Girish Karnad: Veteran actor dies at 81
- Published
image copyrightGetty ImagesGirish Karnad, an acclaimed Indian actor and playwright, has died after a long illness, his family said on Monday. He was 81.
A Rhodes scholar, Mr Karnad debuted in films in 1970 and acted in nearly a 100 movies since then.
But he is perhaps best-known for his incisive plays which are widely seen as a commentary on contemporary India.
Tributes from Indian writers, intellectuals and politicians have been pouring in on Twitter.
In his plays, Girish Karnad beautifully and seamlessly blended North and South, the folk and the classical, the demotic and the scholarly. In his life, he embodied the richness and depth of Indian civilization more nobly and less self-consciously than anyone else I knew.
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) June 10, 2019
Girish Karnad leaves behind such a towering legacy. His plays, his writings, integrity and kindness - one of our greatest Indian writers and thinkers.
— Nilanjana Roy (@nilanjanaroy) June 10, 2019
Thoughts with his family, and his many friends.
This is a devastating loss. Just a few months ago he sent me the draft of his brilliant new historical play. He was at the peak of his creative talent. Profound condolences to his devoted wife Saras & brilliant son @rkarnad. A flame has been extinguished that lit up so many minds https://t.co/Z8dqtdSx4U
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 10, 2019
#RIP GIRISH KARNAD passes away at 81 - eminent playwright, film director, actor and recipient of the prestigious Jnanpith Award
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) June 10, 2019
Known for films Samskara, Nishant, Umbartha#GirishKarnad pic.twitter.com/OywV7kHjAE
Saddened to hear of the passing of Girish Karnad - a great writer and a very important public voice. Thoughts are with @rkarnad and his family. https://t.co/V5xugupeNl
— Amitav Ghosh (@GhoshAmitav) June 10, 2019
Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across all mediums. He also spoke passionately on causes dear to him. His works will continue being popular in the years to come. Saddened by his demise. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2019
I am extremely sorry to hear about the sad demise of Shri Girish Karnad. The passing away of such a talented artist is a huge loss to the art world.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) June 10, 2019
श्री गिरीश कर्नाड के निधन का समाचार सुन कर बहुत दुःख हुआ. उन जैसे प्रतिभावान कलाकार के जाने से कला जगत को अपूरणीय क्षति हुई है.
Deeply saddened to learn about #Girish Karnad. Havent yet been able to speak with his family. Its been a friendship of 43 years and I need the privacy to mourn him. I request the media to kindly excuse me from giving quotes. pic.twitter.com/XMTxTmHXIw
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) June 10, 2019
Mr Karnad died at hospital in the southern city of Bangalore, where he lived with his family.
He was outspoken about his political views and participated in protests against a spate of lynchings that targeted Muslims in recent years.
Mr Karnad won several awards, including the Jnanpith, India's most prestigious literary award and the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, which are among India's highest civilian honours.
- Published
- 5 December 2017