Veteran Kannada writer and filmmaker H.S. Venkateshamurthy (HSV) passed away on Friday at the age of 80 due to prolonged age-related illness. Though primarily known as a poet and playwright, HSV had also worked as an actor, director, and screenwriter, contributing significantly to Kannada cinema and literature.
He authored over 100 literary works in Kannada across various genres, including poetry, drama, essays, novels, children’s literature, translations, and criticism. HSV entered the Kannada film industry in the 1980s, penning the song Kamana Billina Mele… for the film Baalondu Bhaavageethe.
He gained major recognition with the film Chinnari Mutha, directed by T.S. Nagabharana. HSV not only wrote the lyrics but also the story and dialogues for the film. Songs such as Rekke Iddare Saake…, Mannalli Biddano…, Myaale Kaukondaav Mungaaru Moda…, and Naavu Iruvaaga Ninageenu Chinte… remain popular even today. The film received four Karnataka State Film Awards, including Best Children’s Film and Best Child Actor. He also wrote popular songs for Kotreshi Kanasu.
HSV went on to write songs for several other films. Some of his poems were used as film songs, including Baanalli Telo Moda… from America America, Toogumanchadalli Koothu… from Kirik Party, and Irabeku Irubante… from Sapta Sagaradaache Ello. He also contributed songs to television serials directed by T.N. Seetharam, such as Mukta. The title track of the serial Magalu Janaki, written by HSV, gained considerable popularity.
In 2018, HSV made his directorial debut with the film Hasiru Ribbon, featuring B. Jayashree, Nikhil Manju, and Girija Lokesh. He later acted in a key role in the 2021 film Amritavaahini, directed by Narendra Babu.
Due to age-related health issues, HSV had not been actively involved in film projects in recent years. He passed away following a long period of illness.
