The esteemed Kannada writer and recipient of the prestigious Saraswati Samman, S. L. Bhyrappa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 94 in a private Bengaluru hospital. He had been receiving treatment for age-related health issues in the city for the past three months.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Saraswati, and their two sons, Uday Shankar and Ravi Shankar.
According to a statement from Jayadev Memorial Rashtrotthana Hospital and Research Centre, where he was undergoing care, Bhyrappa suffered a cardiac arrest late Wednesday afternoon. Sources close to the family revealed that he had been battling cardiac problems and had experienced a collapse during a morning walk several months prior, leading to his relocation from Mysuru to Bengaluru for specialized medical attention.
His final rites, including cremation with full State honours, are scheduled for September 26 in Mysuru, a city he called home for many years. On September 25, his body will be brought to Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru, allowing the public to pay their last respects to the literary giant.
A Journey from Hassan
Born in Santheshivara, Channarayapatna taluk, Hassan district, Bhyrappa pursued his education in Hassan and Mysuru. His career saw him serve as a philosophy professor across various regions of India, including Gujarat and New Delhi, all while passionately dedicating himself to his prolific novel writing.
S.L. Bhyrappa was undoubtedly one of Kannada literature’s most beloved and widely read authors, penning 25 novels that have consistently undergone numerous reprints and been translated into multiple languages. He formally retired in 2017 following the release of his novel Uttarakanda, a unique retelling of the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective. His other monumental works, such as Parva, Vamsavriksa, and Gruhabhanga, are celebrated as timeless classics of Kannada literature, with some even adapted into popular films and television serials.
No Stranger to Debate
A known advocate for Hindutva politics, Bhyrappa frequently found himself at the center of public discourse and criticism due to his outspoken views and the thematic explorations within his novels.