Eminent personality of literature and cinema, H.S. Venkateshamurthy, passed away on Friday morning. The 80-year-old Venkateshamurthy had been battling age-related ailments for some time and was admitted to a private hospital a while ago.
HS Venkateshamurthy Death: Today, May 30, 2025, the world of Kannada literature and cinema lost a precious gem. Senior lyricist, poet, writer, and playwright H.S. Venkateshamurthy breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru. He was 80 years old and had been battling health issues for some time. His demise has caused a wave of grief in Karnataka's cultural and literary circles.
Venkateshamurthy: A Man of Multifaceted Talent
H.S. Venkateshamurthy was not just a lyricist; he was a multifaceted personality who made invaluable contributions to various fields such as education, literature, theatre, and cinema. His writing wasn't merely entertainment; it touched the depths of society and wove human emotions into words. He was as successful as a lyricist as he was an effective teacher and writer.
He took the promotion and dissemination of the Kannada language as a mission in his life. His writings clearly reflected both traditional culture and modernity.
Over 100 Books, Hundreds of Students, Thousands of Admirers
Born on June 23, 1944, in Davangere district, Venkateshamurthy completed his M.A. in Kannada Literature from Bangalore University. He then served as a Kannada professor at St. Joseph's Commerce College, Bengaluru, for nearly three decades. His teaching style and literary understanding changed the direction of countless students.
As a writer, he authored over 100 books in Kannada, including poetry collections, plays, essays, and critical writings. His play 'Hoovi' became so famous that it was included in the ICSE board curriculum, giving the new generation an opportunity to be acquainted with his works.
Journey from Cinema to Literature
Venkateshamurthy had a deep connection with cinema as well. He wrote lyrics and dialogues for many Kannada films. He was known for his creations that contained both depth of emotion and simplicity of language. He wrote the lyrics for the popular song 'Thuggu Manchadalli Koothu' from Rashmika Mandanna's superhit film 'Kirik Party,' which remains extremely popular among young people today.
In addition, he wrote dialogues and songs for several television serials, which helped him reach a wider audience. His writing was for every class; the educated, the rural, the young, and the old all connected with him.
Not an End, but the Beginning of a Legacy
While H.S. Venkateshamurthy is no longer with us, his work and contribution are immortal. The world of words he created will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. The reflection of human values found in his works makes him not just a writer but a thinker. Karnataka's Chief Minister, literary institutions, and many prominent figures from the film industry have expressed their grief over his demise.
The state government has announced a state funeral in his honor. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter, who are striving to carry forward his literary works.
