H.S Venkatesha Murthy, celebrated Kannada poet dies at 81 in Bengaluru. More details
Renowned Kannada poet, playwright, and scholar Dr. H.S. Venkatesha Murthy, popularly known as HSV, died on Friday, in Bengaluru due to age-related health complications. He was 81.
Also Read - Strains surface in Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar equation as Deputy CM objects to engineer transfers in Karnataka
Born in 1944 in Hodigere village of Channagiri taluk, Davanagere district, HSV's contributions to Kannada literature spanned more than five decades. A professor of Kannada by profession, he taught at St. Joseph's College of Commerce in Bengaluru for over 30 years. His academic pursuit also saw him earning a Ph.D. with a dissertation on 'Kathanakavanas in Kannada,' reflecting his deep engagement with narrative poetry.
HSV emerged during the Navya literary movement, beginning with his first poetry collection Parivrutta in 1968. Over the years, he published more than 100 works across genres including poetry, plays, and children's literature. His poems, known for their lyrical simplicity and philosophical depth, were widely popular in the Bhavageethe tradition. Among his acclaimed poetry collections are Bagilu, Badiva Janagalu, Saugandhika, and Moovattu Malegaala. His plays like Hejjegalu, Agnivarna, and Ondu Sainika Vruttanta also received critical acclaim.
Also Read - 'No apology, no release': Karnataka stands united against Kamal Haasan's Kannada comment
Beyond literature, HSV made significant contributions to Kannada cinema and television. He wrote lyrics and dialogues for films such as Chinnari Mutha, Kotreshi Kanasu, America America, and Kirik Party. His title songs for iconic TV serials like Mukta and Mahaparva remain etched in public memory.
He received several awards during his lifetime, including the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, the Rajyotsava Award, and the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize. He also presided over the 85th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana held in Kalaburagi, one of the highest literary honours in the state.
More details about the last rites of HSV are yet to revealed by the family. Many prominent personalities from Kannada cinema and literature are expected pay their tributes to the poetic giant.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Kamal Haasan fans travel 42 km from Bengaluru to Hosur to watch Thug Life after ban in Karnataka
In case you missed it, Mani Ratnam's Thug Life has been banned in Karnataka following Kamal Haasan's 'Kannada is born from Tamil' statement and his unwillingness to apologise for it as it was 'made out of love'. The actor's fans, however, remain unstoppable as they take to social media to share that they're willing to travel 42 km to catch his latest release. (Also Read: Thug Life Twitter reviews: Kamal Haasan's never-ending monologues test patience, Mani Ratnam rehashed Mirzapur, say fans) As Thug Life was released on Thursday, social media was filled with pictures and videos of fans celebrating outside theatres and giving their reviews of the film. One X (formerly Twitter) user posted videos of fans bursting firecrackers outside a single-screen theatre in Hosur. They wrote that fans travelled from Bengaluru to the theatre in Tamil Nadu to watch the film: 'Thuglife is banned in Karnataka, but no one can stop our love for Kamal Haasan. All the fans in Bangalore are gathered here in Hosur!' Not just that, even on Reddit, some Kamal fans wondered if Tamil people would be offended by them travelling to Hosur to watch the film. One Redditor asked, 'Big Kamal Haasan fan here from Bengaluru. Is it safe to come to Hosur tomorrow in bike to watch THUG LIFE. Don't get offended please... I just don't want my vehicle's tyre to be punctured or vehicle scratched.' Another answered that it should be safe, given that Hosur has many KA-registered vehicles, just like Bengaluru has many TN-registered ones. Others also assured the Redditor it would be safe. Despite Thug Life being Mani and Kamal's first film in almost four decades after the 1987 film Nayakan, the actor's statement during a promotional tour in Karnataka seems to have overshadowed it all. On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court called the actor out for not apologising while hearing a plea seeking protection for the release of the film in the state. The judge stated that a 'single apology' could've 'resolved the situation', even questioning if the actor was a linguist or a historian. Thug Life stars Kamal, Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf and Baburaj.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Five Kamal Haasan films that courted controversies
Thug Life, starring acclaimed actor Kamal Haasan, has hit the screens — barring Karnataka, where controversy erupted following his comments suggesting that Kannada originated from Tamil. For Mr. Haasan, such rows are not new; his films have frequently faced opposition over the years. What sets this episode apart is that, unlike past instances where the objections were over the film's content or title, this time, the controversy has nothing to do with the movie itself. Here is a look at five of his films that faced trouble in the past over the last two decades: Vishwaroopam The first part of this two-part film, produced by Raaj Kamal Film International, ran into trouble even a month before its scheduled Pongal release in 2013. Theatre owners objected to Mr. Haasan's proposal to release the film simultaneously on Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms. As a result, the release was pushed beyond Pongal, and the actor-producer dropped the DTH release plan to resolve the conflict. However, just ahead of its theatrical release, a more serious controversy erupted. Several Muslim outfits launched major protests, accusing the actor of demonising their community and hurting religious sentiments. The Federation of Tamil Nadu Muslims Social and Political Organisation and the Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamaath were at the forefront. The night before the film's scheduled release, the Tamil Nadu government banned its screening for two weeks, citing a 'law and order' threat. An angry and upset Mr. Haasan, who was in the United States at the time, termed the opposition 'cultural terrorism.' 'I have been ruthlessly used as a vehicle by small groups who seek political profile. Icon-bashing is a great way to be noticed when you are not one yourself. It is happening again and again. Any neutral and patriotic Muslim will surely feel pride on seeing my film. It was designed for that purpose,' he said. Raaj Kamal Films International challenged the ban in the Madras High Court. Justice K. Venkataraman, in a late-night interim order, stayed the government's decision. But Mr. Haasan's relief was short-lived — the State government challenged the ruling the very next morning. The First Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Elipe Dharma Rao and Justice Aruna Jagadeesan, restored the ban through an interim order. Then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa defended the ban, stating it was solely due to law and order concerns and not out of sympathy with the Muslim organisations. She later said: 'The government of Tamil Nadu will do everything possible to facilitate such an agreement. There is no question of curbing freedom of speech.' The producers and the protesting groups agreed to negotiations, requesting the government to oversee them. The film industry rallied around Mr. Haasan, who had, in frustration, declared he would go on self-exile. Eventually, a breakthrough was achieved. The Advocate General informed the High Court that the ban under Section 144 of the CrPC had been lifted based on agreements reached in a tripartite meeting between Mr. Haasan and the protestors, convened by the government. The film finally released in Tamil Nadu on February 7, 2013 — nearly a month after its original release date. Dasavatharam This 2008 film, where Mr. Haasan played 10 roles — surpassing the record of nine set by the legendary Sivaji Ganesan in his 100th film Navarathri (1964) — faced opposition from a section of Vaishnavites. The International Sri Vaishnava Dharma Samrakshanaa Society filed a petition in the Madras High Court, seeking removal of certain 'offending scenes.' Separately, the Kalyana Suba Samithi petitioned to block the film's screening. The Society argued that scenes depicting clashes between Saivaites and Vaishnavites distorted history and offended Hindus. 'It is contrary to past events recorded and registered in history. It wounds the feelings [of] every sect of Hindus,' it stated. The Samithi alleged that the film mocked Hinduism, particularly through scenes involving the revered Ramanujachariar. 'The movie shows tying of the Great Ramanujachariar with the deity for being thrown into the sea… By showing this scene, a hatred and conflict between Saivaites and Vaishnavites is sought to be created,' it claimed. 'The movie also shows that the great Ramanujachariar has killed several Saivities, which is not a fact.' However, Justices K. Venkataraman and M. Sathyanarayanan dismissed the plea, ruling: 'Freedom of expression guaranteed under Article 19(1) of the Constitution of India cannot be curtailed on mere assumption… that the said film contains certain scenes which will hurt the sentiments of the Hindus, more so the Vaishnavites.' Mumbai Xpress (also 'Mumbai Express') This 2005 black comedy, directed by veteran filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao — one of Mr. Haasan's favourites — faced flak for its English title. Earlier, in August 2004, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Dalit Panthers of India (now Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi) had joined forces under the Tamil Paadhukaapu Iyakkam (Tamil Protection Movement), demanding an end to English titles in Tamil films. Mumbai Xpress became one of their first targets. Mr. Haasan initially dismissed the concerns, remarking: 'There is a train called Tirunelveli Express. Will these groups object to its name too?' He said, 'I do not foresee any problems. I know all Tamil-loving people, including Mr. Thirumavalavan (VCK chief). I have also read his writings. They are all my good friends' But trouble soon followed. DPI cadres staged protests at several locations. In Chidambaram, miscreants vandalised the Lena Theatre screen. Police had to provide protection to theatres screening the film. Still, Mr. Haasan stood firm: 'I cannot change the title as it is relevant to the story. The name makes no difference to me. It is the content that is important.' Jayalalithaa, then Chief Minister, also took a firm stance, saying her government would not allow any violence against the film industry. Over time, the protests fizzled out, and such campaigns against English titles faded from public discourse. Vasool Raja MBBS This Tamil remake of Munna Bhai MBBS came under fire from a section of doctors, who felt it portrayed medical professionals in poor light. The Tamil Nadu Medical Council filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking to block the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from issuing a certificate to the film. They contended that the film's title insulted doctors. 'The words 'Vasool Raja' in Tamil are not a name, but it only means 'a man, who heeds collection of money by hook or crook, and, who is greedy of money and whose intention is only to earn money by unlawful means'. The film is offensive and hurting the entire community of medical practitioners, who have obtained MBBS degree. It is also likely to cause an unbearable harm to the students, who are undergoing MBBS course. The title is damaging in nature and it degrades the degree awarded by [Tamil Nadu] Dr. MGR Medical University,' the petition contended. Justice A.K. Rajan, however, declined to entertain the petitioner's plea. The judge said, the contention of the petitioner that the title is per se defamatory is not acceptable. 'The title does not suggest that the entire profession of Medical Practitioners as collection agents. The words 'Vasool Raja, M.B.B.S.' is in singular. It may at the most mean an individual. The petitioner has no objection to add the suffix 'Vasool Raja' to an individual like 'Kamalhasan, M.B.B.S.' Therefore, it is not possible to hold that the title of the film is per se defamatory,' he ruled. Sandiyar Production of this film began in 2003 but was soon disrupted after Puthiya Tamilagam leader K. Krishnasamy objected to the title, alleging it promoted caste violence. Then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa refused to intervene, stating: 'Protracted police protection cannot be given to a film unit which deliberately chooses a controversial subject.' Following a meeting with her, Mr. Haasan agreed to change the title. The film was eventually released in 2004 under the new name Virumaandi, ending the controversy.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
'Thug Life' divides viewers: Kamal Haasan fans celebrate, others slam the film
Amid much hype and controversy, Thug Life has finally hit theatres—everywhere except Karnataka. In Karnataka, the film is mired in controversy following Kamal Haasan's remark that "Kannada was born out of Tamil," which sparked backlash from local groups. Adding to the tension, some audiences have also criticized the 70-year-old actor for sharing romantic and kissing scenes with significantly younger co-stars. Although, banned in Karnataka, Kamal Haasan fans gathered in Hosur, where they burst crackers and celebrated the release of the movie. Outside Karnataka, fans of Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR are celebrating Thug Life. However, not all reviews have been glowing—some critics have responded cautiously, with a few even slamming the film for its narrative and execution. By now, netizens have also shared their opinions online, offering a wide range of reactions that reflect the film's polarizing impact. One Venky Reviews wrote on X describing the movie as a "Boring gangster Drama that had some intrigue in the initial set up but falls off completely after that!" He rated the movie 2/5. One AmuthaBharathi wrote on X: #ThugLife First half - Above average - Started off very well with a superb Vintage portion of 15 mins - #SilambarasanTR entry and O Maara song - #KamalHaasan elevating the film his performance on both Emotional & Action blocks - Trisha, Abhirami portions with KamalHaasan are super interesting - While in the mid of the first half the film has bit dropped in the screenplay & later on towards interval block picks up the phase - ARR BGM works partially at places First half ends off with a Bang on Face off of KH & STR
