Renowned Kannada writer and Padma Bhushan awardee Santeshivara Lingannaiah Bhyrappa (94) passed away at a Bengaluru hospital on Wednesday, following a cardiac arrest.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in modern Kannada literature and the highest-selling Kannada novelist for the last 25 years, Bhyrappa has authored 24 novels, including Vamshavriskha, Parva, Saartha and Aavarana, several of which have been translated into several Indian languages and English. He has authored four volumes of literary criticism and books on aesthetics, social issues and culture.
With his profound knowledge of Indian philosophy and cultural traditions, he combined philosophical depth, historical re-examination, fundamental human emotions and contemporary social themes in his novels and cultivated a readership that cut across generations and regions.
Born on August 20, 1931, in Santeshivara village in Hassan district, Bhyrappa overcame early poverty and completed MA in Philosophy (1958) and PhD in Aesthetics (1963) and served as a professor of philosophy in various universities and the NCERT before devoting himself entirely to writing. His rise coincided with the mass expansion of Kannada publishing. Titles such as Aavarana (2007) and Yaana (2014) sold tens of thousands of copies within weeks of release, giving him the rare distinction of being a regional-language author whose books repeatedly went into large reprints and strong sales in Hindi and Marathi translation as well.
Bhyrappa’s bibliography spans early novels like Bheemakaaya (1958), socially engaged works like Matadana and Naayi Neralu, historical re-examinations such as Parva and Saartha, philosophical sagas like Mandra and Yaana, and the controversial Aavarana, which generated intense public debate. His themes ranged from caste and social change to art, politics, faith and ethics. His last novel was Uttarakaanda (2017), based on the epic Ramayana.
Bhyrappa’s narratives inspired filmmakers and theatre practitioners to adapt his works. Vamshavriksha (1965) became the award-winning film Vamsha Vriksha (1971), directed by B.V. Karanth and Girish Karnad, starring late Vishnuvardhan. Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane (novel) was adapted into the parallel-cinema classic of the same name in 1977 (Hindi version Godhuli), co-directed by Karnad and Karanth and featuring Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Matadana (novel, 1965) inspired the 2001 political drama film by T.N. Seetharam starring Anant Nag. Naayi Neralu (novel, 1968) became Girish Kasaravalli’s acclaimed 2006 film of the same name starring Pavitra Lokesh. Daatu later inspired a Hindi television series.
On stage, Bhyrappa’s epic Parva (1979), his re-interpretation of the Mahabharata, has seen large-scale Kannada and English productions. Director Prakash Belawadi’s 2023 English-language adaptation of Parva in Bengaluru continues to run full house.
Bhyrappa received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Daatu (Crossing Over), the Saraswati Samman for Mandra (2010), Nadoja award (201) and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2015) and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2016 and the Padma Bhushan in 2023 for his contribution to literature and education. He was also appointed National Research Professor and received numerous state honours, including the Nrupatunga Award and several honorary doctorates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his X, post expressed his condolence saying, "In passing of Shri SL Bhyrappa ji, we have lost a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India. A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works. His writings inspired generations to reflect, question and engage more deeply with society."
In the passing of Shri S.L. Bhyrappa Ji, we have lost a towering stalwart who stirred our conscience and delved deep into the soul of India. A fearless and timeless thinker, he profoundly enriched Kannada literature with his thought-provoking works. His writings inspired… pic.twitter.com/ZhXwLcCGP3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 24, 2025
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the literary world has been left poorer with the demise of Bhyrappa, who had earned a huge readership due to his unique writing style.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remembered the writer as the "greatest novelist in Kannada" and as the one who brought the first Saraswathi Samman award to the Kannada literary world.
Bhyrappa leaves behind his wife and two sons.
