The legendary playwright, Gnanapith award winner, actor and director Dr Girish Karnad passed away at the age of 81. He was ailing for respiratory problems for a long time. With oxygen pipe he had attended a few important events. The literary, cinema and theatre fraternity has lost a stalwart.

Actor on stage, theatre, small screen Girish Karnad was born on May 19, 1938. He was graduated in Arts in English Oxford University. It is from ‘Samskara’ he came to big screen. Later he turned director with BV Karanth for films like Vamshavruksha and Tabbaliyu Ninaade Magane. Kadu, Ondanodu Kaladalli, Kanooru Hegadathi are his top films.

Actor in 8 languages in over 200 films – he got state award for Satha Shishunala Sharief and Ganayogi Panchakshara Gavai.  He was awarded Padmasri in 1974, Padmabhushan in 1992. Karnataka Sahitya Academy award in 1992 and Kendra Sahitya Academy in 1999 are to his credits. He is also winner of Gubbi Veeranna award given by Karnataka state government.

Dr Girish Karnad was the 34^th Gnanapith award for his various literary contribution.