One of the stalwart writer and director Geethapriya alias Lakshman Rao Mohithe is not able to speak. His throat has been affected by initial stages of cancer.

When www.chitratara.com editor R Manohar visited the residence of Geethapriya today morning he was baffled with the legendary writer and director as he was not able to speak. A small word I talk it pains. I wish to write in paper rather than talking said the ‘Mannina Maga’ director Geethapriya.

A stalwart who came to Kannada cinema in 1954 from Sri Rama Pooja as lyricist and became independent director in 1968 from ‘Mannina Maga’ Geethapriya has given best songs in Kannada cinema like his contemporaries.

Nagarika Manava…..the top song of yesteryears from the pen of Geethapriya is the evergreen song that is applicable even to this day in this corrupt society with loss of culture.

Legendary Dr Rajakumar brother Varadappa daughter a doctor suggested the treatment for Geethapriya at Chord Road Hospital where Dr Vishal Raj a surgeon is attending on Geethapriya. The treatment has already started for unforgettable contributor to Kannada cinema.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of commerce has come forward to give Rs.50000 as medical expenses for Geethapriya, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Chairman TS Nagabharana has assured help, actor cum director Ramesh Aravind extended support, Sri Chandrasekhara Swamiji handed over Rs.1 lakh, Sa Ra Govindu and Umesh Banakar were present to help the ailing Geethapriya, Kannada Film Director Association MS Ramesh coming from Bidar will be extending the possible help, Karnataka Kshatriya Parishat Sri Rukkoji Rao given Rs.25000 for the medical treatment of the legendary Geethapriya.

Here are the films Geethapriya directed in his long innings of 58 years in Kannada cinema industry.

Mannina Maga (1968) Kadina Rahasya, Maduve Madhuve  Maduve Madhuve, Bhupathi Ranga, Kalyani, Naari Munidhare Maari, Yava Janmada Maithri, Jeevana Jokali, Beluvalada Madilalli, Besuge, Hombisilu, Anuraga Bandhana, Premayana, Putani Agent 123, Prema Jwale, Prachanda Putanigalu, Balu Bangara, Sriman, Pritisi Nodu, Jodi Jeeva, Suvarna Sethuve, Manege Bandha Mahalakshmi, Shuba Muhurtha, Mouna Geethe, Balondhu Bhavageethe and Durgashtami.

Geethapriya inspired from Pu Thi Narasimhachar ‘Dorai’ poem started writing lyrics. He was a billing clerk in Cubbon Park restaurant for Rs.30 in which he maintained eight members of the family. It is MP Shanker who gave him Rs.100 as remuneration for Kadina Rahasya.

When Geethapriya was brought to Bellave Naraharishastry his days have changed. Haduthiruva Hakkigele…. Bettada Huli, Huvu Mullu came one by one. It was ‘Mannina Maga’ that ran for 100 days in Bangalore Kapali and Bharath theatre brought recognition as director for Geethapriya.

Geethapriya has far written 250 songs in his career of over five decades. Beluvaladha Madilalli film song Muthu Malegaagi….eye brows were raised.

 Geethapriya has bounced cheques even to this day of 10000 and 15000. All of them have completed silver jubilee easily. I was paid Rs.50 for a song. I had to run for 50 times to get that money. They forget after the work and I also forget them because they have forgotten me.