death and noted that he enriched Kannada literature through his Bhavageethe.

"A heartfelt farewell to the poet of emotions," he said in a post on 'X'.