Veteran Kannada poet HS Venkatesha Murthy passes away at 81 in Bengaluru

Dr. H.S. Venkatesha Murthy, a towering figure in Kannada literature widely known as HSV, passed away in Bengaluru on Friday at the age of 81 following age-related health issues. With a literary journey spanning over five decades, he leaves behind a legacy of poetry, plays, and cultural contributions deeply embedded in the Kannada consciousness.

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Born in 1944 in Hodigere village of Davanagere district, HSV’s work gained prominence during the Navya movement. His debut collection Parivrutta in 1968 marked the beginning of an illustrious career. Over the years, he published more than 100 works, including poetry collections like Bagilu, Badiva Janagalu, Saugandhika, and Moovattu Malegaala, and acclaimed plays such as Hejjegalu, Agnivarna, and Ondu Sainika Vruttanta.

A professor at St. Joseph’s College of Commerce in Bengaluru for over three decades, HSV also earned a Ph.D. for his research on Kannada narrative poetry. His lyrical depth and accessible style helped popularize poetry through the Bhavageethe tradition.

HSV's influence extended into film and television as a lyricist and dialogue writer for notable films like Chinnari Mutha, Kotreshi Kanasu, America America, and Kirik Party, and iconic serials including Mukta and Mahaparva.

He was honoured with the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, Rajyotsava Award, and the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize. He also presided over the 85th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Kalaburagi.

Respectful tributes continue to pour in from the literary and artistic communities.