Dr. H.S. Venkatesha Murthy, a revered figure in Kannada literature, passed away on Friday in Bengaluru due to age-related health issues. He was 81. Affectionately known as HSV, he was a celebrated poet, playwright, scholar, and professor whose literary journey spanned over five decades.
Born in 1944 in Hodigere village, Channagiri taluk of Davanagere district, HSV emerged during the Navya literary movement. He began his literary career with the poetry collection Parivrutta in 1968. Known for his lyrical elegance and philosophical insight, he authored over 100 works, including acclaimed poetry collections like Bagilu, Badiva Janagalu, Saugandhika, and Moovattu Malegaala. His contribution to the Bhavageethe tradition remains influential.
HSV also wrote compelling plays such as Hejjegalu, Agnivarna, and Ondu Sainika Vruttanta, which garnered critical appreciation. Beyond literature, he left a significant mark on Kannada cinema and television, penning lyrics and dialogues for films including Chinnari Mutha, Kotreshi Kanasu, America America, and Kirik Party. His iconic title songs for TV serials like Mukta and Mahaparva are fondly remembered.
An esteemed educator, he taught Kannada at St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, for over 30 years. His academic achievements include a Ph.D. thesis on narrative poetry (Kathanakavanas).
HSV’s accolades include the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, Rajyotsava Award, and the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize. He also chaired the 85th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Kalaburagi.
Details of his funeral are awaited, with tributes expected from literary and film personalities across Karnataka.
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