Renowned Kannada Poet HS Venkatesh Murthy Passes Away at 80

Veteran Kannada poet and celebrated playwright HS Venkatesh Murthy, affectionately known as HSV, passed away at the age of 80 on Friday (May 30) in a private hospital. He had been battling age-related health issues.

HSV leaves behind a rich literary legacy. He was a gifted storyteller, essayist, novelist, children’s author, and lyricist, who shaped Kannada literature across generations. His work touched hearts through films like Chinnari Mutha, America America, and Kirik Party, and iconic plays like Uriya Uyyale, Agnivarna, and Manthare.

Mourning the loss, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar called him “a poet of emotions” and offered a heartfelt tribute to one of Karnataka’s most beloved literary voices.