KKS Murthy, the revered second-generation owner of Bengaluru’s legendary Select Bookshop, passed away on Monday evening at the age of 94 due to age-related complications. His son, K Sanjay, confirmed the news, stating that Murthy had been battling declining health for the past few months.
Despite his struggles, Murthy continued to visit the bookstore until recently, though he experienced memory loss, decreased appetite, and physical slowdowns. He is survived by his 61-year-old son, while his wife passed away eight years ago.
Select Bookshop, established in 1945 by Murthy’s father, KBK Rao, began in a modest garage on Museum Road before relocating to its present location near Brigade Road in 1984 when Murthy took over. The shop is renowned for its collection of 9,000 rare books, some dating back to the 15th century. Murthy, who initially pursued a career in aeronautical engineering, left that promising field to manage the store, dedicating himself to acquiring rare and vintage books from around the world.
Murthy was deeply passionate about his “adventures in finding rare books,” often sharing how he sourced them from dealers, street vendors, and auctioneers in France, the US, and Spain. Even after stepping back from active book hunting, his vast network ensured the store’s rare collection remained unparalleled.
Murthy’s final rites will be held on Tuesday, marking the end of an era for one of Bengaluru’s beloved cultural institutions.
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