S.L. Bhyrappa, one of Kannada literature’s most widely read authors and a recipient of the prestigious Saraswati Samman, passed away at the age of 94. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru on September 24, 2025, after a period of age-related illness during which he received treatment for three months.
Born in Santheshivara, Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district, Bhyrappa completed his studies in Hassan and Mysuru. His career saw him serve as a philosophy professor in various cities across India, including Gujarat and New Delhi, all while passionately pursuing his literary craft. He is survived by his wife, Saraswati, and their two sons, Uday Shankar and Ravi Shankar.
The novel was Bhyrappa’s chosen medium, through which he penned 25 influential works. Each of his novels has seen numerous reprints and has been translated into multiple languages, reaching a vast readership. He announced his retirement from writing in 2017 following the publication of Uttarakanda, his acclaimed retelling of the Ramayana from Sita’s perspective. His other notable novels, Parva, Vamsavriksa, and Gruhabhanga, are widely regarded as classics of Kannada literature. Several of his popular works were also adapted into successful films and television serials.
A vocal advocate for Hindutva politics, Bhyrappa was no stranger to controversy, often facing criticism for expressing his views publicly and incorporating them into his narratives.